Shambhala Music Festival: A Guide to Canada's Premier Electronic Music Experience
Celebrating 25 Years of Shambhala Magic
Welcome to the Shambhala Music Festival, Canada's largest independent electronic music festival, held on the picturesque Salmo River Ranch from July 26-29. This year marks the festival's 25th anniversary, and it's set to be an unforgettable experience with over 20,000 guests, artists, and crew members.
The Origins of Shambhala
Shambhala, meaning "the source of all happiness," began as a small reggae festival 25 years ago with just a handful of people and a bonfire. Today, it has evolved into a full-blown festival known for its love, good energy, and community spirit. Founded by Jim "Jimmy" Bundschuh, Shambhala is held annually on the Bundschuh family farm—a 500-acre paradise in the West Kootenay mountains near Nelson, British Columbia.
What to Expect at Shambhala
Music and More
With over 200 diverse musical acts spread across numerous venues and stages, Shambhala offers something for everyone. From world-class cabaret and circus acts to interactive theater and inspirational talks, the festival is a haven for creativity and self-expression. Shambhala is known for its 6 extravagant and amazing themed stages. Each stage has its own unique vibe and music to match.
- AMP Stage: The ultimate bass haven.
- Fractal Forest: A funky journey through space and time.
- The Grove: A celebration of music and dance amidst nature.
- Living Room Stage: Disco funk by day, electronic obscura by night.
- The Pagoda: A temple of myth and music.
- The Village: An immersive bass experience.
Shambhala Values
Shambhala Music Festival is built on core values that create a welcoming and inclusive environment:
- Safety and Harm Reduction
- ShambhaLove and Community
- Consent
- Music, Art, and Creativity
- Acceptance and Freedom of Expression
- Respect for the Environment
- Tradition and Transformation
- Have Fun, Let Go, and Dance
Preparing for Shambhala
Packing Essentials
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable festival experience, it's crucial to come prepared for the varying weather conditions of the mountain climate. It will be hot in the day and cool to very cold at night. Here’s what you need: Camp Gear
- Tent, sleeping pad, sleeping bag
- Camp chair,
tent lights, lantern - Bicycle
- Backpack
- Food, snacks, reusable water bottles
- Biodegradable shampoo,
toilet paper, and sunscreen - Flashlight, fan
- Musical instruments
- Parasol, rain poncho
- Flow toys, body paint,
- Spray bottle for water, bug spray
- Baby wipes, hot hands
Clothing
Be sure to pack a variety of clothing for hot to cold weather. Layers and outfits you can mix and match are ideal.
- Costumes- the more creative the better
- Costume accessories
- Undergarments
- 2-3 footwear, boots, sandals, sneakers
- Socks more than you think
Day Clothes: Cool Clothes for day it will be hot
- Shorts
- Tanks
- Skirts
- Scarves/ Bandanas
- Yoga clothes
- Active wear- knit tops & bottoms
- Bathing suit or bday suit
- Cotton or breezy fabrics tops and bottoms
Night Clothes: Warm clothes for night it will be cold
- Leggings
- Thicker pants
- Long sleeve tops
- Sweaters
- Hoodies
- Layers- kimonos, vests, scarves
- Lights to wear on your body
- Coats/ jackets
- Gloves/ hats
- Faux fur coats and accessories
Furrocious Furr Men & Women's Current Collection
Furrocious Furr: Your Go-To for Faux Fur Fashion
Looking for the perfect faux fur outfit for Shambhala? Furrocious Furr offers the best options for both men and women looking for high-quality, luxurious faux fur. Made to order in the USA and 100% vegan, our super soft and warm faux fur products are designed to fit your unique style and personality.
Women's Kaleidoscope Coat and Pink Acid Coat
Choose from a variety of colorful or natural faux fur options, light-up furs, and different lengths, hoods, collars, and thicknesses. Whether you prefer thick, plush furs or sleek, sequined designs, we have something for everyone. Our coats are not only stylish but also incredibly functional, featuring multiple pockets, zippers, secret compartments, and even backpack straps—a festival game-changer. With soft, cozy linings and unparalleled comfort, Furrocious Furr takes faux fur fashion to a whole new level of amazingness.
Furrocious Furr LED Collection
Discover the magic of our light-up collection, featuring jackets, vests, kimonos, and hoods that bring your festival fashion to life. With 200 stunning light-changing patterns, these pieces are sure to turn heads wherever you go. Control the vibrant displays with a user-friendly Bluetooth app, and keep the party going with a rechargeable battery. Embrace the spotlight and illuminate your style with our dazzling light-up designs!
Women's LED Princess Python Coat & Men's LED Wizard Coat
Accessories
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Hats and headwear
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Festival fanny pack, holster, or backpack
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Sunglasses, gloves
Do Not Bring List
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No alcohol, fire, lasers, glass, fuel, generators, motorized vehicles, boas, headdresses, or pets.
Camping at Shambhala
Camping is an essential part of the Shambhala experience, with options ranging from free camping to luxury yurt rentals. A complimentary shuttle bus helps transport gear, but bringing a cart or wagon is recommended.
Water and Hydration
Stay hydrated! Dehydration is the leading cause of medical visits at Shambhala. Fresh, filtered mountain water is available throughout the festival site, with main refill stations near BASScamp and the gardens in Downtown Shambhala.
Experiences at Shambhala
Art, Yoga, and Workshops
Immerse yourself in the creative atmosphere with the BASScamp Art Gallery, daily yoga classes, and a variety of workshops. From body paint and guided meditation to yoga flow classes, there's something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
Special Highlights
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Wish Tree: Share your wishes for yourself, loved ones, or the world.
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Wedding Chapel: Tie the knot at the picturesque Shambhala wedding chapel.
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Salmo River: Take a refreshing dip and relax by the river.
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Pride Parade: Celebrate with flags, ribbons, and rainbows in support of 2SLGTBQAI+ communities.
Music Lineup
From renowned heavy hitters to promising up-and-comers, and everyone in between, Shambahala proudly showcase some of the finest talent from around the world. Dive into the 2024 Shambhala Music Festival lineup and explore a diverse musical journey. Some highlights are performances by artists like Clozee, Chromeo, LS Dream, Tripper, Justin Martin, Saba, The Glitch Mob, Moontricks, and the Funk Hunters.
Performers
Performers of every kind, from stilt walkers to aerialists, will be performing throughout the festival.
Honoring Indigenous Lands
Shambhala Music Festival acknowledges and is grateful to the Syilx, Sinixt, and Ktunaxa nations, on whose unceded, traditional lands the festival takes place. We honor the connection to the past and future of these peoples and hope our guests feel the same.
Join the Shambhala Experience
Elevate your festival experience by immersing yourself in the diverse range of activities and entertainment that Shambhala offers. From food and artisan markets to the beautiful natural setting, Shambhala Music Festival is more than just a music festival—it's a celebration of love, creativity, and community.
Get ready to dance, connect, and create unforgettable memories at Shambhala Music Festival 2024!
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