Shambhala Music Festival

Shambhala is a music festival in B.C. Canada that focuses on the music and art culture associated with and attributed to bass music. In that, visionary artists, performers, and DJ's who both collaborate and engage the crowd play live across various stages that are permanent stage designs, which are globally recognized. Shambhala is a smaller festival compared to many others ranging at about 17,000 attendees, yet you somehow feel right at home in a small crowd no matter where you are at the stage or inside the festival grounds. 

We traveled from Portland, Oregon and none of us had ever been. To this day, when the 3 of us are together (which is super often given my partner and I went with his best friend) we reminisce on the amazing time we had and how life-changing this weekend was.

One of the best parts about this festival is not only the culture and music, but the consciousness it offers to the world and its goers. Specifically, this is a dry festival meaning no alcohol is allowed in (rarely do people even attempt to sneak any in out of respect, which further substantiates its ambiance and purpose for connection) or sold inside the grounds. Additionally, you can take free Naloxone training classes to aid in saving lives both inside and outside of the festival to learn harm-reduction methods to save lives. Additionally, they have a testing center called ANKOR where you can have all substances tested for free to ensure (if you choose to engage) your substance use is safe - it also offers an opportunity for data collection to aid in allowing B.C. opportunities for focusing attention to certain types of substances and harm-reduction methods. In addition but also my favorite feature, is the sacred space, which is a safe haven for people who are overwhelmed, tired, lost, or just needing a spot to regulate and recenter. They have trained mental health providers who are free of charge and of service to speak with you and help support you. Lastly, they have one of the best medical response teams I have ever seen (although rarely needed). 

In terms of music, dance, art, installations, and performance: There just are not the right stream of words to describe the level of creativity and elevated consciousness that embraces you as you walk through this farm. The eclectic range of diversity and people is amazing and you can't help but fall in love with the ambiance of safety, connection, and freedom of expression without judgement. 

HAPPY SHAMS! See you on the farm. <3 We will be in camp Stranger Danger near the river when the festival is safe and healthy to attend again in the future! 

XOXO

Sara & Alex