Drishti Beats Festival

Find the Best Summer Yoga and Music Festival 2023

In FESTIVALS, TRAVELJune 27, 20235 Minutes

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How can you be certain you’ve found the absolute best yoga and music festival? We’re here to lend a helping hand! It’s important to distinguish an extraordinary festival from the mediocre ones so you don’t waste your time or money. Below, we present five proven ways to ensure you’ve found the BEST music and yoga festival in North America!

1. Best Setting for Music and Yoga

A festival’s location sets the stage for a remarkable and transformative experience. Whether it’s nestled amidst majestic mountains, caressed by gentle ocean waves, or enveloped by lush greenery, the perfect festival’s location should create an immersive and awe-inspiring ambiance. For instance, Drishti Beats Yoga and Music Festival takes place in beautiful Snowmass, CO, immersed in captivating surroundings that harmonize with the peaceful and cathartic nature of yoga. When you discover a music festival that effortlessly connects you with nature, you know you’ve found something special.

Drishti Beats Festival 2022 (188)

2. This Year’s Top Artists

When yoga and music fuse together, they have the power to elevate your practice and uplift your spirit, so finding a music lineup that speaks to you is really important! Whether that be a mix of chill and upbeat DJs, back-to-back jam bands, or even a soft rock lineup, music plays a crucial role in setting the tone for your festival experience. Drishti Beats showcases a lineup of talented musicians and DJs who curate a captivating musical journey. From soothing soundscapes to enhance savasana to energizing beats that invigorate your vinyasa flow, the festival’s artists and music selection is carefully crafted to complement your practice and mindset. When you find yourself moving to incredible tunes that resonate with your soul, you’ll know you’re in the midst of something extraordinary.

3. World-Renowned Yoga Teachers and Educational Workshops

A truly exceptional yoga and music festival offers more than just classes and performances; It provides a platform for personal growth, self-exploration, and learning. Drishti Beats presents a diverse range of workshops led by renowned instructors, wellness practitioners, and thought leaders. These immersive experiences delve into various aspects of yoga, mindfulness, holistic health, and creative expression. Whether you’re an experienced yogi or a curious beginner, these workshops will deepen your understanding and ignite your inspiration. When you engage in transformative workshops, you’ll realize the festival’s unwavering commitment to your personal growth.

4. Family-Owned Festival

In an era of corporate-owned mega-festivals that can often feel disconnected from attendees, it is particularly rare to find a family-owned, independently-run festival. It feels wonderful to attend a festival that feels like a family gathering. Drishti Beats is not just an event—it’s a labor of love created by a passionate and dedicated team. This familial touch creates an intimate and welcoming atmosphere that resonates with attendees. From the genuine greetings at the entrance to the personalized interactions throughout the festival, you’ll feel embraced by a sense of kinship and belonging. When you find yourself surrounded by a community that cares, you’ll know you’ve discovered a festival that values authentic connections. Learn more about the festival creators. 

5. Yoga Community Event Experience

At its core, a yoga and music festival is about facilitating personal growth, building connections, and fostering a sense of community. Through group meditations, communal meals, and heartfelt conversations, the perfect festival should offer numerous opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals and create lasting friendships. Drishti Beats is renowned for its vibrant and inclusive community, where people from all backgrounds come together to celebrate their shared love for yoga and music. When you experience a sense of unity and support from a community that lifts you up, you’ll realize the true essence of an exceptional festival.

Drishti Beats Yoga & Music Festival embodies the qualities of the ultimate transformational festival experience. Its serene location, inspiring music lineup, healing workshops, warm family atmosphere, and embracing community make it a standout festival. Embark on this extraordinary journey and discover a festival that will leave you with lasting memories. Learn more!


7 Best Yoga Festivals To Explore In 2023

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Last updated: March 23, 2023

By Lori Lowell, Drishti Beats mentor, co-founder and fitness visionary, is the  2015 Julie Main Woman Leader Award recipient. She often interviews for Ask An Expert in Club Solutions Magazine, regularly appears on Club Industry, and is an accomplished E-RYT 500.


