Girls To The Front Festival
Girls to the Front is a rock music festival dedicated to spotlighting female, non-binary, and 2SLGBTQIA+ artists, along with their passionate fan bases, at the forefront of the stage. Inspired by Kathleen Hanna of Bikini Kill, Girls to the Front amplifies diverse voices and is expanding its reach with a Vancouver edition of the festival, happening Saturday, March 14, 2026, at The Pearl on Granville.
Female, non-binary, and 2SLGBTQIA+ artists often face significant barriers in the music industry, including underrepresentation and limited opportunities. By creating a platform specifically for these artists, the festival offers them the visibility and recognition they deserve. For fans, seeing artists who reflect their identities can be incredibly empowering, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
This grassroots movement continues to grow from intimate venues to larger stages, and its expansion was sparked when co-founder Madeline Fraser moved to Vancouver. Though some might have seen this move as the end of a chapter, Laura and Madeline decided it was just the beginning of something bigger.
"After my band, Down the Lees, finished playing at the Tattoo Show in Kelowna, I bumped into Madeline in the bathroom. Although we hadn’t met in person before, she recognized me immediately," says Laura. "She introduced herself as a local promoter and quickly apologized for not booking my band, despite my persistent requests. She admitted that her internalized biases had held her back. This intriguing encounter led us to discuss the music scene and the limited opportunities for women in rock. We quickly became friends."
"I met Laura in the bathroom after seeing her band perform,” recalls Madeline. “Their set was incredible and truly blew my mind. Although Laura had reached out a few times about booking a show, it didn’t click for me at the time. I now realize that my hesitation might have been influenced by ageism, internalized misogyny, or perhaps the narrow-minded views of others in our community."
"While we were chatting in that grimy bathroom, in front of the mirrors, I opened up to Laura about these feelings and had a deep moment of self-reflection. That conversation was a revelation, and it sparked the idea for us to take action. We decided to team up with Rebecca Ploegman (affectionately known as Becky or Mama Bex to many), our favorite DIY venue owner at BBDBs in Vernon, to launch our own festival. Our goal is to challenge the closed-minded attitudes that persist by creating events that celebrate diversity and inclusivity, and we cannot wait to bring it to my new hometown, Vancouver."
Now, co-founder Madeline is bringing the festival to The Pearl in Vancouver to carry on the same energy, passion, and vision to a larger city stage. When young people see artists who look like them and share their experiences succeeding on stage, it can inspire them to pursue their own artistic passions. This representation can have a lasting impact on the next generation of musicians and the music scene in general, encouraging more diverse voices in the future.
The Vancouver edition will showcase an undeniably powerful lineup, including:
Piss
Wait//Less
Down the Lees
Jisei
Gadfly
Cherry Pick
Tall Mary
Crimson Funeral
Semi
Ghost Teeth
A DIY market, comedians, and door prizes will also be part of the festivities, adding to the vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.