Brandi Carlile Enlists the Chicks, Sam Smith as Co-Headliners for All-Female/Non-Binary Girls Just Wanna Weekend Festival

Brandi Carlile has unveiled the complete artist roster for the seventh edition of her Girls Just Wanna Weekend festival, set to take place from January 15 to 19, 2026, at Mexico’s Barceló Maya Resort. The Grammy-winning artist will co-headline alongside the Chicks and Sam Smith, a lineup that reflects the event’s inclusive ethos. Smith—who came out as nonbinary in 2019 and is known for worldwide smashes like "Stay With Me"—will notably become the first headliner to perform at the festival with a full beard, a visual marker of the gathering’s expanding diversity.

This year’s four-day event showcases a vibrant blend of established and emerging women and nonbinary performers. The bill includes Lucius, Joy Oladokun, CMAT, Allison Ponthier, Jensen McRae, SistaStrings, Jasmine.4.t, Autumn Nichols, Arroba Nat, the Carlile Family Band, and the Marshgrass Mamas. A Titans of Americana segment will bring unannounced special guests, while comedian Kristin Key reprises her role after a well-received appearance in 2025.

Produced by 100x Hospitality, the all-inclusive packages cover lodging, dining, drinks, concerts, poolside performances, workshops, and add-on activities. The Barceló Maya Resort—situated on the Riviera Maya and celebrated for its extensive beach access and large-scale venues—has proven an ideal setting for the festival’s increasing popularity. Over time, the event has cultivated a distinctive sense of community, particularly resonating with LGBTQ+ audiences and supporters. As one longtime attendee put it, “It feels less like a typical festival and more like coming home to your chosen family.”

Since its inception, Girls Just Wanna Weekend has hosted an array of acclaimed acts, including Sheryl Crow, Shania Twain, Janelle Monáe, and Indigo Girls. Carlile, whose last album came out in 2022, is gearing up to release “Returning to Me” this October. She previewed several new songs at the previous installment under a strictly enforced no-phones policy—a rule that attendees respected without exception.

Sam Smith’s high-profile inclusion this year underscores the festival’s ongoing mission to spotlight nonbinary artists alongside women in top billing positions. Industry observers note that such intentional booking practices help normalize gender diversity at major live events. For those curious about the festival’s background, full coverage from past editions—including performer interviews and audience testimonials—can be found in Variety’s online archive.