WitchsFest USA

WitchsFest is a fundraiser festival for those interested in paganism in all in it’s many forms and traditions. This exciting event will be held on Saturday, June 28th, 2014 at Astor Place – between Broadway and Lafayette Streets, New York City from 11am to 5pm. WitchsFest USA will feature a vendor market, workshops, children’s events, a pagan panel, local pagan groups, a Solstice Ritual and live entertainment.

How did the event begin?

In 2011, the New York City Wiccan Family Temple conceived the idea of a summertime witch celebration and fundraiser. The initial idea was to do a 2-3 day event, culminating with the biggest part of the event on the Sunday. We are presently doing a one day event for now. As it grows we may change and adapt. No we are not an original concept as WitchsFest USA is an off-shoot from Witchfest International and many other Pagan and Witch Festivals across the USA. Like our forebearers, WitchsFest USA aims to bring together those who follow and/or are interested in paganism, spirituality and many related interests, in celebration of our many beliefs.

How is the Festival funded?
The primary source of funding for WitchsFest USA is from sponsors, advertising, vendors/merchants etc. WitchsFest USA and Wiccan Family Temple receives no governmental funding.

What organization is running this Festival?

The NYC Wiccan Family Temple is the organization running WitchsFest USA. It is a local New York City pagan group which has been offering open ritual circles celebrating the Esbats and Sabbats since 2005. We also offer classes at Wiccan Family Temple’s Academy Of Pagan Studies in Theology and WitchCraft 1st– 3rd Degree and then on to The University of Pagan Studies for all after 3rd Degree who wishes to master certain topics.

What is the purpose of the Festival?

The purpose of WitchsFest USA is first and foremost to raise funds to purchase property to house the Wiccan Family Temple within New York City. Thereby aiding us in providing a permanent space with classrooms as well as space for rituals/worship like any other church, temple, or spiritual based religion in this country. This place would be open to the pagan community at large, where pagans of all traditions can have a space to meet, learn, share and celebrate.

To foster a more united pagan community in New York City.

To create a more stabilized base for the New York City Wiccan Family Temple community of Guests, Celebrants and Members. People should always know where we are for indoor events and classes.

Who benefits from the Festival?

The Wiccan Family Temple the funds provided would aid us in providing a permanent space with classrooms as well as space to be used strictly for ritual services. We has provided open circles for both the monthly full moon celebrations as well as the eight seasonal sabbat rituals. The Wiccan Family Temple also provides a series of classes set up in three degrees for those wanting to learn specifically about Wicca and paganism in general. The Wiccan Family Temple has been offering these services since 2005. The funds provided would aid us in providing a permanent space with classrooms as well as space for rituals. We would also like to share our space with other local groups so that they may have the same.

Who runs WitchsFest USA?

WitchsFest is staffed and ran entirely by a few caring Volunteers of the Wiccan Family Temple.

Our Legal Entity:
We are a legal non-for-profit in the State of New York. Registered with the State Attorney General office of Charities Bureau and pending a 501c3.

WitchsFest USA