Shambhala, in concise language, is a transformative music and art festival in the dense woods of Canada’s steep Rocky Mountains. 30 minutes outside Nelson, British Columbia on the banks of the Salamo River; this considerably massive event is held on a fully functioning, picturesque, 500 acre family farm. Over the past 23 years, for 6 days every summer, Shambhala has evolved into the largest town for 400 miles, with an estimated 15,000 people in attendance. Some festivals are a community; this is closer to a municipality.

In the height of the 90s rave scene, a young Jimmy Bundschuh approached his parents with an idea: throw a music festival on their family’s land – not just any run of the mill show, but a large curated festival that would attract some of the best musicians and artists to their little sanctuary in BC. Beginning in 1998, Jimmy and his family set off to capture the communal vibe that attracted them to music so much in the first place. This goal has now stretched over two decades, and has regular patrons from every corner of the world. The festival is run by the children of the land, Jimmy, Corrine, and Anna Bundschuh. Shambhala has never had any type of corporate sponsorship, and is rightfully proud to be completely self-sustained by the family farm and ticket sales. The team of visionaries go above and beyond to incorporate the local township into their dream. Donating regularly to local infrastructure, food banks, and local soup kitchens, their ethics and follow-through are a shining demonstration of community-centric mutual aid. There is even a performance hall at Selkirk College, in Nelson, BC that proudly wears the Shambhala name, espousing the indelible ties that the Bundschuh family has curated with their surrounding neighbors across the stretch of their grand experiment.

Shambhala has been a consistent epicenter for those looking for more than just a good time. Touting five independently curated stages with associated and thematic decorations, these impressive dance floor environments would be non-existent without the artist, volunteer, and musician contributions.The unique, one of a kind stages and sound systems have long been the core destinations inside the festival, for both music producers and music lovers. As a standing rule, the musicians are offered an open invitation to drop the pressures and expectations of modern industry and asked to play their best sets; performances that speak to their artistic dream and vision. All but one stage features full arrays of high quality PK Sound cabinets, with the Grove Stage featuring a full-service Funktion One system. This year, the AMP stage is packing a particular punch, featuring acts such as Amon Tobin, Truth, and many more to set your watch to.

Additionally, the Shambhala team have been unapologetically spearheading the use of cutting-edge harm reduction techniques, such as free substance testing, for many years. Ankors, the free drug testing facility, boasts a massive list of substance testing and accountability practices. Information on safer sex, partying, and harm reduction is avaliable at the onsite at the Option tent as part of Canada's largest non-profit provider of sexual health services. These safe, non judgemental spaces are a calm oasis from the bright lights and excitement, and provide helpful information to anyone who asks. The original “Safe Space” was first designed as a space for women only, but has now opened up to all genders and non-binary travelers looking for a moment or two of reprieve. The facilities carry free condoms, staffed stations for helpful information, and offer emergency contraceptives for those in need. After all, the overarching mantra to Shambhala is “We care about people.”

After basking in the sun and all the glory that is Shmabala, artists, patrons, and musicians are asked to contribute year after year and to bring their best selves back again and again. Shambhala is to some a tradition, to others a bucket-list destination, and to a select few – a pilgrimage home. This magical event is a refuge for the different and the strange, where one is accepted no matter their differences or how weirdly they dance, and we’re incredibly excited to return to the fold for 2022’s guaranteed weekend of iridescent festivities.

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