Best Yoga Festivals

No matter where you travel around our world, everybody loves to celebrate. And when it comes to celebration, festivals offer something for everyone. Whether it’s the arts and culture, food and wine, music and yoga, or religion you’re into, there’s a gathering somewhere that is just waiting to be discovered.

Each year there’s a growing number of yoga festivals around the world to choose from that cater to different types of yoga and provide different experiences. Do not worry! Whether you’re an experienced festival goer or just wondering how to begin exploring the festival scene, I got you covered! My team and I crafted a list of the best yoga festivals in the world so that you can start planning your dream yoga festival trip today.

Yoga festivals and music festivals are abundant and the yoga festival scene is hitting hard this year. The most important thing you need to know is how to pick the right and best yoga festival for you. A yoga festival can be a transformational experience… but it can also be a complete disaster.  Here are some things to consider when choosing the right yoga festival for you.

The 7 Best Yoga Festivals To Explore In 2023:

My goal for this article is to give you a well-rounded understanding on how to do your own research into the best and the top yoga festivals that are happening around the world this year. It is essential to weigh what each festival offers beyond the lineup and type of yoga that can be enjoyed during your visit. Think about the weather and facilities at the festival location for example. Are you ok with ridiculous heat temperatures, dry desert air, heaps of dust and miserable camping with gross facilities? Sure, porta potties are an “experience” too…

Festivals like to be in places where there is no weather meaning only a small chance of rain. This brings you to desert conditions. Other things to consider are huge humidity and potential rain for a uncomfortable camping experience and a lot of mud. You are always taking a chance. But if you set your mind to the fact that you will deal with whatever conditions and have a good attitude about it you will be fine.

So what do you want? Beautiful scenery, great weather, not too hot, not too cold, a warm hotel to sleep in and a connected community with heaps of fun options. Good food perhaps? A transformational experience? An opportunity to experience a myriad of yoga styles, teachers and music? Not too guru? Super cool destination? There are a few options to consider to ensure an amazing experience.

Below, I share some of the top yoga festivals around the world that are worth traveling to for an unforgettable experience.

1. Drishti Beats Yoga & Music Festival

Where: Aspen/Snowmass, Colorado
When: July 7-9, 2023
Ticket Cost: $85 - $349 + $12 fee

For some, there can be fewer more spiritual places to sit and contemplate than in the mountains. The ancient, jagged peaks, clear air and vast horizons serve as a reminder of our place in the world, bringing a perspective and dimension to life’s stresses that few other locations can offer.

So imagine for a moment how flowing in a vinyasa class or de-stressing in a soothing sound bath could feel in those surroundings? The Drishti Beats Yoga & Music festival explores the symbiotic connection between music, yoga, and the outdoors. Each carefully selected yoga class features a live music artist accompanying the teacher creating a beautiful and magical experience as you flow in the beautiful surroundings of the Rockies in Snowmass Village, Colorado.

As good locations go, the three-day Drishti Beats Yoga & Music festival is nothing short of spectacular. The skies are a sparkling electric blue, while the temperature hovers at that goldilocks range of high 70°F/°21C, low 80°F/°26C. Indian paintbrushes and blue bells dot the meadows, and the air seems to carry a certain fresh sweetness from all that’s in bloom. The Rocky Mountain peaks, unburdened from heavy snow, exude their full majestic glory. There are abundant trails for mountain biking and hiking, and the Roaring Fork River is a paradise for paddle-boarders, kayakers, and flyfishers alike.

During the day you will enjoy accessible yoga for all levels, educational Talks, great welcoming community, live music, a yoga market filled with artisanal vendors, and more. When the sun goes down and the yoga mats are rolled up, the evening music lineup of the top of downtempo, electronic chill and house music artists continue into the night so you can dance the night away. And since the hotels are right on the festival grounds around Snowmass Village, you can get a good night sleep and be refreshed for the next day to do it all over again.

Drishti Beats began its Journey (also the name of its first original track) as a live music vinyasa flow yoga experience in the music festivals scene. EDC Las Vegas, Okeechobee in Florida, Mysterland in the Netherlands and others were some of its first footsteps. Today Drishti Beats is among the Top Rated Yoga Alliance accredited yoga schools with its in-depth, fun, energy-lifting and globally connected 200 hour, 300 hour, and 500 hour yoga teacher trainings. So they are well versed in all aspects of yoga and know how to carefully select their teachers, speakers, musicians and artists for an enlightening yoga festival experience.

