Festival Coverage

Shambhala Music Festival 2019 [PREVIEW]

Written by Fatima Hasan

For over two decades, Shambhala Music Festival has flourished as an event that celebrates music, art, and inclusivity on the banks of the Salmo River near Nelson, British Columbia. This sprawling 500-acre festival is corporate-free, and without a doubt, the environment this event fosters is one of wild, welcoming, and wonderful experiences. Over its lifetime, Shambhala has become one of the most admired, respected, and loved events for electronic music enthusiasts.

The family-run Salmo River Ranch is completely transformed from an off-grid farm to a Shambhalove community for five days every August. The family, volunteers, and event staff spend countless hours creating a haven for attendees to dance their hearts out while ensuring the land and wildlife remains intact and healthy for continued use after the event. Without a doubt, this festival doesn’t mess around when it comes to eco-ethos!

The six stages of Shambhala 2019 are each curated by a separate Stage Director. This creative freedom and responsibility allows Directors to put their heart and soul into creating a world where electronic music can be celebrated. Each stage has its own vibe with impressive decor, lighting, sound, and distinct line-ups so you can find your home for the weekend or bounce around amongst the different stages.

Shambhala 2019 is a corporation-free-zone, which remarkably allows the organisers to include whichever performers and vendors they like without being “watered down” by corporate pressure. This means you can expect high-quality farm-to-table food, craft beverages, hand-crafted goods and accessories and clean, fresh mountain water at absolutely no cost! This is basically unheard of at most other festivals, thus demonstrating how Shambhala truly sets itself apart from the rest.

How to get to Shambhala

Shambhala is located in a very remote part of the West Kootenay mountains and is situated around 30 minutes from Nelson, British Columbia. It is recommended you arrive by car or RV although there are also bus shuttle services available from Vancouver, Kelowna, Calgary and Spokane.

When arriving, there is free parking available in a parking lot on the edge of the ranch and a free shuttle service into the festival. It is recommended that you bring a cart or trolley for transferring your luggage into the festival.

If you are arriving from the US, don’t forget to bring your passport and have any relevant travel insurance ready for crossing the border!

More information can be found on https://shambhalamusicfestival.com/

Where to stay for Shambhala Music Festival

There are a number of camping options available on-site at Shambhala, from general camping (included in the festival ticket) to glamping upgrades and RV hook-ups. If you are only visiting Shambhala for one day of the festival, you may want to choose accommodation in Nelson or around the area.

Things to do at Shambhala 2019

Shambhala hosts a whole range of events across the weekend aside from the music lineup. From yoga and art workshops to costume days, parades and spirit animal searching there is something fun and fantastical for everyone!