Bend Yoga Festival 2024

Nurture yourself and experience deep relaxation as Jeremy and Nancy create a unique and immersive soundscape to start your day off in bliss. The soothing resonance of the handpan, didgeridoo, multiple gongs, crystal singing bowls and more will induce complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation; cultivating a deep sense of calm and inner peace. Your physical body will rest in a comfortable and supported savasana as you are bathed by a sea of sound. Each experience is created and offered with love and intention for healing and relaxation.

Settle Into Stillness will have a selection of props on hand to ensure your comfort, including blankets, eye pillows, and more. However, props will be limited, so please make sure to bring your yoga mat, blanket(s), and a pillow. Dress and bring layers to ensure your comfort on chilly mornings.

Arrive 15 minutes early to find a space and settle in. To ensure the integrity of the experience for all, latecomers will not be admitted. This session starts promptly at 7am.

There is a new syndrome sweeping our country, driving people towards yoga and holistic healing. It is extreme sympathetic nervous system dominance, which  creates the feeling of being “wired and tired”. This overstimulation robs people of sleep, calm, and focus. It also fuels the flames of inflammation.

There is an antidote to this problem. Its roots lie in restoring vagal tone. The vagus nerve, the Xth cranial, is the powerhouse of the “rest and digest” system. In this workshop, we'll dive into ways to stimulate the vagus nerve and put its beneficial regulation to work.

This AcroYoga workshop will explore an equal balance of yin and yang, acrobatics and restorative partner yoga. Embody joy and playful curiosity as we explore group asana, partner supported inversions, basic acrobatics, partner flying and supported savasana. Get your feet off the ground with the support of a partner in a safe & fun environment while experiencing the exchange of trust and compassionate communication.

A little asana, followed by guided partner practices. 

Our center, known as the “kunda” or oven in Sanskrit, holds our internal fire. It is also where food, thoughts, and experiences dwell before they are processed. We need a healthy internal fire so that we can assimilate the good and the difficult dwelling in the center. When we can use our inner fire to assimilate and release what we don’t need, we find freedom and joy.

This workshop will help you access, light, build and maintain your flame so that it shines through the spark in your eyes, the glow of your skin and expands your whole aura. We will practice in a unique way of doing yoga poses and movements that focus on strengthening and stretching the entire torso. You will leave feeling peacefully powerful and sitting taller than ever before!

In addition to strengthening the center of your torso, you will be introduced to Bandhas (energy locks) and Mudras, (energy seals) to light this inner fire. A Tantric Fire Meditation will follow to teach you how to control this force for your prosperity. You will leave feeling powerful, breathing deeper than ever, and sitting taller than before!

Recommended Props:  1 block, 1 strap, and a blanket.  (If you can have two blocks, all the better.)

15 min talk, the rest is practice with some demonstrating sprinkled throughout.  ALL LEVELS welcome, and, this session is not ideal for bodies who are currently pregnant or have herniated disc issues.

Welcome to 'Breathful Grounding: A Mindful Flow for All.' I'm Vince , and I'm stoked to guide you on a journey where each breath intertwines with movement, in my second year at Bend Yoga Festival. Imagine a space where your breath is your most compassionate teacher, and every movement is a step towards deeper grounding. In this class, we'll explore the dance of breath and body, each flow seamlessly leading to the next, just like the gentle ebb and flow of life's rhythms. As we move together, you'll discover a practice that's more than just poses; it's a celebration of the present moment, a cultivation of inner stillness amidst the outer motion. Whether you're new to yoga or have been on this path for years, our community welcomes you with open arms. Join me at the Bend Yoga Festival, where we'll not only stretch our bodies but also our hearts, building connections that extend beyond the mat. Let's breathe, flow, and grow together, creating moments of mindfulness that resonate with your soul. Remember, this journey is yours - and it starts with a single breath. Let's take that first breath together.

Kids' yoga camp runs concurrent with festival sessions in the 10:30-12:00pm time slot. Sign-up you precious littles now! Separate ticket is required $30. Buy here (click the hyperlink TICKETS that appears in a row next to your profile picture, above), or on the BYF website here.

Kids will practice yoga, play mindful games, take an adventure to a nearby playground, craft, snack and story time while parents take a different session. 

Please wear comfortable clothes for movement, bring a sun hat/sun block, snack, closed water bottle and be willing to try new things, laugh and play. 

Message Deven@DevenSislerYoga.com with any questions or concerns.  

