By Julie Langley
ith a love for yoga and a vision to bring people together, friends Emily Sample, Sarah Sledge, and Haley Bagwell started a festival in 2017 that focused on mind, body, and soul. Now, six years later, the Yoga Farm Fest has grown and withstood the test of time making it a much-anticipated event.
“The first year it was cold and rained but people still came and celebrated with us,” Emily said. “We invite teachers and musicians from all over the United States to share our love of yoga, music, and community.”
In April 2020, organizers made the move to change the date of the Yoga Fest to September. In 2022, the festival was moved to the current location, at Sample Farm in Shreveport. They also partnered with Bloom Yoga to help bring in more people. “Through our changes, people keep showing up,” Emily added. “It is a weekend full of love and laughter, and we hope it continues to grow.”
Events during the Yoga Farm Fest include three main yoga classes with live music, yoga workshops, and small classes, kid’s classes and activities, a farm hike and education at Sample Farm. There will also be a number of food and retail vendors, along with massage therapists and acupuncture available.
Emily said they want to celebrate “mind, body, and soul by promoting health, wellness, and community through yoga, music, food, drink, and sunshine.”
The organizers’ mission is, “Come breathe with us in nature for a weekend of asanas set to live music, meet your local farmers to understand where good food comes from, enjoy that food created by local chefs, learn about the healing art of acupuncture and herbs, or just come for some good people watching.”
Mark your calendars for this year’s festival on Sept. 23-24 at Sample Farm, 1214 Highway 1 South in Shreveport. It kicks off at 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and continues from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets can be tailored to your preferences: The Weekender ($135) grants full access to all weekend activities. The Saturday Pass ($85) includes a scenic farm hike, multiple yoga classes, live music, and a feast of food and retail vendors. The Sunday Pass ($85) covers a yoga class, live music, and brunch from Ki Mexico. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, The Observer ticket ($30) allows access to the Saturday festival’s music, food, and retail vendors. For the youngest yogis – the Kid Pass is available for $5.
