Fresh Start Festival 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Kicking Off the New Year in SF!

 

January 1st. For many, it's a day of recovery, quiet reflection, and perhaps a vague sense of dread about unkempt resolutions. But for those in the know, January 1, 2026, promises something entirely different: a vibrant, inspiring, and utterly unique way to embrace the new year at San Francisco's inaugural Fresh Start Festival at The Midway!

While we're still a bit out from the big day, the buzz is already building. We’ve managed to pull together an early "review" – or rather, a comprehensive preview – of what promises to be one of the most exciting New Year's Day events San Francisco has seen.

 

What is the Fresh Start Festival 2026?

 

Imagine shaking off the remnants of New Year's Eve with an explosion of positive energy, creativity, and connection. The Fresh Start Festival isn't just another post-holiday party; it's designed as an immersive experience to inspire renewal, celebrate community, and set empowering intentions for the year ahead. Think music, art, wellness, and delicious food, all wrapped up in an unforgettable atmosphere.

 

Who is it For?

 

This is not your average rave, nor is it a sedate meditation retreat. The Fresh Start Festival is designed for:

• The Resolution Setters: Those genuinely looking to kick off their goals with positive momentum.
• The Culture Seekers: Art lovers, music enthusiasts (especially electronic and indie genres), and anyone who appreciates innovative experiences.
• The Foodies & Wellness Enthusiasts: Expect a curated selection of healthy (and some indulgent) culinary delights, alongside wellness workshops.
• The Curious & Open-Minded: If you're tired of the usual New Year's Day routine and want something inspiring, this is for you.
• The Social Butterflies: A fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded people in a celebratory, yet mindful, environment.
• Families (with older kids/teens): While predominantly geared towards adults, daytime elements might appeal to mature teens interested in art and music. Check specific programming for age restrictions.

 

If your idea of January 1st is more about creating than recovering, you're in the right place.

 

Where is it Happening? The Midway, San Francisco

 

Location: 2729 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107 Vibe: The Midway is the perfect canvas for such an event. Known for its industrial-chic aesthetic, vast multi-stage warehouse spaces, outdoor patio, and state-of-the-art sound and visual systems, it's a hub for art, music, and culinary experiences in the Dogpatch/Bayview district. Its versatile layout allows for diverse programming, from pulsating dance floors to serene workshop spaces and bustling food courts. Expect a vibrant, urban feel with plenty of room to explore.

 

When is the Fresh Start Festival?

 

Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2026 Time: Anticipate a full day of programming, likely starting from mid-afternoon (e.g., 1:00 PM) and extending into the evening (e.g., 10:00 PM). This allows for a leisurely start to the day after New Year's Eve and provides ample time to enjoy all the festival has to offer without feeling rushed.

 

What to Expect: Program & Anticipated Vibe

 

While the full program is under wraps, based on the festival's name and location, here’s what we’re predicting:

• Diverse Musical Lineup: The Midway is a premier venue for electronic music, so anticipate some top-tier DJs and live electronic acts across multiple stages. But with "Fresh Start" in the name, we also expect a broader range, perhaps including indie bands, ambient sets, or even acoustic performances designed for reflection.
• Immersive Art Installations: The Midway is synonymous with stunning visual art. Expect interactive light displays, projection mapping, and large-scale art pieces that foster wonder and photographic moments.
• Wellness & Mindfulness Hub: This is where the "Fresh Start" truly shines. Imagine pop-up yoga sessions, guided meditations, sound baths, goal-setting workshops, and perhaps even motivational speakers.
• Culinary Journey: San Francisco's food scene is legendary, and the festival will certainly tap into it. Look for a curated selection of gourmet food trucks and local vendors offering everything from healthy, nourishing bowls to delicious comfort food, artisanal coffees, fresh juices, and craft cocktails.
• Community & Connection: The overall vibe will be one of positivity, inspiration, and shared experience. It’s a chance to connect with others who are also looking to make 2026 their best year yet. Less about letting loose completely (that was NYE!), and more about intentional celebration.

 

2026 Artist Lineup

·         John Summit

·         Purple Disco Machine

·         Layton Giordani

·         Roddy Lim

·         And… more….

