Witch Fest 2026

Athena and Anastasia walking west on Astor Place

We haven't been to Witch Fest in years!  First, it was the pandemic that fucked every event over (bye-bye Pagan Pride Day!), then it was the days we booked flights to Florida, the girls wanted to see the fireworks down there on July 4th.  Well, this year, I decided enough was enough, I want to be with my people, we're going to Witch Fest!  I'm so glad we did, it was awesome seeing everyone, and everything, and the vibes and energy, it was amazing!

Another shot of all the tents, a full block!

Beginning the day with Subway diversions, we had to go uptown to catch the 6 in order to reach Astor Place, getting there around noon.  The schedule was off track a bit and from what was said later, some presenters weren't able to get to NYC because of canceled flights.  Despite that, I was able to take two workshops.  The first one was with author Julie Anne Stratton, about magickal writing.  She handed out journals, stickers and pens, which I neglected to get a photo of.  We sat under a tent and she had us writing right away, and talked about her process, writers block, and using fun stickers to strike inspiration for journaling, which is of course, brilliant!

The second workshop I got to sit for was with the wonderful Lady Rhea, who is basically the Mother Witch of NYC.  She's been on the scene for 50 years!  Her class discussed candle magick, color associations, God and Goddess and Saint associations, she took questions, and told us some tried and true tips, plus, she busted some candle spell myths.  Lady Rhea is the one who started making the customized glitter candles at Enchantments in the East Village.  She literally wrote the book!  At the end of her workshop, author Alexander Cabot, whom she initiated, came and spoke about how she has kept witchcraft alive in the city.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to sit for his class, the girls were ready for lunch.

Here are some photos of Starr's and NYC Wiccan Family Temple's booths:

Rev. Starr, teaching a workshop

NYC Wiccan Family Temple tent

During all that, there were also various performances going on, goth and death metal bands, indigenous dancers, and these belly dancers who I believe are there every year:

Tandava Arts Whimsical Hips NY

Of course, we checked out every single tent there, and happened upon Amityville Apothecary, they had a lovely assortment of items, many of them wrapped in black paper as blind bags!  I decided to get one, gotta support small businesses, especially those of the metaphysical variety!  I also picked up a palm sized chunk of black tourmaline, because it called to me, so I had to listen.

Before...

After...

This was such a fun package to open!  It was presented beautifully, and I didn't even know it came with a crystal because it was tucked inside!  Luckily, I haven't read this book before, but I have heard of the author, it definitely sounds fun.  I also wasn't expecting to have my black tourmaline wrapped in this cute little cotton pouch, that really was nice.

Besides my two purchases, the girls each got a tote bag at the kids tent.  I spent 5 bucks on each bag, which covers the cost of all the other stuff at that tent which was run by Aphrodite, who remembered us, and we haven't seen her since last year!  I didn't get a photo of what the girls made with her though, because they put their stickers, necklaces and wish bottles away.  I'm glad they had so much fun with her, I was a little worried that they might get bored for so many hours, but they didn't, glitter and stickers for the win, always.  Aphrodite even asked them what they'd like to see for next year because it was such a hit!

Finally, at the end, a bit past 5pm, was a small closing ritual.  Starr thanked everyone, we sang some songs, and said out good-byes, assuring everyone that we'd be sure to make more Sabbats from now on!  There is already a date set for next year's Witch Fest: July 10, 2027, so we will try our best to be there!

Blessed Be! 💜