June 2015: Best Holistic Festivals and Workshops in California


Reichian Therapy & Kundalini Yoga Intensive

June 5-7, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)
Harbin Hot Springs, Middletown, California

Come Alive to Your Sexuality and Joy of Life! Master Reichian therapists Michele T Newmark and Dr. Siri Gian Khalsa bring to you the work of Dr Wilhelm Reich in a Reichian therapy intensive, including Kundalini yoga.

Come for a potent weekend releasing and enlivening through breath and Kundalini yoga practices. Renew your presence of being and reignite your passion and vitality experiencing the breathing of Reichian therapy sessions. Many participants gain skills and practices, which greatly enhance their personal and their professional practices. Enjoy the beauty and healing of the Harbin waters.

Cost: $400




Learn How to Meditate: Techniques for Peace of Mind and Balanced Living

June 5 – 7, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)
The Expanding Light Retreat, Nevada City, California

Learn how to meditate for the first time, or learn how to meditate with more concentration and upliftment if you already meditate.

You will learn:
* An effective technique to help you concentrate
* How to sit comfortably so your body is not an obstacle to inner peace
* How to begin a daily practice of meditation
* Ways to experience the benefits of meditation throughout your day
* How to keep your meditation practice fulfilling so that you want to continue
* You will leave with the techniques and understanding you need to sustain a meditative practice.

Your weekend will include physical exercises to aid relaxation, and written lessons to help you get the best possible start on your meditation practice.

Cost: $238 - $558 (depending on accommodations type)



Bodyfest 2015

June 5 – 7, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)
Lupin Lodge, Santa Cruz Mountains, California

Expected to draw at least 150 people (there were over 100 in 2014), Bodyfest 2015 will be our biggest and most activity-packed nudist and naked-art event ever! It is the culmination of all the retreats, beach parties and performance events we have done to date. Explore your inner and outer self through music, art, dance, performances, games, and contests. Stay in one of the comfortable yurts, pitch a tent or just come for a day. Enjoy the hot tub, swimming pool, restaurant. Bring your friends! Make new friends! New to this? Come and try this safe, fun, non-sexual, way of exploring body-freedom. This is a participatory, high-energy event, so please be up to this if you attend.

Cost: $10 to $50 (event) + $25/day (admission)




Meditating with the Body

June 6-7, 2015 (Saturday – Sunday)
Church Divinity School of the Pacific
Parsons Hall (Dennistron Refectory)
2450 Le Conte Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94709

The longer you dwell in silence, the more you will hear your body’s intelligent wisdom. This unique retreat will introduce you to the practice of Meditating with the Body, developed by Dr. Reggie Ray in the tradition of the Dharma Ocean lineage. Through precise somatic protocols and awareness practices, you will learn to connect more deeply with the inherent wisdom of your body.

Meditating with the body helps us to experience our own warmth and kindness and meet others free of filters and habitual patterns. It also supports us to more fully appreciate the sacred world around us and within us. Deep engagement with one’s body wisdom is especially important in the helping professions where burn out, compassion fatigue and overwhelm can impede our relationship with ourselves.

Suitable for beginners and long-term meditators, this retreat will feature somatic practices that include sitting, walking, lying down, and longer periods of silence and self-contemplation. Dharma talks and short group discussions will also enhance this supportive practice environment, which will provide a chance to unplug from the daily stressors while being held within a safe community.

Cost: Early Enrollment: $325 by May 1, 2015; Standard Enrollment: $390




Country Summer

Date: June 5-7, 2015 @ 1:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily

Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds
1350 Bennett Valley Road
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Country Summer, Northern California's biggest country music festival features three epic days and 13 top country artists. Superstar headliners include Jake Owen on June 5, The Band Perry on June 6 and Brantley Gilbert on June 7. In addition to the headliners, the June 5 lineup includes Gary Allan, Chris Young and Parmalee; June 6 includes Lee Brice, Jerrod Niemann, Frankie Ballard and The Swon Brothers; and June 7 includes Trace Adkins, Easton Corbin and Cassadee Pope.

While performances by country music artists are the main attraction, great festivals are more than great music. Country Summer is a destination country celebration with Western-themed attractions, an expanded 2015 Food Court with country-inspired delights and an array of libations from Bud Light for beer drinkers to a wide selection of wine and spirits to please every palate.

Cost: Daily tickets start from $69 for general admission, $99 for reserved seats. A limited number of discount three-day packages will be available.