Thanks to the media, we’re all pretty familiar with the importance of strength training nowadays. From the effects of myokines on cognition, blood sugar, bones, & tumors to the importance of maintaining muscle mass over our lifespan, strength training is essential to our health. It’s easy enough to lift weights and increase our strength capacity at the gym but there is so much more to strength, like our functional capacity, movement efficiency, endurance, and the strength of our collagen matrix for injury resilience. After all, our muscles are only as strong as the connective tissue matrix that holds them together and allows them to transmit force. This class will investigate research-based practices that you can bring onto your mat to train the capacity of both the muscle and connective tissue to help enhance performance and minimize injuries.

Tiffany has worked with professional athletes across the US and helped create the Nike Wellness Center programs (at Nike WHQ) and so brings a wealth of both cutting edge knowledge and depth of experience from her specialty in sports medicine over the past 28 years of her career. Whether you’re dealing with the last remnants of an injury, trying to enhance performance & strength, or looking to help minimize injuries & feel your best this class will explore ways to train the tissues toward strength & resilience over time to cultivate youthfulness through our lifespan.

This class takes a modern lens to our traditional asanas with plenty of information to help you bring the concepts home with you.

PRE-REQUISITE: some vinyasa experience, all levels are welcome.

BRING: Anything you need to sit comfortably, a meditation cushion, block, folded beach towel, low-back folding chair, etc.

The Bhagavad Gita, which means “Song of the Divine,” is arguably the most important yogic text to ever emerge from India. The 18 short chapters consist of a conversation between the renowned warrior Arjuna and his charioteer, Lord Krishna, at the dawn of a great battle between good and evil. It’s often said that the battle of the Gita is also taking place in our own consciousness, and each of our decisions, large or small, can lead us either to liberation or to bondage. In their dialogue, Krishna offers Arjuna answers to life’s most challenging questions, making the Bhagavad Gita a handbook for living a life of purpose and freedom.     It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the Gita, or if you’ve read it a hundred times, this workshop is for everyone! Join us on for a journey through these timeless teachings in "Gifts of the Gita."

Ahiṃsā, अहिंसा, or non-harming, is a fundamental tenet of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. It sounds great on paper, but how do we bring this principle into our lives, onto the yoga mat, and into relationships in the broader world? Together, we'll dig into these questions through discussion, dynamic yoga practice, meditation and reflection.

Lecture 15%; Asana practice 65%; Meditation/Reflection 10%; Q & A 10%

BRING: Notebook and pen

In this workshop-format class, practitioners will be given a beginners perspective on Ashtanga including traditional pranayama and fundamental postures. A great overview for new students to the practice or teachers that are curious about the style and want a framework for their students.

5 minutes - What is Ashtanga? What can this practice offer?
10 minutes - Ujjayi and applications within the Asana practice,
90 minutes - breakdown of fundamental asana
10 minutes- closing postures, 5 minutes

This session is two hours long and energy intensive. Plan your sessions for the day to ensure your energy is appropriately honored.

This session is best for those with a regular vinyasa practice who are curious about ashtanga, but all are welcome.

Stroll the amazing curated exhibitors of the Conscious Living Marketplace, take in an advanced acro demo, float the river, and enjoy many more activities for the whole family!

All of this is for you to enjoy at our festival grounds at Riverbend Park from 12-2pm Saturday & Sunday:

• Enjoy lunch from one of our food vendors, Joyfull Vegan Food Truck and Angry Salsa, or pack your own!
• Check out all the incredible artists, artisans and small businesses in our Marketplace! Enjoy reiki, massage, an intuitive reading, sample products, browse arts and ceramics and so much more!
• Float the Deschutes River (plan your float -- don't forget to plan the trip back!)
• Family Yoga -- open to the public but ticket required (included for fest passholders). Nonpassholders can buy a ticket here.
• Walk the river trail, on your own, or with new fest friends! An easy 3-mile loop that starts from the park and brings you back to it -- your own little forest bathing experience. Go east for the Map of DRT - Old Mill Reach (great for strollers). Or go west for the DRT South Canyon.
• Sign up for one of Paddle Board Oregon's Paddle Strong sessions (add-on ticket required), staged right there at the park.
• Everyone is invited to enjoy a short AcroYoga demo! But if you want to try out the joy of flight with experts Ian LeMasters and Deven Sisler, then sign up for their AcroYoga Playground on the schedule.
• Check out an aerial yoga demo and give it a try yourself at Rising Tide Wellness' sponsor booth!
• Groovy music......and more! 

YOU DON'T NEED TO ADD THIS TO YOUR SCHEDULE.

