Women’s Fest ticket sales open for April 25-28 confab

Tickets are now available for CAMP Rehoboth Women’s Fest, which will bring thousands to Rehoboth Beach for the best in national and regional entertainment and special events from Thursday to Sunday, April 25 to 28.

Attractions include entertainment, dances, sports events, speakers, health information and screenings, an expo, and other activities held at venues in and around Rehoboth Beach. For the complete schedule and to purchase individual event tickets or fest passes, go to camprehoboth.com/womensfest.

Funds raised benefit CAMP Rehoboth, an organization that supports community well-being, and the fair and equitable treatment of everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Women’s Fest opens Thursday with a new event, the Kickoff Happy Hour at Top of the Pines featuring the Darkes Band, a high-energy rock and dance band (tickets $20). That will be followed by the traditional Georgette Krenkel Welcome Dance, a free gathering held at Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. 

Friday’s schedule offers a full day of varied activities, including a pickleball doubles tournament, 9-hole golf scramble, bowling tournament, and bingo at Dos Locos hosted by Scarlet Masters ($15).

At 11 a.m., author and comedian Fay Jacobs will be signing her new book, “Big Girls Don’t Fry,” at the convention center. The speaker series returns this year, with the Liz Bradbury Presentation at 1 p.m. in CAMP Rehoboth’s Elkins-Archibald Atrium, followed from 2 to 4 p.m. by a reception for Fest Art 2024.

New this year will be Songwriters in the Round at 3 p.m., Friday at the convention center ($25). Christine Havrilla, Sarah Peacock and Regina Sayles will take turns sharing songs and stories on stage. The popular singles tea dance will take place at Aqua from 4 to 6 p.m. ($15). The DJ will be spinning songs from every era to get everyone on the dance floor, and drinks will be available for purchase at the bar.

At 5 p.m., Top of the Pines will host nationally known comedian Poppy Champlin ($25), one of the quickest-witted comedians working either coast today. She erupts onto the stage, fearless, upbeat and energetic, spitting out jokes, quips, songs, impressions, and even birdcalls.

Doors will open for the Friday night show at 7:30 p.m. ($75 or fest pass). This year’s headliner is singer, actor, and comedian Lea DeLaria, aka Big Boo from “Orange Is the New Black.” The opening act will be Crys Matthews, whose heartfelt lyrics explore everyday life, love and social justice issues. Capping off a night to remember is the Fest Late Night After Party at Aqua.

Saturday programs start at 9 a.m. with an 18-hole golf tournament held at the Midway Par-3 Golf Course. A cornhole doubles tournament will take place at 10 a.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church. Top of the Pines will host a Throwback Drag Brunch from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (This $15 ticket does not include food or beverages.) The best queens from the MId-Atlantic will be on hand with emcee/host Amethyst Diamond. Entertainers include Tamia Mykles, Alizee LaDiamond and Princess Escade. 

The Fest expo takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday at the convention center, featuring a variety of vendors selling jewelry, art, décor, food items, gifts, and more. At 1 p.m., the speaker series continues with Lynn Ames in the Elkins-Archibald Atrium.

Music and entertainment kick in at 3 p.m. with Regina Sayles at Top of the Pines ($25).  At 5 p.m., Christine Havrilla will take the stage at the Elkins-Archibald Atrium ($25). Also at 5 p.m., humorist Fay Jacobs will be performing her latest show, “Aging Gracelessly: Don’t Say Fay,” at Top of the Pines ($25). The show features hilarious stories, heartfelt emotions and a fresh look at Rehoboth life with Jacobs’ take on aging and gay rights.

Capping off Saturday’s activities is the Fest Premier Dance featuring Girls Room and DJ Peggy Castle from 7 to 11 p.m. at the convention center ($25 or fest pass). Between the band’s rocking sounds and Castle’s brilliant song picks, everyone will be up and out on the floor.

One of many new features this year is a pop-up Sapphic bookstore from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, at the convention center, focused on books of particular interest to lesbian women.

Sunday features the popular Bayhealth Broadwalk on the Boardwalk, a fundraising event that benefits Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition programs.

Sunday at noon, the celebration concludes with the Women's Fest Farewell Party at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats. Entertainment is by Mama’s Black Sheep with special guests Christine Havrilla, Colleen Clark and Regina Sayles ($25). A buffet lunch and drink are included. This jam session will feature solo performances and collaborations to create an unforgettable send-off. Tickets are required for entry; the event is closed to the public.