Going to a yoga event in the summer is a beautiful experience and an invaluable learning experience. There is a yoga festival almost every weekend in North America this year; people of all levels can take part in different types of yoga classes, workshops, music, and outdoor activities that they’re looking forward to. If you live in the city, far away, or with renowned or not-so-famous yoga instructors, with hotel accommodations or something more casual, a yoga summer festival will meet your needs.
To help you make your plans for the summer yoga festivals to plan your summer yoga festival, we’ve created a complete listing of each 2019 yoga festival, as well as helpful guidelines for selecting the perfect event for your needs.
Things to try during the yoga festival
Participating in a yoga event can be a fantastic occasion to try new things, discover and challenge your limits. Many festivals offer various events and classes that allow you to design your unique experience. The options aren’t always clear; therefore, ensure you know what you want to accomplish before signing up. What do you want to gain from the event?
Indulging yourself in a long weekend of festivals is a fantastic opportunity to break your routine. Take advantage of this time to disconnect and replace bad routines with new, conscious choices that are in line with your ideal self.
Take a risk and try to experience something different or different–you definitely won’t be the only person trying it out for the very first time! Take a handful of classes in yoga that aren’t available in your region, or try out a teacher you’ve not had the pleasure of meeting. With more than 6 hours of classes daily, a weekend is a great opportunity to test your physical limits and uncover new levels of flexibility and strength.
Find the perfect yoga event
Although yoga events may appear identical from a distance, each one will be distinctively flavored by the venue and the presenters. If you go through the extensive list of yoga events below, you’ll notice that each program has its selection of classes and choices. The main four aspects to be focused on when you select your event are:
The different types of presenters and teachers
The music genres and bands
Choices in outdoor activities
Workshops before and after the festival
Teachers, Classes, and Workshops
Many festivals provide workshops and classes for those who like experimenting with various styles and instructors. Certain festivals feature local or regional instructors in addition to bigger and more renowned festivals like the Boulder Hanuman Festival, bringing an array of international and national teachers, such as Amy Ippoliti, Saul David Raye, and Sianna Sherman. The types of workshops and classes differ from simple potpourri or more topical, carefully curated offerings, depending on the particular festival.
Music
The two major music options at a yoga event include kirtan/chanting groups and yoga or chill music bands. Many festivals have one or both, and some provide an array of all the above. For instance, Shakti Fest and Bhakti Fest offer kirtan and singing music that chants from 8 am until midnight. They include an audio-healing temple with healers and musicians playing Gongs, singing bowls, and other instruments. As music is the primary or sole evening entertainment, you may be interested in a preview of performances by unknown artists on the bill (especially the headliner).
Other Activities and Food
While music and yoga are the main focus of all of your energy, festivals also offer other activities like massage and healing techniques such as rock climbing, hiking, stand-up paddle boarding, aerial arts, acro yoga including hula hoops, hula hooping, as well as mountain bike riding. Be sure to consider the menu options, the size, and variety of their vendor village, and whether they offer an educational program for children.
Year-Round Connection
A yoga event can create a profound feeling of belonging and community. When you are at the same event every year, you’ll be surrounded by many other yoga practitioners who practice the same. Festivals are expanding their offerings to include various platforms to connect, inform, and motivate attendees throughout the year. If you’re looking for the most comprehensive experience of community and connection, search for festivals that provide days-long retreats, day-long intensives, or online classes before or following the event.
Find the perfect festival venue
Many festivals offer discounts to early bird attendees and popular classes that are crowded, so now is the perfect time to begin researching which events are the best fit for your needs and goals. Once you’ve found the ideal festival for you, go through our tips on what you need to bring for an event in yoga and what you can expect from an event in yoga!
Distance and Budget
Like how students prefer a particular yoga studio, people who attend yoga festivals tend to choose specific locations due to location, price accommodations, and other amenities; if the time of travel and expense are the primary factors that determine their choice, choose festivals that are accessible (e.g., near major airports or just within a couple of hours of home). If cost and distance aren’t factors, look into a less populated or more adventurous spot.
Lodging
Another thing to consider is where you’ll lay your head after a tiring yoga day: nearby accommodation or a camping site. The city-based yoga events typically use nearby hotels for lodging (and could provide all or some sessions in the ballrooms of their hotels). In remote areas, the most common lodging will be cabins or camping. Floyd Yoga Jam, however Floyd Yoga Jam, On the other hand, offers camping for everyone: two tent camping sites (wooded or meadow) and car/RV camping, and even camping (deluxe fully furnished camping tents) village.