The Blog
Conversations, reflections and festival news
New for 2026: ‘Pay What You Can’ Pricing
We want safe, joyful. healing spaces to be accessible to more people—full stop. For 2026, the Bend Yoga Festival’s 2-Day and 3-Day festival passes are offered with pay-what-you-can pricing. It’s our response to growing wealth disparity, a business environment that feels a little to extractive, and a wellness culture that can feel a bit too exclusive.
Extend Your Stay: A User’s Guide to Hot Springs in Central Oregon
Discover the best hot springs near Bend, Oregon. A practical guide with drive times, directions, and what to expect—perfect for extending your stay in Central Oregon.
Jill Knouse on embodiment, retreat, and practicing yoga inside real life
Beloved Portland-based yoga teacher and leader, Jill Knouse, took some time to talk with us — and we’re so glad she did because she’s a bright light! Practice with her at the 2026 Bend Yoga Festival.
Our 2026 Festival Theme—Making Space for Joy
It’s the right theme for right now. Let’s make space for joy, together.
Axel Watts on Grace, Land and Practice
Axel Watts has taught yoga in spaces that range from public stages to intimate rooms, from city studios to land-based retreat settings. As a presenter at the Bend Yoga Festival, Axel brings a practice shaped by queer visibility, traditional yoga lineages, and a deep relationship with land and place.
Gina Caputo is ‘sincere, not serious’
Gina Caputo has spent decades exploring what it means to practice sincerely—without posturing, perfectionism, or performance. As a headliner at the Bend Yoga Festival she brings a grounded, integrated approach to yoga, meditation, and community.
Welcome Jaya Lakshmi to the 2026 yoga festival lineup
Welcome Jaya Lakshmi to the 2026 yoga festival! Jaya will be offering her own workshops — maybe even a Kirtonica, a fusion of kirtan and electronica — and will also be collaborating with Kia Miller by offering her musical and vocal accompaniment. Talk about a heavenly pairing!
Where to Stay for the 2026 Yoga Festival: Our Favorite Downtown Retreats
Your lodging isn’t just logistics. It shapes how your nervous system experiences the weekend. Whether mornings feel rushed or gentle.
Whether evenings feel scattered or integrated. Whether you feel held by your environment or constantly orienting.
Both of these properties offer something we value deeply at Bend Yoga Festival: ease. Check out the Oxford and the Wall Street Suites— their friendly pricing will make you smile.
Eat Like a Local: 3 Great Restaurants Near Downtown Bend, Oregon
Your festival experience deserves deliciousness. Go explore — and bring your appetite. These local favorites won’t disappoint!
See the Light You Carry: Aura Photography at the 2026 Bend Yoga Festival
Every person walks through the world surrounded by an energetic imprint — a living field of color, movement, and emotion that reflects what’s happening in the body, mind, and heart.
At the 2026 Bend Yoga Festival this June, you’ll have the chance to actually see yours.
Taking the “misery” out of Misery Ridge with Wildland Guiding Company
This year the fest is teaming up with guides Khyra and Cody from Wildland Guiding to bring you a special add-on event, Yoga + Hike + Brew, an unforgettable, curated experience of Smith’s most famous hike, Misery Ridge.
From the Veda — Finding Inner Peace with the 10 Peace Mantras
Join Sanskrit scholar Claudette Evans to learn the Dashashantayah, the 10 Peace Mantra found in the Veda.
A Merging of Art & Flow with Allie Lyon
Often in yoga class, we’re invited to tune in to what’s happening inside ourselves. Awaken Creative Flow is a self-inquiry workshop that takes this invitation a beautiful step further.
Welcome Robert Sturman to the 2023 festival!
We're thrilled to welcome acclaimed photographer Robert Sturman to the 2023 festival lineup. He'll be offering photo shoots, workshops, and a special evening event.