Website: festival.drishtibeats.com


2. Inspire Yoga Festival

Where: Verbier, Switzerland
When: 25-27 August, 2023
Cost: From $277

Lovely Switzerland. Fondu, chocolate, cows and snow-covered mountains. For many, the first season associated with Switzerland is winter. But some of the best of what is on offer is best experienced through Summer in Switzerland.

Nestled into splendid landscapes of Val de Bagnes in the south west of Switzerland, you’ll find the stunning resort town of Verbier. With rolling green hills of pastures covered in cows and wild flowers. The Inspire Yoga Festival was launched five years ago from a local yoga and fitness studio. The studio has a team of incredible therapists offering massage and other holistic treatments as well as fitness, pilates, and yoga teachers. The studio is open every day, with classes for everyone. Their aim is to provide holistic wellbeing for all.

The festival offers participants of all levels the opportunity to explore classes, workshops and holistic therapies, meet new people, and share experiences immersed in the beautiful Swiss Alps. Without a doubt the most popular activity in Verbier in summer is mountain biking. With hundreds of kilometres of maintained trails, epic scenery, and lifts providing access to downhill runs, it’s easy to see why.

In the evenings, the temperature can drop to below 46°F/°10C, making it perfect weather to test out the fireplace in your chalet. Even in the warmest months, be sure to bring a warm coat and plenty of layers.

One thing to beware of though. When you’re outside in full sunshine, make sure you’re wearing lots of sun screen. The sun can really burn up in the mountains.

Website: inspireyogafestival.com


3. Mountain Yoga Festival

Where: St Anton, Austria
When: August 31-3 September, 2023
Cost:

This year’s festival is being run on the theme of diversity — conscious handling of variety in society — with 13 experts and yoga teachers guiding yogis through four days of wellness. The programme includes hikes, daily meditation, breath work and yoga classes as well as picnics and communities meals.

“In a time of constant acceleration, nothing can be more exhilarating than going slow. In a time of constant distraction, nothing is so luxurious as paying attention. In a time of constant movement, nothing is so urgent as sitting still.”

Expect a healthy food, Tyrolean hospitality, mountain yoga classes, and plenty of fresh air during this 4-day festival. Ticket includes all yoga sessions, hikes, meditations, workshops, talks according to the festival programme. Lunch on September 1st and September 2nd, 2023 at the GAMPEN RESTAURANT is also included, as well as the cable car ride on Friday and Saturday. If you are staying in one of the accommodation places in the holiday region of St. Anton, you will receive the St. Anton summer card at the reception. With this card you can use all cable cars for free.

Website: mountainyogafestivalstanton.at


4. Mammoth Yoga Festival

Where: Mammoth Lakes, California
When: 22-25 June, 2023
Cost: $499 + $32.01 service fee

Mammoth Lakes is nestled into the breathtaking Eastern Sierra mountain range and is the perfect backdrop for you to develop a deeper connection with your practice and your community. Over 4 days, the Mammoth Yoga Festival will provide you with yoga for all levels, educational immersions, speaker panels, live music, and plenty of vendors.

Flow from day to night. Move and groove under the Sierra stars as the days transition into exciting evenings of live music. Four days of yoga and meditation for everyone — regardless of age and ability — from kids yoga to SUP yoga, yoga for fitness instructors, hot yoga and much more. There are Barre and dance classes, functional medicine talks, meditation and moving meditation as well as talks on how to teach yoga around the world. With food vendors and live music in the evenings, this is a fully immersive experience.

Experience a place where everyone is welcome. Whether you’re discovering yoga for the first time, deepening your practice or expanding your wellness journey, Mammoth Yoga Festival offers options for all abilities and preferences.

