Best Yoga Festivals

how to choose yoga festival

Yoga festivals have blossomed globally, offering vibrant gatherings that blend traditional practices with modern festivities. These events provide unique opportunities to deepen your practice, connect with like-minded people, and immerse yourself in diverse cultures. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a curious newcomer, there’s a festival tailored to your interests.

What is a Yoga Festival?

A yoga festival is a multi-day event that celebrates the art and science of yoga. Unlike retreats, which often focus on introspection and personal growth in a secluded setting, festivals are lively gatherings focusing on connection with a broader community. They typically feature a mix of yoga sessions, workshops, music performances, and opportunities for communal gathering through activities like camping, ecstatic dance, meals and shopping at vendor villages to support local artists.

yoga festivals

Top Yoga Festivals Worldwide

Here are nine notable yoga festivals celebrated around the globe (including 3 that I’ll attend**):

  1. International Yoga Festival (Rishikesh, India)
    Held annually in the yoga capital of the world, this festival attracts practitioners from over 100 countries. Participants immerse themselves in various yoga styles, meditation sessions, and spiritual discourses led by revered yoga masters. The serene banks of the Ganges River provide a picturesque backdrop for this transformative experience. Mark your calendars – this festival runs from March 9 to March 15, 2025.
  2. BaliSpirit Festival (Bali, Indonesia)
    This vibrant festival combines yoga, dance, and music, creating a holistic experience that nourishes the mind, body, and soul. Set in the tropical paradise of Bali, attendees can participate in diverse workshops, enjoy world music concerts, and engage in community-building activities. Experience the magic of BaliSpirit Festival from May 7th through 11th, 2025, in Ubud, Bali.
  3. Yoga Games (Sweden)
    Known as the largest yoga event in Scandinavia, Yoga Games offers a wide range of classes and workshops led by international and local instructors. The festival emphasizes diversity in yoga practices, catering to both beginners and advanced practitioners. Join Scandinavia’s largest yoga event in Båstad from November 14–16, 2025.
  4. Envision Festival (Costa Rica)
    Envision blends yoga, music, art, and environmentalism into a unique festival experience. Set on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, attendees can enjoy yoga sessions, workshops on sustainability, and performances by international artists, all while being immersed in nature. Envision Festival will return to Uvita, Costa Rica, from February 23 to March 2, 2026.
  5. Telluride Yoga Festival (Colorado, USA)**
    Nestled in the stunning Rocky Mountains, this four-day festival offers over 100 offerings, including yoga classes with highly respected teachers, meditation, hiking, and wellness workshops. Renowned teachers lead sessions in intimate settings, allowing for personalized experiences. The 17th Annual Telluride Yoga Festival will take place from June 26 to 29, 2025, in Telluride, Colorado.
  6. Berkshire Yoga Festival (Massachusetts, USA)**
    Set in the scenic Berkshires, this festival offers a blend of yoga classes with notable teachers, meditation sessions, music performances, and outdoor activities like hiking and aerial yoga. It’s a family-friendly event with offerings for all ages and levels. The Berkshire Yoga Festival 2025 will be held from June 12 to 15 at Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in Hancock, MA.
  7. Sedona
    The Sedona Yoga Festival 2025, held May 1–4 amidst the striking red rocks of Sedona, Arizona, offers a transformative experience for yogis of all levels. This four-day consciousness evolution conference features nearly 200 classes and workshops, including diverse yoga styles, meditation sessions, trauma-conscious training, and immersive excursions led by esteemed presenters. Attendees can also enjoy soul-stirring kirtan, sound healing, and live music performances from artists like Larisa Stow & Shakti Tribe and DJ Taz Rashid. With free kids’ yoga activities and a vibrant vendor village, the festival fosters a holistic and inclusive community, inviting participants to deepen their practice and connect with like-minded individuals in a sacred setting.
  8. LoveShinePlay
    Set in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the LoveShinePlay Festival (formerly Asheville Yoga Festival) returns to Asheville, North Carolina, from July 24–27, 2025, bringing four vibrant days of movement, music, and mindfulness. Known as the wellness capital of the South, Asheville plays host to more than 75 yoga and healing arts offerings—from aerial yoga and bhakti flow with live music to workshops on Kundalini, Ayurveda, astrology, and more. With venues scattered throughout the city and all within walking distance of a bustling, hand-curated wellness marketplace, attendees can explore diverse classes, groove to sets by DJ Drez and MC Yogi, and soak in the soulful, high-vibe energy that makes this festival a summer standout.
  9. European Yoga Festival
    A vibrant urban festival that offers a wide range of yoga classes, workshops, and lectures. Set in the heart of Amsterdam, it provides an accessible option for European yogis seeking a diverse and enriching experience. While the exact dates for the 2025 edition have not been officially announced, the festival is typically held in June. For instance, previous editions took place on June 6–7, 2015. To stay updated on the exact dates and program details for YogaFest Amsterdam 2025, it’s recommended to regularly check the official website or follow their social media channels.
yoga festival

How to Choose the Right Yoga Festival

If you’re looking for an intimate, affordable and expansive festival that celebrates various forms of movement (not just yoga) plus music, art and camping, check out Dragonfly Fest outside of Austin, Texas!

Selecting the perfect yoga festival involves considering several factors:

  • Location: Decide whether you prefer a local festival or are willing to travel internationally. Consider the cultural and environmental setting, as it can greatly influence your experience.
  • Vibe: Some festivals are serene and introspective, while others are lively and social. Reflect on the atmosphere that resonates with you.
  • Style of Yoga: Ensure the festival offers the yoga styles you’re interested in, whether it’s Vinyasa, Hatha, Kundalini, or other types of movement.
  • Extra Activities: Look for additional offerings like meditation sessions, workshops, music performances, or outdoor adventures that align with your interests.
  • Budget and Accommodation: Consider the cost of the festival pass, travel expenses, and accommodation options. Some festivals offer on-site camping, while others may have partnerships with local hotels.

Final Thoughts

Yoga festivals provide enriching experiences that go beyond the mat, offering opportunities to learn, grow, and connect. Whether you’re seeking spiritual depth, community connection, or simply a fun-filled getaway, there’s a festival out there for you.

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Sonia Azad

Sonia Azad is a two-time Emmy award winning TV journalist. In addition to covering health and wellness topics, she is a seasoned yoga and meditation instructor, global retreat leader, avid traveler and freelance writer.

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