What is Fern Fest like?
Fern Fest is an amazing and transformative experience filled with opportunities to connect through music, camping, workshops, dance parties, activities, and so much more!

How long is Fern Fest?
Fern Fest lasts nearly a full week: 6 days and 5 nights! Gates open on Tuesday at 9am and everyone must exit by 4pm on Sunday.

Who should attend Fern Fest?
Fern Fest is for women, trans and non-binary folks and those on the spectrum of the feminine spirit - attendees must identify within this community and commit to our community guidelines. Read more in the About section.

Where is it located?
The venue for Fern Fest 2025 is located at Smile Acres, just one hour northeast of Grand Rapids, in Trufant, MI. Smiling Acres is a luscious, grassy field surrounded by woods.

What are the accommodations?
Rustic camping! You are welcome to tent camp, car camp, or bring an RV. For those not into camping, nearby hotels or rentals are available, and you can come and go during open gate hours.

What is the camping like?
Smiling Acres offers ample space and flexible options for camping. Whether you’re in a tent, car, or RV, you’ll find the perfect spot, You can park your car at your campsite (YUP!), set up your tent next to it - or - find a secluded spot deeper in the woods. Note: Smiling Acres backs up into a State Park, so one section of the woods is off limits for camping. But don’t worry, we’ll make sure you find your perfect nook!

Are there different types of camping areas?
Yes! There’s quiet camping, the loud and rowdy zone, and accessible camping!

Can I apply to PERFORM at Fern Fest?
Yes! Apply here.

Can I apply to be a VOLUNTEER at Fern Fest?
Yes! COMING SOON!

Can I apply to be a CRAFTS VENDOR and sell/showcase my business at Fern Fest?
Yes! Apply here.

Can I apply to teach/lead a WORKSHOP at Fern Fest?
Yes! Apply here.

Can I apply for ticket assistance?
Yes! If you, or anyone you know, wants to attend Fern Fest but can’t afford a full price ticket, you can apply for assistance. Just fill out the short application form and our team will be in touch! Apply here.

Can we have our own bonfires?
Smiling Acres has a beautiful large community fire pit for gathering under the stars each evening. The loud and rowdy camping area and the BIPOC/Global Majority Sanctuary will also have access to smaller fire pits. Fires are not allowed in any other areas of the festival.

What’s the water and shower situation?
Fresh water spigots and hydration stations will be available. A two-stall shower trailer will be available and four showers are included in a full week ticket/two for the weekend. Bringing a solar shower for your campsite is encouraged!

What about toilets?
Portable toilets will be located throughout the main community and camping areas. Hand sanitizer will be in each toilet, along with multiple handwashing stations.

What about electricity?
There is no electricity in the camping areas, but a limited charging station will be available. Bring your own battery power source for medical or assistive devices like CPAP machines. Quiet generators (under 65db) are allowed, as long as exhaust doesn’t affect other campsites. Generators may be run for an hour at a time between 11am and 9pm.

How about cell service? Is there Wi-Fi?
Cell service is limited depending on your carrier and we are exploring options for limited Wi-fi access. As of now, please be prepared to be off-grid. For connection, Trufant, MI is just 5 miles away. We encourage embracing the unplugged festival experience.

Will there be ASL interpreters available?
Fern Fest is committed to making our space accessible to the D.H.O.H. community. We’re providing a team of ASL interpreters for all stage performances and will be capturing as much communication in writing as possible via signs and centralized message boards.

How accessible is it for those with physical disabilities?
All activities, including the main stage, vendors, community kitchen, and workshop areas, are centrally located. The terrain is mostly flat with gentle slopes, featuring firm packed dirt roads and low-cut grass fields. We have a designated accessible camping area for those who need it.

Are children welcome?
YES! All children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. There is no childcare, but attendees have organized activities or workshops for kids in the past. Note that some performances and workshops may not be age-appropriate.

Children 8yrs and under are welcome regardless of gender.

For children 9-17yrs, parents/care givers should consider their alignment with the festival community, which is inclusive of women/girls, nonbinary, and trans folks, and those on the spectrum of the feminine spirit.

Children 6-17yrs must purchase a Youth Ticket. Infants and toddlers 0-5yrs are free.

What is the food situation?
There will be a catered meal plan for purchase, offering dinners Tuesday to Saturday for full-week ticket holders, with a weekend option for Friday and Saturday dinners. Note, catered meal plan sales close on 7/10/25.

Food vendors will offer coffee, ice cream, and a variety of meals throughout the day. The community kitchen will be open all week for attendees to prepare their own food, stocked with tables, a sink, and basic cooking equipment. FREE COFFEE is provided! Bring your own reusable dishes and utensils.

If you’re new to camping, we recommend simple meals like sandwiches, granola bars, salads, fruit, and cans of soup. Connect with others on the Fern Fest Community Forum on Facebook for meal ideas!

What should I bring?
We actually made a packing list and posted it on Instagram HERE!

OMG! I forgot !
The Fern Fest Store has a variety of goods for sale, including official Fern Fest gear (t-shirt sizes XS – 5XL), batteries, toiletries, packaged snacks, cold drinks, band aids, and more!

Will vendors/the Fern Fest Store accept credit or do you prefer cash?
Even though most vendors will be able to accept credit cards, it's always a good idea to have some cash on hand. Please note there is not an ATM at the venue.

Will there be bagged ice available?
Yes, bagged ice will be available for purchase at the Fern Fest Store.

Are pets allowed?
We love animals but ONLY registered service animals are allowed at Fern Fest and emotional support animals are not allowed. If you arrive with a pet or emotional support animal, you will not be allowed to enter.

What will the weather be like?
The weather in mid-Michigan in July can vary. Expect days to be hot and humid and the nights to be cool and sometimes cold. We always hope to avoid rain but it is common this time of year to have showers and passing storms. Please prepare for the full spectrum of temperatures and inclement weather. The festival goes on rain or shine including stage performances unless there is extreme weather in which case schedules may be delayed or rescheduled.