You may still be working off that Yule log, but it’s never too early to plan another vacation. If your inbox isn’t already showing it, 22-year-old marketing interns around the world are preparing email blasts to get you psyched for festivals they’re promoting (but probably can’t afford to go to). There are so many festivals out there, it can be intimidating to know where to start. Which is why we’ve found the best events around the globe, so slap on your flash tattoos and grab your Spiritual Gangster sweatshirt, it’s festy season baby!
1. Envision
February 22-24, 2018 | Uvita, Costa Rica
Full Pass: $282
envisionfestival.com
Costa Rica is still one of the top yoga destinations in the world, so it’s no surprise that thousands flock to frolic along pachamama’s beaches. The tilt of this festival leans towards permaculture and eco-building. The music and yoga line-up is equally impressive with festival staple Rising Appalachia joined by yoga-lebrity Sianna Sherman and well respected NY-based Kevin Courtney. There’s something for everyone at this kid-friendly gathering.
Pro-tip: Bring whatever cash you’ll need for the weekend. Atm’s are few and far between.
2. LoveLake Festival
March 8-11, 2018 | Wairakei, NZ
Tickets: NZ $108-128
With the recent drama around Wanderlust Australia/New Zealand, rockstar teacher Nikki Ralston has taken the reigns and created LoveLake Festival Great Lake Taupo.
The gems are in the local teachings we can’t get on YogaGlo. Look out for rock star teachers like Jase Te Patu, Justine Hamill, and Kylie Rook. Add to that the immense beauty of New Zealand itself… natural hot springs anyone? Book some time on either end for adventuring as New Zealand is a country full of amazing things to do and see. New Zealanders are very friendly and will surely make you feel right at home throughout your stay.
Pro-tip: Take note free spirits, don’t buy a one-way ticket to NZ. They won’t let you into the country without a guarantee that you’re leaving. Get a flexible round-trip ticket to leave room for spontaneity.
3. Bali Spirit Festival
April 2-8, 2018 | Ubud, Bali
Full Pass: $517
balispiritfestival.com
Bali is a well-tread path for spiritual jet-setters, but it’s especially popular during the yearly Bali Spirit Festival. If ancient rituals, water temples, and active volcanoes aren’t enough to get you here, the line-up will send you over the edge. Duncan Wong and Janet Stone headline the yoga classes, with a full line-up of breathwork, sound healing, dance, and Bhakti. This is sure to be one of the more spirit shaking experiences on the planet.
Pro-tip: It is generally cheaper to fly to a big city like Bangkok and then connect to Bali. Do some research to save on airfare!
4. AcroYoga Fest: Jamaica
April 10-15, 2018 | Treasure Beach, Jamaica
Full Pass: $475
acroyoga.org/jamaica2018
If you’ve always wanted to run away with the circus, this is your festival. Join the AcroYoga team, lead by founder Jason Nemer, as you explore all the acro roles of flying, basing and the oh so juicy art of acro therapeutics. The AcroYoga community is international and very welcoming. There’s always a senior teacher who is willing to share time and knowledge with newer students.
Pro-tip: For everyone’s safety, save that homegrown Jamaican ganga for after class. It will not, in fact, make you fly higher.
5. Shakti Fest
May 10-14, 2018 | Joshua Tree, California, USA
Full Pass: $150
shaktifest.bhaktifest.com
This festival has the ultimate California yoga vibe. Festival circuit regulars Shiva Rea and Sianna Sherman are joined by some of the best kirtan leaders out there. Be sure to check out the Sound Dome for all varieties of healing modalities. This is an experience that will have you floating home. Also, it’s notably one of the more reasonably priced events on this list.
Pro-tip: Splurge for the pre and post festival day-long workshops. They’re pretty affordable and will add to your experience.
6. Move Copenhagen
July 12-15, 2018 | Copenhagen, Denmark
Full Pass: 240 Euros
movecopenhagen.com
Started in 2013, this festival includes over 100 classes with world-class teachers in movement disciplines including yoga, slacklining, parkour, acroyoga, dance, natural movement, and more. This organization is rooted in sustainability by encouraging participants to stay outdoors. Most tickets include a tent site for you to stay on and free use of showers and toilets to keep everyone happy and smelling relatively good (for festival standards anyway). Mark your calendars; tickets go on sale February 1st, 2018.
Pro-tip: Since it’s mostly camping, splurge for a high quality sleep mat. With all the activity during the day, your body will thank you for a good night of sleep.
7. Samsara Festival
August 6-12, 2018 | Siofok, Hungary
Full Pass: 138 Euros
samsarafestival.eu
Samsara festival is a wild idea. You buy the pass and get access to all the festivals worldwide. Yes, that’s right – a membership pass to a festival. The company runs festivals in France, Denmark, the UK and the US. The festival is held deep in the forest on a private 40-acre plot. They have a Psychedelic Yoga Village. We’re not sure what that is, but it sounds far out! There are over 130 yoga classes and they hold seances. The festival is billing over 140 music artists so there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Pro-tip: Heads up to all the pup lovers, dogs are welcome at this festival so bring your furry BFF!
8. Groove Festival
October 5-7, 2018 | Hamburg, Germany
Full Pass: $139 Euros
thegroovefestival.com/hamburg.html
Started in 2014, the Groove celebrates movement, music, and community through intimate gatherings. Groove Festival holds a few different events and their Urban version in the city of Hamburg brings international and local movement artists, musicians, and speakers for a shared experience of connection in Germany and beyond. While most festivals are open-minded and inclusive by their very nature, The Groove makes an extra effort to open its arms to all people. They make a big deal of trying to make their festivals comfortable and accessible for people of all ages and body types. No matter who you are, you will feel welcome at The Groove.
Pro-tip: Germany is super cool at the moment; leave some time to travel Berlin to explore the gallery scene before or after.
Edited by Sarah Dittmore.