Pacific Islander Festival

June 6-7, 2015 (Saturday – Sunday)
Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, California

Discover the rich and diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands through traditional craft demonstrations, ethnic cuisine, educational programs, and an ocean of entertainment, including music and dance performances. Watch hula, listen to Tahitian drumming, try out ancient Hawaiian games, enjoy island cuisine, and admire artisans as they create traditional weavings. The twelfth annual Pacific Islander Festival will feature various cultures, including Hawaiian, Marshallese, Chamoru, Tahitian, Samoan, Tokelauan, Tongan, and Maori.

Cost: $30




Usui Reiki 1&2

June 6-7, 2015 (Saturday – Sunday)
Cranial Sacral Therapy Center, San Jose, California

Reiki I and II are taught together during a weekend intensive. Both attunements are given. All the information and techniques are covered including:
* The Reiki hand positions.
* Giving a complete Reiki treatment for self and others.
* Holy Love and Heavenly Banquet Meditation - Holy Fire Meditation experiences
* Japanese Reiki Techniques, as taught by Dr. Usui including Gassho meditation, Reiji-ho - developing your intuition, Byosen Scanning - detecting where Reiki is needed, Gyoshi ho - sending Reiki with the eyes, Koki ho - using the breath to send Reiki, Kenyoku - dry bathing or clearing ones energy field
* Using Reiki for specific conditions.
* The Reiki II symbols, how to use them with practice time.
* Using Reiki to heal unwanted habits, and wanted goals
* Distant healing.

Cost: $350




DjangoFest Mill Valley

June 11-14, 2015 (Thursday – Sunday)
142 Throckmorton Theatre, Mill Valley, California

Celebrating its 10-th year in this truly incredible venue, the 142 Throckmorton Theatre, DjangoFest Mill Valley, is once again bringing the music and spirit of the great French/Belgian Gypsy guitarist, Django Reinhardt, to our many loyal fans.   We have a tremendous lineup this year, with three nights of concerts and two days of workshops all set in the beautiful Redwoods of Northern California.

Cost: TBD




The Goddess Weekend: Ignite The Wild, Wise & Divine You

June 12-14, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)
Harbin Hot Springs, Middletown, California

Celebrate being a Multi-Ecstatic Woman! In the maze of to-do-lists, obligations, have-to’s, must’s, should have’s and want to’s, it is easy to forget who we really are, and that life can be an ecstatic experience, regardless of our activities. This Ecstatic Living weekend for women is about reigniting that part of ourselves that is wild, wise and divine. Together as a sacred circle we weave together a magical blend of sharing, ritual, laughter, exploring, movement, healing, playing, meditating, honoring, opening, connecting and doing nothing. The experience of this weekend will help us to improve our daily life – with ourselves, and with those we love.

Women ONLY!

Cost: $465



Exploring Fantasy

When
Friday, June 12, 2015 @ 7:30-10pm

Where
Rudramandir
830 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94710
Ghazal Room

Do you ever find yourself creating hot, sexy scenes in your mind? But feel that you could never reveal these to your partner or anyone else? It is unfortunate that there is so much shame around the fantasies we have.

Because fantasies are usually secrets that we do not share, it can be vulnerable to share these with our partner and others. But it is the very action of vulnerable sharing that deepens our intimacy with our partner.

Fantasies can be a great way not only spice to up our erotic connection, but to deepen our connection with our partner.

In Exploring Fantasies we will create a safe container in which we can overcome this taboo. We will celebrate each other, each other’s fantasies, learn what our fantasies fulfill for us, and notice how much we GET TURNED ON!

Cost: $70 per Couple; $100 per Couple after June 1

Attendees must come with a partner.



Ecstatic Festival

June 12-14, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)
Pinecrest, California

Join us for a 3-day gathering in beautiful and stunning Stanislaus National Forest where we will come together to deeply connect with one another.
When we gather together with the willingness to connect more deeply and authentically, a magical world of love, harmony, satisfaction and joy becomes available to us. Your voice, heart, and spirit are needed.

Ecstatic is 3 full days focused on heart-opening communication, embodied spirituality, and blissful connection. Well-known facilitators, practitioners and speakers will present 50+ workshops including Contact Improv, Ecstatic Dance, Authentic Relating, Compassionate Communication, Tantra, OMing, massage, yoga, and more! We will also have inspiring musical performances to keep us moving as we celebrate life in an epic picturesque location!

Enjoy 50+ workshops and events across 6 Activity areas:
* Ecstatic Ballroom - Elevate your spirit with music and dance, build intimacy through genuine communication, heal past wounds and deeply connect with one another.
* Spirit cove - Dive deep into the inner realms of yourself. Meditation, self-reflection, breathwork and healing are found here.
* Touch temple - Explore the magic of human touch. Experience the ebb and flow of energy as it moves through us and between us.
* Move grove - Shake your body in delight and awaken your soul. Experience different modalities of movement and share your happiness with the world.
* Sacred fire theater - Let the divine sounds and words nourish your being as you receive beautiful love offerings from our sacred performers.
* Noa's Oasis - Chill yourself in the sparkling blue waters during the day. Create special moments with friends in the warm tub at night.

Cost: $350 (Includes one bed in a shared tent cabin, plus all meals, and access to all workshops and events).




Hold Me Tight Workshop for Couples

June 12-14, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)
Esalen, Big Sur, California

Do you want to feel more accepted by your partner and have less conflict in your relationship? Would you like to feel like your partner is more accessible, responsive and engaged with you? Is it time to improve your relationship and learn how to communicate in new ways that promote better understanding and closeness?

At our Hold Me Tight Workshop, you will learn and experience how to:
* Affirm strengths in your relationship
* Address negative interaction patterns
* Understand more clearly each other’s emotions
* Recognize underlying reasons for your conflicts
* Learn how to repair and forgive
* Enhance your emotional and physical closeness
* Improve your communication
* Be more accessible, responsive and emotionally engaged with each other (A.R.E.)

Hold Me Tight Workshop is based upon Attachment Theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples to create supportive, safe, practical, and positive environment for the relationship improvement framework.

Cost: $405.00 – $1,750.00 (based on accommodation type)



Once Upon a Festival

June 12-15, 2015 (Friday – Monday)
Lake Ladoga, California

Last summer saw a cosmic collaboration between some our favorite festivals and theme camps. Together we traveled to ForeverEverland, we danced on floating stages, we rallied around a pirate ship and shared sunrises over the lake. This year, we are called to return under a new banner. This year, together again, we will collectively write our own Faerie Tale, a tale beginning Once Upon a Festival… a massive collaboration featuring Envision, Lucidity, Enchanted Forest, Antennae Presents, Raindance, Sacred Spaces, Emmersion, Hookahdome, and many more characters and creators. We invite YOU! to co-create this epic new chapter with us. Let us begin Once Upon a Festival…

Cost: $200 / 3-day pass



NCDC Summer Dance Camp

June 12-21, 2015 (Friday – Sunday) or shorter stay
Camp Hye Sierra, near Kings Canyon, California

At Summer Dance Camp you are invited to dance, play, celebrate and grow as we co-create a dance village for eleven days in the southern Sierras, with daytime classes in a wide range of movement modalities as well as music and art, and all kinds of great evening events. Relax, sun yourself by the lake, go for a swim or a canoe ride, play Frisbee or volleyball, make new friends and talk with old ones - there is a wide range of experiences available to newcomers and returning campers alike.

Cost: 3 nights - $450; 6 nights - $900 ; full camp - $1350, work exchange program is available



Loving Kindness

Saturday, June 13, 2015 @ 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
Foothills Congregational Church, Los Altos, California

Loving kindness (metta) describes a feeling of warmth and acceptance towards oneself and others. Cultivating loving kindness creates a profoundly generous state of mind in which the self disappears. As divisions between self and others dissolve, the experience of non-conflict can put an end to grudges and patterns of anger, resentment, fear, and suffering. As both a basis for happiness and a platform for insight, loving kindness can be understood as a means and also as a goal on the meditative path.

The teachings in this daylong program will include a detailed study and analysis of the metta sutta in the context of meditation. There will be sitting and walking meditation, guided meditations, and instructions for developing loving kindness. It is appropriate for new and experienced meditators.

Everyone is welcome. Chairs are provided. Bring a cushion and mat if you prefer to sit on the floor. The floor is not carpeted.

Cost: Donations



Berkeley World Music Festival

Saturday, June 13, 2015 @ Noon - 9 pm
Berkeley, California

Join us to celebrate Bay Area's multi-cultural tapestry in song, dance and craft. Talented musicians have prepared a wonderful party. Adding to the festivities are the local folks running colorful community and artisan booths.

Upon arrival pick up a map & schedule at the info booth along Telegraph Ave., at Haste St near UC Berkeley.

A wonderful mix of outdoor & intimate performances in or in front of Telegraph Ave cafes to Amoeba Music’s acclaimed concert in People’s Park with village arts ‘n activities await you.

