Festivals with a sense of balance
It was probably a sign of the times when yoga classes began popping up at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Or when Electric Daisy Carnival announced yoga would be offered in advance of the country’s largest dance music festival. Partygoers at Lightning in a Bottle, known for its roster of edgy bands with cult followings, also have the option of giving eardrums a break and doing some sun salutations. ¶ So it shouldn't be surprising that yoga has its own dedicated festival circuit, with thousands converging each year on gatherings in Joshua Tree, Boulevard (adjacent to San Diego), Squaw Valley, Telluride and elsewhere. Denver is holding its first one in August, which will include yoga atop the scenic Red Rocks. ¶ The yoga festival trend is in keeping with the discipline’s boom in popularity. ¶ “As more people take to yoga, they want to seek out others on the same path,” said Cate Stillman, the founder of YogaHealer.com and a veteran of yoga festivals. “You get a complete immersion. You hit a peak. You’re doing yoga several hours a day if you want, and then going to workshops to talk about philosophies, experiences and concepts. You’re not going to get that at a regular yoga class.” ¶ Yoga festivals are decidedly different from retreats. They are less expensive, hold more people and are staged largely outdoors with attendees often camping in tents. Retreats are run by one or two yoga teachers, festivals feature dozens, alongside kombucha and green smoothie bars and live music. ¶ If that sounds good to you, roll up your yoga mat and hit the road for these: