FIND YOUR WANDERLUST
PHOTOGRPAHY MELISSA GAYLE + DIANA GERSTACKER FOR WANDERLUST FESTIVAL
On any given day, there is a festival taking place and although the concept may convey images of DJs, rockbands etc - there are other gatherings that also exist in this category. We learned about Wanderlust a few months ago and finally caught up with the trio to find out about their wellness focused festivals that are four day weekend retreats filled with yoga, meditation, live music, speakers and outdoor activities as well as those that are single day mindful triathalons. These take place throughout the country and overseas to allow a series of people to come together as a means to become a like-minded tribe. We found out more about these events, what's new this year and a quick snapshot of their growth.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did Wanderlust launch and who are the creators of this wellness festival?
WANDERLUST: Wanderlust was founded in 2009 by three friends: Sean Hoess, Jeff Krasno and Schuyler Grant.
AM: We know that Wanderlust has operated in a number of cities, are there cities that are new to you that will have festivals in 2017/2018 - will you be in NYC anytime
soon?
Our NYC event happened just two weeks ago at Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. And we broke a Guinness World record at that event!
AM: What takes place at Wanderlust?
W: Wanderlust holds two different kinds of events—our multi-day festivals which are four-day weekend retreats combining yoga, meditation, live music, inspiring speakers and outdoor adventures for an entirely unique mindful getaway. And, our single-day “mindful triathlons” called the Wanderlust 108 which take place in public parks all over the world. The Wanderlust 108 includes a five-kilometer run (or walk), an outdoor 90-minute yoga class, and a guided meditation. New for 2017, participants can add a scheduled class such as aerial yoga, acro-yoga, hooping, walking meditation, photography or essential oils workshops, or a community yoga experience from favorite local teachers. At all Wanderlust 108 events, the Kula Marketplace will showcase local craft vendors, including clothing, jewelry, and handcrafted items. Local and organic food vendors will be on site, as well as a retail store and juice bar collaboration between Wanderlust and Adidas housed in a 60 foot, geodesic dome.
AM: At the end of September, you will be in Tampa which was affected by Irma. How are you supporting the community and will there be any changes to the event because of the hurricane?
W: It was important to us to be of service to the local community. It’s our intention at all our events to come together as a community to lift each other up, and we wanted to help who might be in need in the local Tampa area. $1.08 of each Wanderlust 108 Tampa ticket sold in 2017 will be donated to the Tampa Bay Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund. The Tampa Bay Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund (TBDisasterFund.org) is a strategic collaboration of the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, Pinellas Community Foundation, United Way of Citrus County, United Way of Hernando, United Way of Pasco, and United Way Suncoast. This fund provides a trusted and reliable way to make tax-deductible donations to local storm recovery efforts. 100% of the funds collected through this effort will be directed to address immediate and mid- to long-term recovery needs through grants to select nonprofits.
AM: How many times a year do you host these festivals?
W: Wanderlust 108 first launched in New York’s Prospect Park and Atlanta’s Piedmont Park in 2014, bringing the mindful triathlon experience to over 10,000 participants. After this overwhelmingly positive response, Wanderlust 108 expanded to 17 cities in 2015, 32 cities in 2016 and now, to over 60 cities in 17 countries in 2017.