Come try out Acroyoga with Ian LeMasters and Deven Sisler! This one hour class is open in an Acro "Jam" style. There will be experienced acroyogis to help you try out and demo acroyoga postures in a tutorial format as well as opportunites to see what more advanced acroyoga looks like. All levels welcome, we look forward to playing with you!

This practice is based on the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, meaninng "Forest Bath". Forest bathing is a practice that started in Japan where participants immerse themselves in the forest atmosphere. There is no water involved as the bathing refers to immersing oneself in Phytoncides, a group of chemicals which plants use to communicate. These chemicals have been shown to have a positive impact on our human bodies and mind by increasing immune response, reducing anxiety, depression, and fatigue just to name a few. During this walk you will be guided into presence through sensory based practices which will ease tension, rest your mind and body, and nourish your heart and soul. The goal of forest bathing is simple: fully experience the present moment while immersing your senses in the sights, sounds, and feels of nature. This is a walk with nature as opposed to a walk in nature.This experience is guided by Missie Wikler, a Certified Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy, ANFT.

We will walk a total of 1.5 - 2.5 miles during the 2 hour session at a slow pace. The trail is mostly flat with some rocks and uneven terrain.

Bring: Sturdy shoes, water, snack, suncreen, and something to sit on such as a yoga mat; wear clothes that you do not mind getting dirty. 

We will meet in Riverbend Park where we will share introductions and chat about what we will experience today. We will walk onto the trail for a forest immersion meditation where we will ground down and connect with our Earth. I will offer a series of invitations, each to guide you in deepening your connection with our forest home through sensory practices. We will end with a Forest Tea Ceremony followed by a wander back to Riverbend Park.

I look forward to guiding you!

THIS SESSION ENDS AT 3pm. Notice how that will impact your session choices for the rest of the day.

Forest bathing is inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to “forest bath” and just means to take in the atmosphere of the forest through our senses. It is a practice of spending time in forested areas for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness, and happiness and remembering our connection to nature and each other. A forest bathing session starts off with a guided meditation deepening into each of the senses, and then you’ll be led through a series of invitations that offer the opportunity for deeper relaxation and connection with ourselves and the living world. We will come together for optional sharing and close the experience with wildcrafted tea.

The Deschutes River Trail is rated "easy" with some rocky points, no scrambling, and minimal elevation gain. Please wear appropriate footwear; hiking boots/shoes highly recommended.

BRING: water, a snack if you get hungry, something to sit on (mat, towel, etc.), journal and pen if desired, eyeshade, sunscreen, a pack to hold your stuff.

‼️ CHECK YOUR SPAM FOR AN EMAIL FROM WILDLAND GUIDING COMPANY WITH IMPORTANT SESSION DETAILS AND EXACT MEETING LOCATION. 

$49 ADD-ON TICKET REQUIRED

THIS SESSION GOES UNTIL 4:30pm at Smith Rock, in Terrebonne, Oregon.

Smith Rock is a 40-45 minute drive from Bend, Oregon. Transportation is not provided.

Join local guides Khyra and Cody for a guided yoga, hike and brew tour! Our experience will begin with a grounding outdoor yoga class with views of Smith Rock. We will set off on our three and a half mile guided hike with beautiful river views, stopping along the way to learn about the history and culture of Central Oregon and Bend. The geological and rock climbing history of Smith Rock State Park will be highlighted on the tour. We will return to our starting point and end the hike by enjoying a cold and refreshing local beer. Join us for an unforgettable guided tour and insider's experience of Bend culture!

Important to note:

- We will meet at Smith Rock State Park, approximately 45 minutes from Bend. Transportation is not provided by the presenter.
- Add-on ticket required; $49. Price includes yoga session, half-day guided hike and local craft beer. Extra mats and props are available for use, but must be requested in advance. Add-on ticket link on the Bend Yoga Festival website under “get your pass.”
- You do not need to carry your mat on the hike.
- Spots are limited to 15 participants.
- Fitness level moderate to advanced. (The yoga class is an accessible all-levels class.) The hike includes 1000 feet of elevation gain over 3.5 miles. Please check with your medical professional for clearance. If you have any questions on the difficulty level or training for the hike please reach out.
- Details with important event information (exact meeting location, what to bring, reminders) will be sent out to attendees prior to the session.

Please remember to bring the following for a comfortable outdoor yoga and hiking experience:

- Travel yoga mat -- yoga practice will get your mat dirty, so bring an appropriate mat!
- Oregon State Park parking pass (day use pass available to purchase at park kiosk for $5)
- Hiking shoes
- Comfortable exercise clothes
- Layers of clothes
- Rain jacket (weather dependent)
- Small backpack or day pack
- Water, snacks
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
- Camera

Stretch, strengthen, relax in support of your family. This workshop will include a full-body warm up, partner yoga accessible for all ages and the sweetest partner savasana.