Website: mammothyogafestival.com


5. Move Copenhagen

Where: Refshaleøen, Copenhagen
When: 24. – 27.07.2023
Cost:

An old industrial area that was once home to one of the world’s largest shipyards, Now, Refshaleøen is home to cozy restaurants, cool bars, creative office spaces, activity centers, and music festivals. Only about a 15-minute-bike ride away from the city centre, this place is like a peaceful, undiscovered island in the middle of bustling Copenhagen. 

At Move Copenhagen they rethink what it means to move. They move, play, explore and inspire to rebuild the very idea of movement.

“Our purpose is to create better lives by making people move more and in new ways. And we believe that the best starting point is a welcoming world based on fun and fascination. That’s why we’ve created a festival for celebrating the diversity of movement.

We don’t have a leader, and we never pocket profits. Our only guide is a set of shared beliefs. We call it our credo.”

Move Copenhagen was founded in 2013. Their goal is to create a gathering for various movement forms, where you can get inspired to develop your movement practise. The guideline was to make people move more and in new ways.

And If you dreamed of sleeping “out in the wild” just bring your tent and camping gear as camping is free together with other movers at Move Copenhagen. You are free to camp from Sunday to Friday. Just note that no toilets and showers are provided outside the festival dates. Last year more than 400 people stayed at the camping site, creating a super cozy and super friendly atmosphere for all as the campsite is placed right at the center of it all. Move Copenhagen want the meals to be a central gathering for everyone. So they have created a dining area where everyone can enjoy their meal in a community atmosphere right in the middle of the festival site.

Website: movecopenhagen.com


6. Envision Festival

Where: Costa Rica
When: February 27 – March 6, 2023
Cost: From $729 + fees

Nestled between the jungle and the beach, Envision Festival is an awakening of the soul. Through an emphasized focus on our pillars of movement, spirituality, music, art, health, sustainability and education, it is so much more than just a music festival.

Envision’s mission is to create an eye-opening experience that turns us onto a new form of living; a new way to be inspired. To provide tools that can be integrated into the life we are already living or to inspire a complete shift in our life path. The connection to nature can be felt in every aspect of Envision and the ripple effect of what people then take away from the festival is much more potent than just a good party.

Whether you’re zipping through the jungle canopy, feeling the rush of a cool splash from a waterfall, catching your first wave, or ascending a misty mountain peak – Costa Rica not only packs an epic adventure; it reconnects you to the raw force of nature that awakens your inner wild. In moving toward a 7 day event, we invite you to take it easy, explore the area, maximize your experience, and truly root down into your being. Your illuminated presence in the world is needed now more than ever.

Traveling to Costa Rica and exploring its many ecosystems can be an amazing experience. The big question for many is how close you might get to creepy crawlies. After all, seeing them in the wild is one thing, but having a meet and greet just before bed time is another. In Costa Rica, the most common disease from mosquitoes is called Dengue Fever. It is most common in the rainier months (May-November) when there are more mosquitoes around. They won’t bother you if you’re sunbathing on the hot sand or walking in the heat of the day. But watch out if you are resting under palm trees, hiking on shady trails, or passing by wetlands, ponds, or rivers. Also be extra careful in the morning and evening hours when it is a little cooler outside.

Website: envisionfestival.com


7. BaliSpirit Festival

Where: Ubud, Bali
When: May 4-7, 2023
Cost: From $425 + $12.50 fees
Note: Ticket does not include Special Events, Masterclass, and Shuttle Service

The goal of the BaliSpirit Festival is to awaken and nourish each individual’s potential for positive change within, leading to positive change in our homes, in our communities, and around the world. Through the beneficial and inspirational traditions of Yoga, Dance, and Music, the BaliSpirit Festival embodies the Balinese Hindu concept of Tri Hita Karana: living in harmony with our spiritual, social, and natural environments. Committed, particularly, to nourishing our own home in Bali, the founders of the BaliSpirit Festival pledge to provide financial, logistical, and organizational support to local charities, with a special emphasis on children’s programs, multicultural education and performance, healthcare, HIV& AIDS awareness, and environmental conservation in Bali and greater Indonesia.

World renowned teachers, presenters and performers are selected with the intention to inspire attendees by showing them the possibilities to make a difference in the world. It is such a diverse festival that lights a fire in the hearts of everyone that comes.

