The Hot Mess Fest is a Ladies Night like no other! It’s the brainchild of Courtney Stevens, owner of Craft Kitchen and Brewery and the restaurant’s manager, Samantha Moore, who says there aren’t many evenings focused on what women experience later in life. “Puberty gets plenty of attention,” Moore told the Source, “but perimenopause, menopause and post‑menopause are a whole different story.”
The evening is for women only, ages 18 and up. The goal is to create something relaxed, educational and fun. “There’s so much about women’s health that isn’t common knowledge,” Moore says.
It’s described as a celebration of womanhood, wisdom and the wild ride of perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. Hot Mess Fest is a one-of-a-kind Women’s Day event created for women, by women.
“We wanted women to be able to get out of the house, meet others who may be going through similar changes and have a few hours where they don’t have to cater to anyone else,” Stevens explained. “We also wanted to create a safe, open space where personal — sometimes embarrassing — questions feel OK to ask.”
Stevens will emcee the evening sharing sometimes humorous, personal stories. Moore says those stories helped spark the idea for the event. Guest speakers include Heidi Grant‑Starr of Society North, Dr. Brittany Estuesta of Aspire Physical Therapy, Dr. Jade Carboy of Alpenaura Holistic Health and Dr. Jourdan Carboy of Alpenaura Plastic Surgery. There will also be a lineup of all female comedians from Bend and Portland, including Amanda Lynn Deal, Jasmine Rogers, Courtney Stevens, Jodi Compton, Kim Pitts, Laura B. Wright, Christine Keefer, and Elaine Johnson.
There will also be a variety of vendors including Adam & Eve of Bend, Lin Essentials Handmade Soap, Pretty Moments and Sam’s Diamond Paintings, as well as food and drinks. Bowtie Catering will provide complimentary platters with meats, cheeses, veggies, hummus. Craft will also offer a limited food menu including pulled pork sandwiches with fries or mac, dino nuggets with fries and cheese fries. A gift basket will also be raffled.
Donations will benefit Saving Grace, which supports survivors of partner violence. The event is also collecting items from the nonprofit’s wishlist of needs.
“Outside of supporting an incredible nonprofit, our biggest goal is to bring women together and help normalize conversations around topics that are often considered taboo,” Stevens said.
Saving Grace Wishlist Items
• Potting Soil & Variety of Seeds
• Makeup/Remover
• Nail Polish/Remover
• Hairbrushes
• Skincare Products
• Hair Clips/Scrunchies
• Full Sized Shampoo/Conditioner/Lotions, etc.
• Other Bath/Body Products
• Pregnancy Tests
Hot Mess Fest
Sat, May 9 4-9:30pm
Craft Kitchen and Brewery
62988 Layton Ave, Bend
Bendticket.com
$28.29
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