There is no festival in the world like Shambhala Music Festival , and I say that with complete confidence. In its eighteenth year, this event has become a leading light in the global festival landscape. It’s become notorious for creating and fostering experiences so profound, that sometimes you question whether it’s actually real life or just a dream.

Rooted in a community based, anti-establishment attitude, the organizers of Shambhala bypassed the corporate route and built the event from the ground up, making the four-day festival more like a utopian community more than any other festival that claims that ideal.

So why make the trek to the Salmo River Ranch in beautiful British Columbia, Canada? Here are our 11 reasons why Shambhala should be on your festival bucket list, in no specific order.

The Weirdness Factor

Shambhala really allows you to embrace your inner weirdness and shake out the day-to-day. It’s the canvas for everything strange and wonderful. It’s like a template for you to access your inner child. No costume is too outrageous, no dance move too awkward. It’s a beautiful thing. This festival encourages and embraces individuality – zero pretentiousness allowed. Leave your inhibitions at the door; it’s time to let your freak flag fly.

The Porta-Potties

I think I could write an entire book on the porta-potties at Shambhala. There is something to be said about sitting down on the john and being entertained for minutes on end by the hilarious poems, facts, jokes, statements, questions and drawings in the toilets at Shambhala. Nothing says a good time like laughing by yourself while you pee – but then again, no one is judging. I recommend visiting a different toilet every time for maximum hilarity. You will not be disappointed. If you’re feeling inspired, bring your own marker and get creative.

Float On

Rarely can you post up in a lawn chair or float down a river while hanging out stageside at a festival. Cooling down during the heat of the day and washing off last night’s party is a very welcomed experience. The Salmo River flows right on the edge of the festival grounds, and is a fabulous place to explore during the day and take five for yourself. If you’re up for an adventure, make sure to find the ‘Shambha-log’ and go cannonball off of it.

Production

The six stages at Shambhala are truly next level, and are complete works of art in their own right. Most of the time, it feels like you are on a movie set than at a festival. Each stage (The Amphitheatre, Pagoda, The Grove, Village, Living Room and Fractal Forest) are individually managed, allowing them have their own vibe and design.

Take time to explore each stage in its entirety, because you never know what you will find. Our favourite surprise this year was stumbling upon the bedazzled mini golf course on top of the Village Stage. This festival is all about the little things and maximizing each festival-goers experience.

Fractal Forest, Monday Morning

Whether you are keeping it going from the night before, or are just waking up, you need to head on into the Fractal Forest to shut down the festival. It’s almost like a right of passage to experience the ender of all enders. Here’s some advice: Get ready to get loose. Bring your morning coffee and pancakes and shake your tail feather!

Corporation Free

Shambhala is a family-run organization and has avoided corporate involvement from the beginning. You’ll find no Berkshire-Hathaway Tent or Fireball Dome here, just pure, good vibes.

The Gardens

Make sure to take a stroll through the gardens of Shambhala. Adorned with massive sunflowers and an array of plants, the gardens are like little mini oases dotting the festival grounds. The gardens also grow heaps of organic food that are used to feed staff, volunteers and attendees throughout the event. It’s a nice touch to have some of your food homegrown!

Go Get Lost

The festival grounds are massive and it is definitely recommended to explore them in their entirety. Walking through the forest and finding hammocks to lounge in, little gnomes to paint (yes, we did find painting supplies in the woods to paint gnomes with), interactive art installations, mannequins, balloons, Monopoly, and quite possibly your new best friend...all can be found while you adventure through the grounds.

Meat!

If you’re a carnivore make sure to sink your teeth into one of the famous Shambha burgers. Not only are they delicious, but the beef is raised humanely right on the farm.

The Music!

Shambhala books the best in electronic talent on the planet, from the biggest names in music to the amazing obscure acts from the farther reaches of the globe. The talent buyers (who double as the stage managers), truly do an amazing job at building a lineup that would make your mom proud. This year, acts like Skrillex, Pretty Lights, GRiZ and Big Gigantic headlined.

Sustainability in Permanence

Shambhala isn’t one of those festivals that gets built like a scaffolded monster and then taken down just as fast. Many of the structures on the ground are permanent, part of the landscape, and are sustainably maintained. This means that, year after year, Shambhala’s roots and history grows deeper into the soil.