Please wear comfortable clothes for movement, sun hat, closed water bottle and be willing to try new things, laugh and play.

Sign up once per family. Receive a signed copy of "The Yamas in Pajamas" with your registration. 

This is a COMMUNITY CLASS -- included in the cost of your festival pass, but also open to the public with a separate ticket.

Non-passholders: purchase the add-on ticket here (click the link TICKETS), or on the BYF website).

Myofascial release has been a life-changing tool for both myself and the tens of thousands of patients, teachers, & students that I’ve worked with. It can be used for both tissue resilience, pain regulation, recovery, and nervous system regulation to name a few. This workshop will look at the what, why, & how behind these techniques then dive into protocols for the legs, hips, back, & shoulders. A great way to get a scan of what’s going on in the major areas of your body as well as a potent tool to quickly shift your experience in your body. You’ll leave with a basic understanding of how to apply this work on your own and some areas to focus in on in your own body. No yoga experience needed, come for some juicy self-bodywork.

Props: 1-2 MFR Balls Will Be Provided Per Person

Freedom and stability in the shoulders helps us express ourselves, connect with others, and do our work in the world. This practical workshop includes instruction and asana variations to stabilize what is weak and release what is bound, creating more freedom in the shoulders and a clear connection to the outer world.

 Lecture 15%; Guided Practice 75%; Discussion 10%

When we think of breathing, we think of just inhaling and exhaling. And when a yoga class gets challenging, we often forget to do both! Yes, breathing is the most important aspect in a yoga practice and can significantly transform a student’s progress.

In the Yogic perspective, there are five specific channels for Prana to travel which can either help a yoga pose or negatively affect it. In this session you will learn all five directions, discover where you might be deficient, and understand how they can affect you on a mental, emotional, and physical level. We will then do a practice playing with these pathways to explore the whole being which you inhabit. A meditation will follow to set the energy we’ve cultivated.

You will leave with new tools to apply to your practice and to your life, expanding beyond your limitations. You will feel access to your whole torso with a serene sense of inner grounding. Your yoga will progress to a new, rewarding level.

No more than 30 minutes explanation, followed by a Vinyasa Flow practice using the information.  This workshop is best suited for intermediate students so that more attention can be paid on the work inside the pose instead of how to do the pose.

Recommended Props:  2 blocks, 1 strap, 1-2 blankets. (Do what you can.)

Movement and transitions are the heartbeat of life. They are an energetic devotion to expand, create, and continuously become more connected with self. In Move with Grace, you will learn specific techniques on how to transition gracefully between postures so you can feel the freedom in your movement, flow with ease, and express from the heart.

100% Guided Practice

Did you miss the nighttime glow flow last year? Here's your chance to try something magical and new created by Sianna Sherman -- who is now a certified hypnotherapist. Groove to the sounds of the DJ (Heavenly3lues) while Sianna expertly guides you on a hypnotic yoga flow with a hypnotic trance journey to unlock your hidden powers. Gather in community and strengthen your New Moon Intentions to manifest by the next Full Moon!

This is a SoundOFF Headphone experience!

Join us for some lighthearted fun and a profound journey in psyche and soul. 

In this subtle yet powerful practice, dive into a sequence of poses designed specifically to open your breath. Experience the peace and euphoria that comes from bringing mobility to your primary and accessory respiratory muscles. Class will conclude with classic pranayama practice, said to be the gateway to meditation. Perfect whether you've been wanting to establish a pranayama practice or to hit the pause button, recharge, and renew.

This is a more gentle class.

This is an active learning workshop dedicated to dialing you in and giving you a deeper understanding of yourself. Apnea, otherwise known as the breath hold, is not only a form of fitness and strength building. It is also a form of active meditation.

This class is for the athlete, fitness enthusiast, entrepreneur, health care worker, or anyone trying to have a better grasp on stress and anxiety management.

This is a level 1 class, and is perfect for beginners.

Adam is a certified performance breathing coach with years of experience. He is looking forward to sharing this experience with you!

"Learn to hold your breath, and you will have a deep understanding of yourself." - Natalie Molchanova woman's free diving champion and multiple world record holder (

BRING: A phone or something to keep track of time for the exercises

A $29 add-on ticket is required for this session. You can purchase that ticket on our website, just scroll down inside the ticket window to see all the add-ons available: LINK

Let Lori get you on the river to enjoy the river from the special vantage point of sunset.