Cost: Free



Heal Your Pain Body and Supercharge Your Pleasure Body

Saturday, June 13, 2015
Montara, CA

Come to a full day of diving into feminine mysteries.  With movement, dance, mediations and expereintials we will journey into our deepest selves in the safe space with Sisterhood. 

In this workshop, we will explore:
* The relationship between Pain and Pleasure
* Contraction and Expansion
* Support, Strength of Sisterhood
* Gentle yoga for opening and awakening our pelvic floor
* Yoni Mapping
* Self-Massage
* Exercises for Vitality and Health
* Connecting the Heart and Yoni
* Grief Ritual
* Primal, Sacred, Activated
* Awakening and Energizing the Sensual Body
... and more

This workshop will be held in beautiful Montara.  Enjoy a walk on the beach or a sunset stroll to complete the day.  Please bring a lunch to the event. Teas and Waters will be provided.

Cost: $100 (before June 13) - $120





Sierra Nevada World Music Festival

June 19-21, 2015 (Friday - Sunday)
Mendocino County Fairgrounds, California

The Sierra Nevada world music festival promotes "conscious" music. Conscious music is music with a message of peace, unity and brotherhood, which transcends the divisions of race and culture.

Cost: $145





Letting Go 5Rhythms and Release Yoga

June 19-21, 2015 (Friday - Sunday)
Harbin Hot Springs, Middletown, California

Come to dance, to stretch, to soak, to connect. And come to deep body dive, explore those incredibly unique shapes of holding and the way these familiar shapes express and repeat. Experience and witness patterns melt and transform into the brand new, the unimagined, the unexpected. Three days of woven magic: 5Rhythms dance, roller and ball release, yin, fluid stretch.

And, of course, rejuvenation time off the grid, restoring in the elemental medicine of Harbin. Begins with registration Friday 11am, ends with closing group dinner Sunday 5pm. Includes 6 catered meals, camping or Conference Center sleeping bag space, unlimited use of all Harbin facilities.

Cost: $400


Summer Solstice Yoga & Wine Tasting Retreat

June 19-21, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)
Wildwood Retreat Center, Sonoma County, California

Join us for the Summer Solstice weekend to celebrate the longest day of the year and the stillness of the sun. The word solstice is derived from Latin words sol = sun, and stice = to stand still.

Energize and nourish your mind, body and soul and embrace some well-deserved time away from your busy life, with nature, movement and rejuvenation.

Highlights:
* 4 yoga classes
* 'Discover Your Purpose' workshop
​* 2 nights accommodation
* 6 nourishing meals (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free options available)
* 2 evenings of wine tasting
* Summer solstice ritual and evening drum circle
* Outdoor pool and hot tub
* Scenic hiking trails and surrounding nature
* Free time to explore, relax and soak in the pool and hot tub!
* Additional services: massage or Reiki sessions can be booked during your free time for additional cost.

Cost: $495-$995 (based on accommodations)

Women ONLY!



Fountain Blues Festival

Saturday, June 20, 2015
St. James Park
Intersection of First St. and St. John Street,
San Jose, CA

World-class line up of blues artists, non-stop music, food, drinks, vendor fair and fun in the shaded St. James Park in downtown San Jose.

Cost: $15




Cannabis Cup

June 20-21, 2015 (Saturday – Sunday)
Cow Palace, Daly City, CA

Two-day trade show/EXPO incorporating vendor booths in a main building with an extended outdoor component for additional vendor booths.

Inside booths range from glassware and clothing to grow equipment and artwork. Inside also features three seminars per day either in a sectioned off area off the main floor or in a private "theater" like setting. The seminar topics include legalization regulations featuring California experts, current political issues, grow seminars with HIGH TIMES editors as well as a cooking seminar from our own Cannabis Cookbook author.

The outdoor component is typically a fenced off area with privacy screening, not visible to the public. Medicating (smoking) is allowed in this area for those with a valid medical card and a picture ID (for medical states). Visitors are wrist banded for entry. No selling or distributing of cannabis is allowed.

There is Saturday night entertainment typically starting @ 8PM and lasting till @ 11PM.

Cost: $113 VIP package / 2 days



The Bounce Festival

June 20-24, 2014 (Saturday – Wednesday)
Twain, California (Northern California)

The Bounce Festival combines premiere electronic and live music, progressive interactive art from established and emerging artists, high-end production and incredible sound, magnificent natural surroundings, AND YOU!