 

Anticipated Costs & Ticketing

 

As with any major SF event, we recommend budgeting accordingly and purchasing tickets early!

• General Admission (GA):
• Tier 3:  $135-as the event approaches.
• Last Minute/Door: $155
• VIP Tickets: Often include perks like expedited entry, access to exclusive viewing areas, private bars, and upgraded restrooms. $255
• Food & Drink: These will be extra. Budget $50-$100+ for a full day's worth of delicious exploration.
• Transportation: Factor in rideshares, public transport, or parking costs.

 

Pro Tip: Sign up for The Midway's mailing list and keep an eye on festival announcement channels. Early Bird tickets are always the best deal!

 

Website: https://freshstartsf.com/

Body, Soul & Sound - Mini Retreat

 

November 15, 2025 from 9:30am to 12pm PST

 

Healing Hands Reiki

19500 Monterey Rd

Suite D Morgan Hill, CA 95037

 

On November 15th, a mini-retreat to reconnect with the body through gentle movements, awaken your soul with a kundalini meditation, and learn about auras, and chill out at the end with sound healing to help restore balance.

 

9:30am- 10:00am (30 Mins - Body/Group Fitness Exercises): Start your day with a rejuvenating session led by Tiffeny from Body Harmony Fitness.

 

You’ll begin with gentle stretches to open up the body, followed by light, energizing movements to awaken your senses and set a positive tone for the day.

 

Take this time to reconnect, breathe deeply, and move with intention. Leave feeling refreshed, balanced, and ready to take on whatever comes next.

 

10:00am - 10:45am (45 Mins - Soul/Connect to Your Angels): Learn more about the angels and, through a guided meditation, learn which angels are around you.

Intuitive Teacher, Jennifer Loesch

 

Jennifer, owner of Healing Hands Reiki, LLC, is a Reiki Master and intuitive energy healer with a background in Psychology, Coaching, and Reiki. With seven years of experience, she combines energy reading, clairvoyance, and mindfulness to offer a uniquely transformative healing experience to help raise her clients vibrational levels.

 

10:45am - 11:00am - Break

 

11:00am - 12:00pm, (60 Mins - Sound Bath): Experience a deeply restorative Full Immersion Sound Bath led by Sandi, our resident sound healer. Using her integrative sound healing approach, Sandi will guide you into a state of deep relaxation, emotional harmony, and inner peace as you rest comfortably, fully surrounded by healing vibrations.

 

During this session, she weaves together a serene soundscape of singing bowls, gongs, flute, chimes, and other therapeutic instruments, enveloping you in soothing waves of sound that gently resonate through your entire being.

Gateways: A 5Rhythms Movement & Mindfulness Retreat

 

Dec 29, 2025 – Jan 2, 2026

 

Esalen Institute

55000 Highway 1

Big Sur, CA 93920

 

Come to dance and be danced! Move until you are moved. Dance until the dancer disappears and only the dance remains.—Gabrielle Roth

 

The gateway of the body is a powerful vessel that allows us to move and be moved. Together, we will dance into and through the gateway of the new year, crossing the thresholds of past, present, and future. We will honor the darkness of this season while igniting the light of prayer and hope for the future, dancing out of distraction and into the focused space of collective movement medicine.

 

If we have the courage to move the body, the heart and mind can follow. Come open the gateway of your body by unlocking presence and potential. Come see what is waiting for you on the other side. The 5Rhythms®, a moving meditation practice, teaches us skills and tools to use in our everyday lives that help us facilitate the union of presence-based awareness. The rhythms — Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical, and Stillness — allow us to explore the true nature of who we are and how our energy moves in this world.

 

Seated meditation allows the space for quiet integration of the nervous system. In the 5Rhythms, we engage in mindfulness while in motion as a pathway to externalize energy. The two polarities of moving and sitting meditation together mirror the dance of life and open the door to cultivate peace, well-being, and balance.

 

Join us as we dance into the new year! No experience is required. All workshop hours contribute to 5Rhythms teacher training prerequisites.

 

This workshop includes optional sessions with Guest Artist Martha Peabody focused on the investigation of the 5Rhythms Visual Practice for personal and community ritual.This workshop includes optional sessions with Guest Artist Martha Peabody and Maya Jaguar.

 

Join Martha for special sessions focused on the investigation of the 5Rhythms Visual Practice for personal and community ritual.

 

Join Maya on the sacred threshold of the new year for a soul-stirring ritual honoring Yemayá, the Yoruba Goddess of the Ocean, mother of creation, and guardian of transformation. Rooted in Afro-Brazilian tradition and adapted with care for a diverse and inclusive community, this two-hour ceremony invites you to release what no longer serves and call in the tides of renewal.

 

NYE ceremony as part of the retreat experience — often a gentle, ritualized closing/opening for participants.


The venue — Esalen Institute (Big Sur)

 

Setting: Dramatic coastal cliffs, hot springs, gardens, and an emphasis on contemplative retreat. The location contributes strongly to the overall experience (walking the grounds, soaking in the baths).

Jacey

 

On-campus logistics: Esalen offers shared and private lodging options, communal meals, and workshop/timing structures; workshops there often run as multi-day residential experiences. Expect simple, retreat-style accommodations and included meals for residents.

 

Website: https://www.esalen.org/workshops/gateways-a-5rhythms-r-movement-and-mindfulness-retreat-12292025

Sebastopol Bloom Fest 2025

 

October 24–26, 2025

 

Downtown, Depot Street

Sebastopol, CA

 

Sebastopol Bloom Fest is planned for October 24–26, 2025 in Sebastopol, California. It’s marketed as a “vibrant celebration of food, movement, music, and community,” combining farm-to-table culture, wellness, art, dance, music, and more.

The festival is presented as “Profits with a Purpose” — net proceeds are earmarked for development and support of downtown green spaces in Sebastopol, including improvements to a temporary community park/event space connected to the future site of Hotel Sebastopol.

It’s being co-branded with Bhakti Fest (or at least featuring a Bhakti Fest zone). So, expect devotional music, kirtan, sound healing, etc., woven into the broader festival lineup.

 

Lineup, Activities & Features

• Musical Acts & Stages: The festival will feature a mix of conscious music, contemporary acts, and devotional music (Bhakti). Acts like Poranguí, Ayla Nereo, Scott Nice, Mamuse, Dogon Lights, DJ Drez & Marti Nikko, Jai Dev, and more are announced.
• The festival brand calls for 5 unique musical stages.
• Workshops, Yoga, Dance, Wellness: Daily yoga, movement classes, healing & wellness workshops are part of the programming.
• Art, Film, Performances: Expect art installations, performances, film showings, and community art features.
• Vendors / Makers / Food: Local artisans, food & drink (local wine, elixirs, etc.), marketplace of makers.
• Glamping & Stays: There is mention of exploring “unique glamping and home stays” as lodging options.
• Community Involvement: Skill sharing, community service projects, etc.

 

Website: https://www.sebastopolbloom.com/

SoCo PaganFest 2025

 

Saturday, October 4, 2025, 11 am–4 pm

 

Miss Daisy’s Wonderland

790 Hurlbut Ave.

Sebastopol, CA

 

SoCo PaganFest is a family-friendly pagan festival of love and light, encouraging the beauty of Magick, featuring music, drumming, ritual, workshops, vendors, and farm-to-table food.

 

Admission is either free with a donation of non-expired dry or canned food, or a $10 ticket. Profits go to Miss Daisy’s Wonderland.

 

https://www.facebook.com/events/718865747426879

Jazz Festival in the Vineyards 2025

 

Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 11am – 6pm

 

Wente Vineyards

5050 Arroyo Road,

Livermore, CA 94550, USA

 

Join us for a soulful day of music, wine, and vineyard views at Wente Family Vineyards’ Jazz Festival in the Vineyards.

Settle in on the concert lawn—bring your low-back chairs or blankets and claim your spot for an unforgettable afternoon.

Wente wines, beer, and cocktails will be available for purchase, along with catered concessions from 12PM–5PM to satisfy your lunch cravings.

 

Highlights:

• Enjoy smooth jazz, award-winning wines, and beautiful vineyard views.
• Performers:
• Roger Smith (12:00 PM – 12:45 PM)
• Paul Taylor (1:15 PM – 2:15 PM)
• Chris Standring with special guest Rebecca Jade & the Hip Sway Horns (2:45 PM – 4:00 PM)
• Ruben Studdard (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM)

·         General Admission: $65 (21 years and older only)

 

Additional Notes:

• No outside food or drinks allowed.
• Pets are not permitted.
• All tickets are non-refundable.

 

https://wentevineyards.com/events/jazz-festival-october-12/

 

Cosmic Creations Weekend Retreat

 

October 24 · 3pm - October 26 · 3pm PDT. Doors at 2pm

 

Starlit Canyon Anza, CA 92539

You're invited to Cosmic Creations, a soul-stirring weekend retreat where we'll come together to co-create magic under the stars. Hosted at the breathtaking Starlit Canyon, this is a chance to step away from the everyday and immerse yourself in a community dedicated to conscious connection and deep healing.

Come as you are and share your unique gifts as we cultivate a sacred space to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Throughout the weekend, you can participate in a variety of offerings, including:

• Yoga, Reiki & Kirtan
• Movement, Dance & Meditation
• Noble Silence

There will be plenty of time in between sessions for you to reflect, journal, take a nature walk, or simply connect with others.

This will be a conscious and sacred event, so we will be creating an alcohol-free space to allow for deeper connection and healing. Please bring your own food, water, and camping gear. A grill will be available for use, and there are porta-potties on site.

Remember to pack layers, as desert weather can change quickly from day to night. Get ready to play, create, and explore with us as we stargaze under the galaxy with other open-minded beings.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cosmic-creations-tickets-1712447710199

Autumn Equinox Earthdance at Lupin Lodge

 

September 19 · 9am - September 21 · 11:30pm PDT

 

Lupin Lodge

20600 Aldercroft Heights Road

Los Gatos, CA 95033

 

Celebrate the weekend with the ultimate glamping experience. Escape into nature- enjoy hiking trails, a pool, hot tub, sauna, and much more!

 

Lupin Lodge is proud to be a registered participant in Earthdance, the world’s largest synchronized music and dance event for peace. Held in alignment with the United Nations' International Day of Peace, Earthdance unites communities worldwide in a shared moment of intention and fundraising for meaningful causes. We’ll be joining with a synchronized global peace meditation during the event.

 

Proceeds from our community art show will support ACT for Mental Health, a San Jose nonprofit offering accessible wellness programs. Your participation helps fund their mission of healing through peer support, education, and counseling, making mental health care available to those who need it most.

 

Lupin Lodge is a family-friendly,100-acre clothing-optional campground where guests can dress—or undress—however they feel most comfortable. Everyone is welcome! Highlights include our pool and hot tub, sauna, tennis and volleyball courts, miles of hiking trails and, of course, the beautiful wildlife. Please note: nudity is required in the pool and hot tub area to support the naturist tradition.

 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/autumn-equinox-earthdance-at-lupin-lodge-tickets-1557956522899

Witches In the Woods - Yoga and Dance Retreat for Women

 

October 23-26, 2025

 

Spirit Camp Retreat Center

4640 Albion Little River Road

Little River, CA

 

This is a sacred gathering of sisterhood, nature, ritual, and creative expression. It offers a powerful blend of movement, meditation, and ceremony to awaken the wild within. Ideal for women who seek heart-led connection, embodied freedom, and the soulful embrace of a transformative experience.

 

Modalities Included In This Northern California Retreat

·         Yoga

·         Dance

·         Meditation

·         Creative Movement

·         Nature Play

·         Fire Ceremony

·         Witchery of All Sorts

 

Who the Retreat Is For

 

This immersive experience is designed for all who identify as female and feel called to embody their authentic selves through movement, ritual, and sisterhood. It is ideal for women seeking transformative growth, a deeper connection to nature, and a safe space to explore creative self-expression. Whether new to yoga and dance or experienced in these practices, attendees will find a nurturing environment that invites personal discovery and collective empowerment.

