Zen Festival 2024

Held from September 27-29, join us for a sublime camp-out in the stunning Noosa Hinterland. Zen Festival is a collaborative event hosted by the Island Vibe Festival and the ZenThai Shiatsu community, celebrating the wonders of creative expression, movement, yoga, bodywork and meditation. 

We are delighted to announce our full line up of artists and presenters for our 2024 festival! 

Introducing West African percussionist, singer and dancer Gabriel Otu who will be performing with his ensemble Happy Africa. Together they play an upbeat mix of AfroBeats featuring an array of percussion - the djembe, doun doun, kpanlogo drum, bells with traditional African songs. Gabriel will also be running a drumming workshop. 

Brazilian/Carib world beat sensations Solua, featuring the mesmerising singer and guitarist Melissa Cambon will be appearing in a full live band format, with special guests tambour player Lalita and flute/saxophonist Ravi. Solua Bassist Isaac Crowley will tantalise us with a lunchtime serenade of smooth reggae gems.

Soul queen Tahlia Tabone will be bringing a funky ensemble alongside Byron Bay’s mystic sound-scapeist Pablo Laverde. Border Range’s Bass Fairy will be bringing a sassy bass-heavy dance set and fire show with Anua Rose.

They join the outrageously talented Darren Percival who will be offering two singing workshops: Whisper and Roar. Those of you lucky enough to have experienced Darren in action know the magic he weaves into his song-craft, and his ability to raise the spiritual fabric of the universe with his group ensemble singing. Joining him will be Gwyn Williams with his engaging Fireside Philosophy chat, a gigantic partner Zenthai Flow, and the stunning dawn Hilltop Yoga accompanied by multi instrumentalist Chris Lane. Singer songwriter Lovegrove will bring his exceptional sounds to the Mainstage, and ZenThai musician & therapist Kate B will be launching her latest album, collaborating with Darren Percival & Lovegrove, in a Sound & Song Immersion.

We are over the moon to welcome back ZenThai’s Byron Bay teacher extraordinaire, Merryn ‘Mez’ Pennington who will also lead a partner ZenThai flow. Brisbane’s brilliant Stef Palmer will be presenting Sunday’s Hilltop Yoga, Melbourne’s Mel Dobra will share a workshop and also join harmonic forces with Cooran local Lou Van Stone for a chanting & song circle. Lou will also be offering a conscious dance event and sound journey to soak in.

Other must-do workshops are Acro Yoga with Anua Rose, Lino Printing with Quandamooka artist Mahala Burns, Elemental Flow Yoga with Sally Taylor and Chiric, Inner Child Yoga with Chontelle Myers, Bridge to Connection with Leo Blanke, Contact Dance with Gabriel Reese, Kalari Martial Art with Lalita Yagnik, Plant Wands with Melisa Quinn, Chi Gung with Byron Hillier, Gardening with Didge, Erin, Bunya and Fla, Dance with ZaRa, foot and spine workshops with Mon De Goey and Edible Weeds walk with Amina Eastham. If you’ve got some music and spoken word you’re bursting to express, join the Poet’s Breakfast with Rudi Quinzalez and Bella Abraham and the expression session hosted by Tahlia.

We’re excited to let you know that for the first time at ZenFest, we have a glamping option! They sleep up to 5 so when you share it’s an affordable touch of luxury and ease for your camping experience. Or share it with just one other and enjoy the s p a c e in between all the incredible offerings! It’s a fabulous weekend to immerse in nature, nourish your body and soul with all the amazing gifts on offer. And did we mention the dam? So good for a spring swim! 

Zen Festival is open to all ages, kids under 12 are free, and is well loved for its captivating intimate vibe. Tickets come with 3 nights camping at Hillier Retreat. Facilities include compost toilets and showers, a small food and craft village and chai tent. 

TICKET DISCOUNT FOR ZENTHAI THERAPISTS AND 2024 COURSE STUDENTS 

If you want to keep up with the ZenThai family, Zen festival is the special annual gathering that celebrates the joy and beauty of this ever-expanding family. There is a special price of $199 for ZenThai Graduated Therapists and 2024 Students. 

https://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/zen-festival 

STALLS WANTED! Share your crafts or tasty treats.. an unpowered craft stall is just the cost of a Round 2 3 day ticket. ($239) We would love to see your creative offerings! Food and beverage stalls start from $330 - $550. 

ART & SONG - A ZEN FESTIVAL RETREAT 

SEPTEMBER 25-27, HILLIER’S RETREAT. COORAN.

Imagine waking up to birdsong on a crisp spring morning in Noosa's stunning hinterland and stretching your limbs to the rising sun. Learn to unlock your voice with renowned choir leader Darren Percival, stroll over to the camp kitchen for a delicious breakfast before sitting down for a Life Drawing session hosted by visual artist Rudi Quinzalez.

Enjoy a cuppa with your fellow creatives and then open your lungs and express yourself to the full at Darren's 'Roar' vocal workshop. Eat a delicious lunch and learn to paint large scale murals with Rabea.

Take a siesta. Journal, swim in the beautiful dam. Engage in some guided partner ZenThai Shiatsu play on the grass. Chant sacred songs with musician and therapist Kate B before a nourishing group dinner.

Share stories and songs around the campfire before you drift into dreamland...

Join us for this intimate and potent gathering of creative souls, and stay a little longer and enjoy the wonders of Zen Festival at a generously discounted price.

This retreat caters to most dietary types and kids are welcome.

https://events.ticketbooth.com.au/event/zen-festival