The Bounce strives to host an exceptional gathering that nurtures our existing family of fans, embraces newcomers, and exposes our intimate audience to high-end production, young talent and internationally recognized innovative music. Additionally, The Bounce aims to continuously evolve with the common purpose of creating an environment open to developing transformational and powerful social networks through art, music, culture, wellness and philanthropy, while simultaneously providing opportunities for emerging talented community members.

Cost: $160/person + $60/car entry (optional)

Watsu 1

June 22-27, 2015
Sierra Hot Springs, Sierraville, California

Please join us for this wonderful opportunity to study Watsu in a beautiful setting, Sierra Hot Springs, Sierraville, CA with world-renowned Watsu teachers Harold Dull and Davida Taurek.

The class is quite unique, because you are getting the training from the Watsu inventor and developer, accompanied by his lovely spouse.

This training session is for beginners.

Cost: $1,075




Silent Meditation Retreat

June 25-28, 2015 (Thursday – Sunday)
Pleasant Valley Sanctuary, North San Juan, California (Northern California)

Yoga masters describe God as ever-existing bliss consciousness. Silence is the altar upon which we develop our communion with that Bliss. Keeping silence is an acknowledgement that nothing that we think or express can adequately express the Truth. Silence helps us to see ourselves more clearly, to see the course of our thoughts and the currents of our hearts. Together with the techniques of Raja yoga, we have a powerful opportunity to use the energy of our bodies, our breath, our will and our concentration to work our way back to our True Nature.

Silent retreat attendees will receive basic instruction in meditation to explore throughout the retreat, as well as access to structured group meditations, which are encouraged but not mandatory. Yoga postures are led each morning.

Cost: Private Cabin (single guest): $110; Private Cabin (couple): $160; Tent: $50




Kate Wolf Music Festival

June 25-28, 2015 (Thursday – Sunday)
Black Oak Ranch, Laytonville, California

The annual Kate Wolf Music Festival is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a great weekend with friends, family and lovers of fabulous music. Black Oak Ranch, the Mendocino home to the Hog Farm and Camp Winnarainbow-a circus camp for kids, is three hours north of San Fancisco and two hours south of Arcata. 

Cost: Full Festival (4 Day): $320. Three Day (Fri. - Sun.) $260. Two Day (Fri. – Sat.) $240. One day ticket $120.




Burning Tango

June 26-28, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)
McCloud, California

Located in McCloud, a quaint historic village on the south slope of majestic Mt. Shasta. Bypassed by time and blessed with a 5,000 sq.ft. maple floor (Air Conditioned Hall with Hardwood Floor on Wood Foundation), the site is peacefully quiet with starry nights and spectacular scenic beauty. Enjoy our spacious dining room, pure mountain air and pristine spring water. You will be charmed!

Non-stop tango (classes and milongas).

Cost: $76 Leader's; Follow’s already sold out; $152 Couple -one Lead & one Follow




Love is a Miracle, Level 1

June 26-28, 2015 (Friday – Sunday)
Harbin Hot Springs, Middletown, California

Level 1: Love is a Miracle is a residential weekend workshop for anyone interested in having more love and intimacy in your life. Communication and connection are keys to love, intimacy and sexuality. Imagine being safely and gently guided to connect deeply and profoundly, first with yourself, and then—as you choose—with others, in an honest, supportive, and open-hearted environment.

Join us for this fabulous personal growth experience, where you will be invited to:
* Remove blocks to intimacy, expanding your ability to give and receive love
* Be your authentic self and create the life you’ve always wanted
* Improve your body image and your self-esteem
* Make the right relationship choices for you
* Ask for what you want in your relationships
* Increase the depth and intimacy in all your relationships
* Embrace your sexuality as a special—and sacred—part of your life

Cost: $545




California Witchcamp 2015

June 28 – July 5, 2015 (Sunday – Sunday)
Mendocino Woodlands, California

Share in a week of Reclaiming style, earth based spirituality and magic. Come and study magic and ritual in a week long Intensive. Witchcamp is offered to all genders at all levels of experience. Newcomers can learn the basic skills of magic and ritual, working with the elements, movement, sound and the mythological and historical framework of the Goddess Tradition.

Advanced classes offer the chance to apply the tools of ritual to personal healing and empowerment, or a focus on taking the Craft out into the world, creating public ritual, ongoing groups, and healing issues surrounding leadership and power. This event is a deeply moving, life changing week and a constant experiment in temporary village life. We will also look at ways of bringing this work and inspiration into our everyday lives, creating powerful, joyful times.

Cost: Varies