Move over Coachella,
we’re about to get Zen
As we enter the thick of festival season, another kind of festival is heating up: the wellness festival.
There’s no denying that Coachella is the kickoff party for summer festival season. But, if you’re disenchanted with the overcrowded party scene at most music festivals these days, the wellness festival could be for you. With a focus on mindfulness, health and community, you can skip the hangover and retreat to the outdoors for some self-care. So unwind, Zen out and check out some of our favorite summer wellness festivals…
photo credit: Ultra 5280, Flickr
Wanderlust: Wanderlust is one of the first and most famous wellness festivals out there. They launched in the Tahoe area in 2009 and now host eight annual events throughout America, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. The events are comprised of all-you-can-pose yoga for every skill level and style, self-help lectures, meditation, live music and outdoor adventures like paddle boarding, biking or running. To top it off, they use local food to promote sustainability. This summer you can check out events in West Virginia, Vermont, California and Canada.
Obonjon: Want to get away to your own private island? Then Obonjon is for you. Obonjon is hosted off the coast of Croatia on a 136 acre private island. The best part? It’s hosted all summer long. That’s right. From June 23rd to September 3rd you can join the fun! Stay all three months or just a day — the choice is completely yours and the activities are up to you. Join in on some sunrise yoga, head to the bar, go for a run, get a massage at the spa, take a fitness class, or tune in to some awesome music.
photo credit: Blink O’Fanye, Flickr
Wilderness: Wilderness is another founding father of the wellness festival cycle. Set in Cornbury Park, England, the festival focuses on immersing attendees in the great outdoors. During the day guests can relax, eat acai bowls, meditate, strengthen their core with Pilates and yoga, or stretch their arms with swimming and archery. You can also spend time learning about natural medicine or self-defense methods. Walk through nature on foot or on horseback while you kill the daylight hours, ending your day dancing to an amazing lineup. The festival takes place August 2nd-5th.
Body & Soul: If you want to celebrate the summer solstice, check out this Irish festival! There’s great music and an on-site sanctuary where you can get a massage, experience sound therapy, do yoga or see a therapist. You can also check out their spa and receive a variety of relaxing treatments. The festival is held in County Westmeath, Ireland, from June 22nd to 24th and offers some amazing views and experiences!
photo credit: Blink O’Fanye, Flickr
Soul Circus: Calling all adrenaline junkies! From August 17th to 19th enjoy the rush in Elmore, England. This festival focuses on a circus staple: aerial art. You can learn from scratch or spin around for hours if you’re an expert. In addition, the festival offers sunrise and sunset meditation, hot yoga, and tons of awesome organic food options. If you feel like indulging, though, they also offer local brews and late night parties.
LuLulemon’s Seawheeze Sunset Festival: Prefer to get active? Check out the Seawheeze Sunset Festival, in Vancouver, brought to you by the athletic apparel retailer, LuLulemon. This festival hosts a half-marathon for people who prefer to sweat a bit more. They also offer yoga from their world class ambassadors and gear at their shops! Set in Vancouver on the last weekend of summer (September 20th-22nd), the event allows guests to escape into some gorgeous scenery, heart pumping activity, and music filled nights.
photo credit: Ultra 5280, Flickr
Floyd Yoga Jam 7: Floyd Yoga Jam 7 is a hidden gem of the south. Set in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, the festival is tucked away from civilization. The sustainable, four-day event promotes a variety of programs centered around music, health and art. From August 30th to September 2nd you can enjoy classes of all kind-and so can your kids! The event is free for kids under thirteen, and tickets are as low as five dollars, so no need to shell it out! Paint, kayak, hike, run a 5k or meditate — it’s all up to you!
Bhakti Fest: This is the ultimate festival for people who need some inner peace. From September 12th to 17th, guests can head out to Joshua Tree in southern California to find guidance and spiritual healing. Bhakti Fest centers around both the physical and spiritual practice of yoga as Yogis are led through intense meditation and workshops. Other features of the week-long festival include Kitran, a sacred music experience, and a healing sanctuary where a Soul Doctor can help you reach those positive vibes. This is the perfect getaway for those looking to learn and grow.
photo credit: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Flickr
Balance Festival: This European festival means yoga business. Yoga is the opening, middle and closing event here. If you missed London’s event in May, you can still catch the experience September 7th – 9th in Amsterdam. For one extended weekend, you can meditate, practice your poses and fuel up with organic food. This festival is cozy and quaint, and above all focused. So get in the zone!
Green Man Festival: Nestled in Brecon Beacons National Park, which spans miles of mountainous terrain in Wales, this festival is ideal for camping devotees. From August 13th to August 19th, visitors can escape into the lush Welsh countryside and enjoy all it has to offer. Attendees can enjoy bonfire barbecues with local produce, live music, Pub Quizzes and workshops. The week long excursion also offers a more refined option: The Nature Nurture healing gardens. Here, you can enjoy fitness classes like yoga and meditation or opt for more relaxing activities like massages, a hot tub dip and a sauna sesh. Whether you want to get messy or stay clean, this festival is sure to put you in good spirits!