First Time at Shambhala Music Festival? Here’s Your Survival Guide

Did you lock in and get tickets to the 2026 Shambhala Music Festival? Congratulations! They sold out in record time this year. Maybe you’ve been dreaming about dancing under the lasers at Pagoda for years, or just said “screw it, I’m going,” you’re in for something really special. Yes, there are amazing lasers, music and production, but there is SO much more to this festival than just the stages. Shambhala is an entire world.

And if it’s your first time… you might be thinking: “Wtf did I just get myself into?” Don’t worry.. I got you.

This is your Shambhala Music Festival Survival Guide, from someone who is a type-A personality, has been there and made all the mistakes (or seen others make the mistakes) so you don’t have to.

1. Your camp = your home

You're gonna be living in this spot for up to 6 days (if you're lucky). Make it good, make it comfy. You Must Bring:

• A shade tarp or canopy.. it's gets so HOT in the day

• A blackout, heat reflective tent.. unless you have an RV, Camper or are getting Shambhalodging.

• A comfy sleeping setup (air mattress, foam pad, pillow, sheets, a lightweight blanket, a heavyweight blanket.

• Seating (inflatable couches are a good option)

• Lights, lots of battery-powered and solar lights. It is DARK on the farm! You need flashlights, headlamps, fairy lights & solar lanterns to light up camp.

Pro tip: Personalize your campsite with flags or weird stuff (inflatable dinosaurs, flags, whatever). The grounds are huge, and you will get lost - make it easy to find home. Even pro-er tip: Make a totem for your campsite so you can find it in the dark.

2. Protect Yourself from the Dust

If Shambhala had a scent, it would be… dust. There's this thing called Shambhalung.. you don't want it. Pack Yourself:

• Multiple bandanas and dust masks (cute and functional)

• Saline spray for your nose

• Wipes for your face/body/feet/hands

• Closed-toe shoes for the dance floors (trust me, your toes will thank you)
  

3. Hydration Is Not a Suggestion

It’s hot. You’re dancing. You might be indulging. That’s a recipe for dehydration if you’re not careful. Don't end up at First Aid just because you didn't drink enough water.

• Bring a hydration pack and actually use it (there are water stations pretty much near all of the stages)

• Add electrolytes (get the ones that taste good so you’ll want to drink more)

• Drink more water than you usually do, I'm talking up to 4 litres a day.
  

4. Outfits That Slay and are Comfortable

Yes, go all out if that’s your vibe. But Shambhala is not a fit check function like EDC. Balance style and comfort. You'll want to:

• Be ready for hot days and cold nights. If you don't want to walk all the way back to camp when you start getting cold bring a pashmina, lightweight jacket or lightweight pants. Lots of people just hang out at the river all day in a bathing suit, then head back to camp when the sun goes down and change into warmer clothes for the evening.

• Multiple pairs of comfortable shoes you can walk and dance in for 12+ hours, your feet are going to take a pounding. Also bring sandals for walking around camp so you can let your feet breathe

• At least one thing that will shade you from the mid-day sun (like a cooling towel, bandana, umbrella) hats are a huge help and obviously bring sunglasses (multiple pairs.. you'll probably lose at least one pair)
  

Also… don’t bring your favourite anything to Shambs unless you're okay with getting it destroyed, lost or stolen. Every year, there are people in the Farmily group after the fest who are like "I lost my jacket that was handed down through the generations and I'm absolutely crushed its gone". If it means that much to you leave it at home.

5. Take Care of Your Body

People get wrecked at Shambs, and not in a fun way. Prevent:

• Heat exhaustion: Stay cool and shaded mid-day

• Sleep deprivation: Rest before your body demands it

• Sore feet: Bring insoles, change shoes daily, elevate your legs sometimes

• Tummy drama: If you have food sensitivities, respect them. They won't just magically disappear after you get on the farm (in some cases, it might get worse with stress, heat, and exhaustion). Bring Pepto.
  

  

  Struggling in the Shambhala Sun

6. Follow the Golden Rule: Don’t Be a Dick

Shambhala is built on respect. That means:

• Ask before touching (people, art, anything)

• Pick up your garbage. Seriously.

• Consent applies everywhere! Yes on the dance floor, yes at camp, yes always.

• Don’t shove to the front of the crowd. Be chill. When you're moving through the crowd, dance past people, smile, make eye contact, and point in the direction you're trying to go so other people know where you're going. Nod or say Thank You after they make way for you.

• Be mindful of how much space you're taking up on the dance floor.

• Don't smoke cigarettes in the crowd

• Don't wear big backpacks into a crowd

7. Give and Receive the Vibes

Bring little gifts (stickers, tiny trinkets, etc.) to share. Kandi culture isn't that big but I'd encourage the American Ravers to bring kandi culture there (over 40% of the population is from the US). There are lots of trading posts though, which are my fave.

Say hi to strangers, compliment someone's outfit, if someone looks lost or overwhelmed ask them if they are okay. Make space for moments to unfold. That’s the real Shambhala energy.. You don't find the "Shambhalove" - you make it!

8. Unplug. Be Present. Let It Get Weird.

There is decent cell phone service out there, but try to leave the phone alone. You don’t need to document every moment, be present, be open to new friends, random adventures, and spontaneous dance circles.

My best Shambhala moments are the ones I couldn't plan (even if I tried)

Follow your intuition, follow your ears, you never know where you'll end up!

You don’t need to be anyone other than yourself at Shambhala. You're not too old, too awkward, too new, too whatever. Show up with an open heart and all the things you need to live at Shambs.

I hope this Shambhala Music Festival Survival Guide helped you. Don't forget to pack your electrolytes, bring something to share, and get ready to dance your weird little heart out in the forest. See you at the Village 😈 front speakers at the left.