The spectacular grounds of Purnati Center for the Arts is just 15 minutes from Ubud Center. The open-air venue is surrounded by lush tropical nature and a sacred river. It is a beautiful space with something new to be discovered around every corner. There are hundreds of workshops and classes that take place all day long. Music playing from noon until midnight, from local Balinese ceremonies to African Tribal drums. A delicious food selection with local and international cuisines cateres for all dietary requirements. And there is a Kids Zone loved by parents and children alike.

Many different styles of yoga and movement represented at the festival have included Hatha, Vinyasa Flow, Yin, Laughter, Power, Anusara, Ashtanga, Silat, Capoeira, Poi, Qi Gong, and hula hooping. Dance styles draw from Mandala, Javanese, Balinese, Indian, and West African traditions. Each night ends with a music line up of global performers.

The BaliSpirit Festival is indeed a celebration—of the richness of culture, the sanctity of the environment, and harmony between people of all nations.

Website: balispiritfestival.com


Trust Your Intuition

Your thorough research around the different yoga festivals out there will leave your intuition telling you, “that’s the one.” Listen to your instinct; it rarely misleads you.

If you are new to the yoga festivals scene (welcome!) know that planning to join your first festival is not as difficult as you might think. Once you’ve done your research, you’ll notice that some focus on a more modern style yoga festival while others focus on a more traditional approach. Some have a beautiful blend. Whichever yoga festival, or festivals, you choose to discover this year, you should always feel free to be yourself and bring your own signature style of love and kindness ❤️.


Lori Lowell, Drishti Beats mentor, co-founder and fitness visionary, is the  2015 Julie Main Woman Leader Award recipient. She often interviews for Ask An Expert in Club Solutions Magazine, regularly appears on Club Industry, and is an accomplished E-RYT 500.


FIVE THINGS WE LOVED ABOUT MYSTERYLAND 2019

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The 2019 edition of Mysteryland was nothing short of amazing. A revamped venue, bigger production, and larger than life sets defined this year’s festival!

By Logan Garrison (Original Article)

Mysteryland 2019 brought together party animals from over 100 different countries to The Netherlands for three days of dancing in one massive celebration of life. Taking place in Haarlemmermeer, about 30 minutes South West of Amsterdam, I was lucky enough to attend the longest-running electronic music festival in the Netherlands for the second year in a row.

As house music continues to take center stage across the U.S. it is a similar story throughout Europe. This year’s lineup was packed with show-stopping sets from some personal favorites including Solardo, Nora En Pure, Claptone, and Tchami X Malaa. Yet the big names didn’t stop there as I was treated to massive performances from living legends such as Eric Morillo, Groove Armada, BT, and Skream!

Mysteryland has proved once again that every day is a gift, and what better way to embrace that gift than dancing to some of our favorite DJs with our best friends? While the music was certainly front and center, join me as I dig into all of the magnificent things that made Mysteryland 2019 one for the history books!

Five Things We Loved About Mysteryland 2019


ML 2019
Photo: Mysteryland

Attention to Detail Throughout the Venue

In contrast from Mysteryland last year, it seemed as if every inch of the grounds had been reconsidered. From more dramatic art installations peppering the pathways between stages to the addition of more water refill stations (effectively rendering shorter lines), every aspect of the event had been upgraded.

In 2018 it seemed almost impossible to find a trash can. This year they were abundant, which made for a much more pleasant experience as we wandered from stage to stage. However it must be noted, trash on the ground is still a major issue at European Festivals.

Mysteryland’s careful consideration didn’t leave out the eleven stages scattered across the massive park. From the show-stopping Mardi Gras theme of the Main Stage to the quaint flowers and sun adorning the Healing Garden stage, each of the eleven stages had been elevated to the fullest. Thousands of lights, dozens of lasers, and enough CO2 to keep even the most seasoned of ravers content and smiling from ear to ear.

At Mysteryland their motto is “Today Is A Gift” and that is exactly what it felt like to be back at the iconic festival.


