This year we headed up to Salmo, BC for another fantastic visit to Shambhala Music Festival. This nearly week-long event has consistently brought us back along with thousands from across the world, to revel in the scenery and community that has been a work in progress for over a quarter-decade.
Entering the festival is always an adventure in itself, but this year was a much shorter journey than usual. Festivalgoers were happy to see quick and efficient entry to the farm throughout the week. Campers were all given plenty of space for vehicle camps, and even some small art displays. As usual, water stations and restrooms were located near all camping locations and were maintained throughout the week.
Shambhala is known for a wide variety of delicious foods from numerous cultures. This year was no different, with everything from poutine and pizza to bannock and bacon and jam grilled cheese. All food items were well-priced, well-portioned, and well worth the loonies and toonies.
From morning till night, Tuesday through Sunday, Shambhala ran nearly endless programs and interactive activities for the Farmily. With yoga, breathwork, personal workshops, painting, games, singing, and even interactive light displays, we had endless opportunities to heal and improve our bodies and minds. After activities, attendees were always thankful to have the gorgeous Salmo River within walking distance to rest and cool off.
From its humble beginnings to becoming one of the largest events in the Pacific Northwest, Shambhala has always been an ever-growing community. From people who have been coming for decades to first-timers, there is always a sense of familiarity and community between everyone who attends this festival.
Credit: Rachel Whitcomb
The lineup for Shambhala 2026 was superb across all seven stages. Many acts returned to Shambhala after years of past performances, like Excision’s yearly performance at the Village, where he and PK Sound both developed into the household names they are today, and Fractal Forests’ creator and longtime performer Rich-E-Rich and nearly 20-year veteran Stickybuds. Other acts were performing at Shambhala for the first time, like Lous the Child, whose set at the Pagoda packed the stage from front to back, and Ameme, the festival’s first-ever major afro house artist, whose Living Room set had the crowd moving from the first beat to the last.
A few of the stages received some extra love and attention this year. The AMP stage got a dramatic facelift, leaving behind the small half-dome tent for a full-scale wooden structure complete with LED walls (worry not, the tent was repurposed for the new Riverside stage). The Village lost its wraparound catwalks, but added a level to its main viewing deck in the back, leading to much better crowd control and some prime viewing opportunities.
Credit: Rachel Whitcomb
Throughout the week, we were never left unhappy, unhelped, or unloved. Through dust, heat, exhaustion, and sweat, we enjoyed every set, every and every friend we made. A special shoutout to the Bundschuh family, who once again allowed us to enjoy their beautiful land, the entire Shambhala team, and the friends and artists who made this year one to remember.
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