 

Retreat Description

 

Awaken the Wild Within

 

This retreat calls forth women who yearn to reconnect with their elemental nature and inner wisdom. Nestled among the majestic redwoods of Northern California, “Witches In The Woods” weaves together a tapestry of practices—Yoga, Dance, and Meditation—to guide participants into deeper alignment with their body, heart, and soul. Here, the forest becomes a living temple, offering solace, inspiration, and fertile ground for renewal.

 

Ritual, Sisterhood, and Soulful Expression

 

Guided by seasoned facilitators who blend somatic arts, intuitive movement, and ancient ceremonial traditions, this gathering invites participants to reclaim their power and step boldly into their own magic. Through Creative Movement sessions, Nature Play, and Group Sharing Circles, women are encouraged to show up fully as they are—vulnerable, curious, and open-hearted. Daily rituals, including a Fire Ceremony, stir the cauldron of personal transformation, illuminating old patterns and freeing the path toward authenticity.

 

Embodying the Witchy Essence

 

This experience nurtures a sacred space where women can honor the witch within—an archetype that symbolizes wisdom, liberation, and spiritual depth. Inspired by ancestral practices and guided by the elements, participants will engage with Witchery of All Sorts: breathwork, spellcraft, heart-centered movement, and intentional presence. Through these elemental journeys, they’ll learn to harness nature’s rhythms, cultivate self-trust, and invite greater alignment between their inner landscape and the world around them.

 

Nourishment, Play, and Connection

 

Each day unfolds with nourishing meals, thoughtfully prepared to support physical vitality and emotional well-being. Between structured sessions, participants are free to rest, reflect, or meander through the forest, soaking up its healing beauty. Evening gatherings may involve music, gentle rhythms of the drum, or silent contemplation under starry skies. Whether dancing barefoot on the forest floor or whispering intentions to the rising moon, every moment is designed to reaffirm life’s enchantments and remind attendees that they are not alone in their journey.

 

Website: https://www.spirit.camp/retreats/witches-in-the-woods-a-yoga-and-dance-retreat

 

Awaken as Love California Tantra Festival 2025

 

September 24–28, 2025

 

Beside Seqouia National Park, CA

 

The Awaken as Love California Tantra Festival 2025 will take place at a retreat center near Sequoia National Park, about 10 minutes from the park entrance and 20 minutes past Dunlap, California. It’s set on 160 acres in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, offering a scenic backdrop with a lake, forests, and sunny beaches for swimming. The venue includes four workshop spaces: Nirvana Cabana for intimate sessions, Halls of Heaven for large dance events, Nataraj (an outdoor pavilion), and Yogini Temple for yoga and meditation. Accommodation options include camping (bring your own gear, $600–$680 per person) or shared dorms with bunk beds ($660–$720 per person), with early entry available for an extra day to settle in. All tickets include organic vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and access to workshops, concerts, and ceremonies.

 

The festival promises a 5-day experience focused on creating intimacy with oneself, life, and relationships, featuring 50 workshops and 200 international attendees. It’s led by facilitators like James Stevenson, Monique Darling, Peter Petersen, and Lawrence Lanoff, emphasizing tantra, personal growth, and community. The event is inclusive, welcoming all relationship styles, orientations, and adults over 18, whether single or in couples. Activities include dance, yoga, breathwork, and healing sessions, with a focus on embodiment and transformation.

 

The festival is set in a traditional outdoors camp in the Sierra Nevada Mountains which gets converted into a sumptuous tantric space for dropping in deep and connecting to nature. Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks are just on its doors step and it’s just over 4 hours’ drive from either San Francisco or Los Angeles.

 

The festival camp comprises of 160 acres with an incredible back drop of nature, in September you can expect comfortable warm weather in the daytimes and beautiful cool evenings without the city lights where you can really see the stars. Its set beside lake with sunny beaches that’s suitable for swimming between workshops and the choice is either camping in your own tent or in bunk beds in the cabin dorms with heating and electricity, both having access to clean bathrooms with hot showers. Amazing organic vegetarian food is included in your ticket for the festival and this will be served 3 times a day in the dining hall with access to coffee and teas stations throughout the day.

 

Website: https://california-festival.com/festival/