ML Tokens
Photo: Mysteryland

Cashless Everything

One massive difference between American festivals I’ve attended and Mysteryland is that once you’re on site your cash is no longer valid… well sort of. In what I inferred as an attempt to dissuade thieves, no food, drink, or merch vendors accept cash or cards. The only way to purchase anything inside Mysteryland is to take your cash or debit card to a token dispenser and buy sheets of tokens that are in turn exchanged for products.

Depending on how expensive your item is the more tokens it costs, beers were on average 3 tokens while mixed drinks were roughly 5 tokens. As many of us know, we’re going to pay a premium price to drink at festivals and Mysteryland is no exception. The exchange rate was about $2.85 per token, so those drinks were roughly $9 and $15 each.

The one drawback to the token system is if you had any leftover at the end of the festival it was essentially wasted cash. So be mindful of how many you pull out and be sure to use them!


Mysteryland
Photo: Logan Garrison

Solardo Presents: Higher. Along with a Gang of Legends

James Eliot and Mark Richards, both from Manchester U.K and better known as Solardo have been on a meteoric rise through the ranks of the bass-driven tech-house scene over the past few years. After falling in love with their high energy sound in early 2018, this was finally my chance to catch them live for the first time.

Mysteryland 2019 graced us with a headlining set from the duo as they also hosted a laundry list of absolute legends of house music. The blossoming duo blessed us with iconic support sets from Eric Morillo, Skream, and Groove Armada. All three were sets I have been trying to catch for years. Needless to say, I had found my home for the remainder of the evening.

Without a doubt, all three producers leading up to Solardo’s take over were damn near flawless, however, there was one in particular that completely blew me away. Skream controlled the packed dance floor with a fiery tech house set. I even got the chance to ask him a few questions later on after his set. We discussed his transition to house and techno from dubstep and I went on to mention the B2B he did with Rusko at EDCLV earlier this year, to which he replied: “that was likely the last classic dubstep set I will ever play, to be honest with you.”

Despite being one of the true originators of Dubstep, the days ahead look bright as he has just as much of a knack for four-on-the-floor as he did with bass music. Next time you see Skream on a lineup be prepared for more tech house than bass music. You’re going to love it. Trust me.


Mysteryland
Photo: Mysteryland

Drishti Beats Brings The Bliss 

A true gem nestled among the massive line up at Mysteryland 2019 is an act that is always a must-see. Drishti Beats. A downtempo chill-electronic band from the U.S fronted by a Vinyasa Flow yoga class. What more could you ask for among the chaotic moments at a large festival? Bringing together timeless elements of hip-hop, soothing vocals, and world dance. Drishti creates a vibe that is truly one-of-a-kind among EDM festivals.

However, their talents are not limited to just those three elements. Drishti has brought on live saxophone, as well as a live violinist to solidify their blissed-out vibe. Need a break from the madness of mainstage? Drishti is the answer. Is the bass stage just getting to be too much for your current vibe? Drishti has your back.

This year Drishti Beats was blessed with the perfect set time on the second day: sunset. As the sun’s golden rays began to stretch long over the lush greenery surrounding Mysteryland, Drishti’s sounds washed over the packed Healing Garden stage. As attendees found their zen amongst the madness, Drishti carried the vibe perfectly as day turned to night. Truly a beautiful set and the perfect way to re-center before welcoming the madness that would ensue that night.


Mysteryland
Photo: Mysteryland

Kungs Delivers a Memorable Performance

The French phenom Kungs controlled the Sexy By Nature stage (hosted by Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano) with style as Mysteryland transformed the packed tent into a field of blooming, bouncing sunflowers. Rarely touring in the US,  I made sure to have a good spot for the illustrious deep house producer. After the smash success of his release of “This Girl” back in 2016, it was insane to finally catch his break out track live.

About halfway through his ravishing deep house set, stagehands came around from each side of the stage with dozens of baskets of live sunflowers and proceeded to unleash them into the crowd. As I watched the sea of hands turn into a field of flowers a wave of emotion came over me. This was one of those moments that reaffirmed the notion that I was exactly where I was meant to be in this moment in time.

Mysteryland truly does not miss a beat when it comes to curating an atmosphere of love and friendship through dance music. Kungs set was easily one of the best all weekend and a must-see next time he pops up on a lineup stateside.