Kula Yoga Festival 2026 | My Yoga Festival Journal
Jack UtermoehlDisclosure: I attended Kula Yoga Festival as both a presenter and vendor. This article reflects my personal experience and opinions. I was not paid or sponsored to write it, and all observations are based on my own experience during the festival.
My teacher once told me that the highest, best, and most beloved thing is whatever stands directly before me. There is no need to waver toward what is elsewhere. That's why I'm beginning these personal festival stories with Kula Yoga Festival.
Set in New Hampshire's White Mountains at Ogontz Resort, the festival overlooks a private lake surrounded by mountain scenery. Entering my water era, I immediately fell in love with the space.
I had the pleasure of arriving early, and my partner Lauren and I quickly unloaded the Bhav booth and all of our stuff. Coming from a week of scuba diving, we had a lot!
We stayed in an adorable cabin called simply “The Cottage,” and it was exactly that. A bed, table, bathroom, and a loft just big enough for another bed, though not for standing, was plenty of space for us.
Blessed with this location, I was not here just as a participant, but as a presenter and vendor. This being my second year attending Kula, I kind of knew what to expect, but wow, was I blown away!
Kula felt like a festival with retreat vibes. It was so immersive and intimate.
This space was easy to relax into, and the laid-back vibe of “we're here to be here” was the respite I needed to drop into the weekend. We took a walk through the woods and over a creek to look out at the lake, where we saw Ananda Das about to jump into the water in the middle of the lake. Waving hello, we set off to set up the Bhav booth.
The festival's intimate vibe comes partly from its lack of commercialization. We were the only dedicated product vendor, alongside three service providers who also had a few products available. We brought a service of our own in the form of mala making.
My workshop took place Saturday, with a dozen people showing up to hand-knot their own personal malas. These were not bracelets or keychains, but full malas with 108 beads, a guru bead, and a tassel.
This was a great undertaking that transcended the workshop's scheduled hour, as participants continued finishing their malas throughout the day and into Sunday.
I'm so proud and pleased to say that every participant finished their mala before the end of the weekend, with me helping each person attach the guru bead and tassel.
I love that we had time to hang out at the table near the booth and craft malas with people throughout the weekend while Lauren made new friends and experienced the festival firsthand.
I've been to hundreds of yoga festivals, and this one is in my top 10 for sure. It's perfect for yoga practitioners who love the heart of yoga: movement, joy, and peace.
You aren't thrown into a crowded public or commercial space. Instead, you enter a private resort surrounded by natural views and a deeply relaxed atmosphere. Here, you can drop into your practice, your community, and the moment. You can simply live life, process your ongoing transformation, or set your deepest intentions for your wellbeing.
The only thing that would stop me from returning would be a natural disaster. With none in sight, I look forward to Kula Yoga Festival in 2027.
Explore my complete yoga festival directory to find Kula Yoga Festival or another festival that feels right for you.
