Free Spirit Gathering 2026 - 40th year: Full Schedule

When we realize that animal communication is real, our lives change, we not only see our animal friends differently, but also see ourselves differently and how we connect with others in our world.
Come and share your stories about how animal communication has helped you with your animal friend or just come and listen to others’ stories and be inspired!

Speakers

Deborah Becker

Sidhe Dances is a Third Degree Initiate of The Assembly of The Sacred Wheel. She is a Priestess of Bast and dedicated to Heimdall. As a Seer, she helps others to develop their psychic abilities.

Tuesday August 4, 2026 15:00 - 16:30 EDT
Poolside Pavillion

Workshop, All Ages

global Y

15:00 EDT

Intro to Riq (Arabic Style Tambourine)

Tuesday August 4, 2026 15:00 - 16:30 EDT

Dance Pavillion

This frame drum and its cymbals can be a lead instrument in an Arabic ensemble. It can embellish the rhythms, or can hold a steady beat. We will cover beledi, maqsoum, chiftetelli and other rhythms, including a 9/8 if folks are up for it. There will be a dozen tambourines to lend out or buy in the class, or bring your own with TWO rows of cymbals, AND a head. Nina is the leader of Brinjal World Music, Baltimore’s bellydance band.

Speakers

NINA AMAYA

supreme leader, Baltimore Faerie Faire

Nina Amaya is a faerie-inspired witch and performing artist based in Baltimore, Maryland. She is a longtime teacher of dance, art, resilience, and witchcraft. She has performed and taught workshops at many festivals and conferences and schools. Nina is the founder of the Baltimore... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 15:00 - 16:30 EDT
Dance Pavillion

Workshop, All Ages

global Y

15:00 EDT

This is Fine: Self-Care and Building Resilience

Tuesday August 4, 2026 15:00 - 16:30 EDT

Adult Space/Bat Barn

Explore practical and energetic tools for self-care, boundary setting, and resilience—grounded in nervous system awareness, personal cycles, and values-based living. This workshop invites participants to examine how they care for themselves while caring deeply about others, and how to build sustainable practices that prevent depletion rather than respond to crisis.
Drawing from mindfulness, embodied awareness, natural cycles, and ethical advocacy, this space supports reflection, discussion, and integration. Participants are encouraged to meet themselves where they are, honor their capacity, and leave with tools they can realistically carry into daily life.

Speakers

Lauren G. Koch

Keeper of the Old Ways

Keeper of the Old Ways is an itinerant, small-batch herbal apothecary and integrative well-being practice rooted in seasonal wisdom, creativity, and mindfulness.Founded by Lauren G. Koch — a full-time creative, spirit worker, pagan clergy member, and educator with over 20 years... Read More →

Tuesday August 4, 2026 15:00 - 16:30 EDT
Adult Space/Bat Barn

Workshop

global Y

17:00 EDT

Dinner

Tuesday August 4, 2026 17:00 - 18:00 EDT

Dining Hall

Tuesday August 4, 2026 17:00 - 18:00 EDT
Dining Hall

common

Free Spirit Gathering 2026 - 40th year

13:00 EDT

15:00 EDT

Erika Palmer

15:00 EDT

Deborah Becker

15:00 EDT

NINA AMAYA

15:00 EDT

Lauren G. Koch

17:00 EDT

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