Enchanted Forest 2016

Laytonville, CA – A spirited community blossoms within the fairytale setting of Laytonville, Northern California this July 22 – 24, 2016, as Enchanted Forest Gathering returns to the historic Black Oak Ranch for a magnificent sixth season of music, knowledge, movement, and connectivity. Famed for encompassing the world’s preeminent musicians, fanciful movement/yoga workshops, and enlightening educational forums, Enchanted Forest Gathering will feature a trove of marvelous wonders just waiting to be unearthed. Within the embrace of a safe, alcohol-free environment promoting a “Get saucy, not sauced!” policy, the 2016 gathering is slated to cement a lasting imprint on the legendary grounds for years to come.

Showcasing over 70 musical acts performing atop statuesque, intricately-designed stages – the River Stage, the Hearth Stage, the Mighty Oak Stage and the Shower Party Stage – Enchanted Forest Gathering brings a bass-heavy, booty-shakin’ curation to the forest with England’s forefather of psychedelic electronica Shpongle, the festival circuit’s unofficial Funkiest Diplomat The Polish Ambassador, MartyParty and Ooah together known as melodic bass duo PANTyRAiD, West Coast bass movement champion Minnesota and soulful Chicago trio Autograf named among top electronic headliners. Revelers may also look forward to expertly aligned live sets from marquee performers including an otherworldly trance set from world fusion group Hamsa Lila, a vivid harmonic storytelling experience by Ayla Nereo, and Grammy-nominated, drum and bass Reggae stylist Youssoupha Sidibe — plus many others! (full lineup below).

Serving as a catalyst for self-discovery, Enchanted Forest Gathering aspires to create a world in which every individual is empowered to fully embody their highest potential and truest self. Vibe with your tribe at any of three dedicated yoga, movement and flow art zones presenting 25+ yoga classes and three full days of flow arts and dance workshops designed to explore the realms of self-expression. Headlining the 2016 curation of speakers and workshops is the ecstatic vocalist, innovative composer, teacher and invoker of the sacred, Suzanne Sterling, Conscious Living School’s Juan Pablo Barahona, and DJ FreQ Nasty joined by Yoga/Meditation leader Claire Thompson who will bring the widely successful Yoga of Bass experience to probe the intersection of music, arts and spirituality. Headlining the area of dance instruction includes an Afro-Urban Roots Workshop taught by performance artist Amy Secada, Valerie Chafograck’s Soul Motion, and explore contact improvisation with Raina Satori during Presence and Play. Create electrifying experiences at Enchanted Forest Gathering’s Flow Zone which is best described as a festival within a festival, hosted by Flowtoys, Holistic Hooping and Tahoe Fire Dancers.

Rounding out the list of marvels to discover at the festival are over 60 educational workshops and forums covering subjects around relationships and sexuality, science and spirituality, permaculture and ancestral arts, as well as health, wellness, nutrition and nourishment. Also nestled in the forest is an interactive Kids’ Village with professional day care services, and an array of playful micro-environments to find magical moments such as the Crystal Dome, Nectar Temple, Tea Lounge, Comedy Stage, and Visionary Art Gallery. Placing a heightened focus on maximizing participant comfort in as many areas as possible, Enchanted Forest Gathering boasts a healing sanctuary, dance floors made of foam, shade and chill zones provided for every stage with Kombucha on tap, trees providing natural shade for camping, delicious and healthy food vendors, and artisan merchants. Splash around in refreshing watering holes, meditate around the sacred fire circle, and relax in the natural splendor and beauty of Mendocino County..

Taking strides to ensure Black Oak Ranch remains an enchanted land for years to come, Enchanted Forest Gathering has implemented numerous green initiatives including the widespread use of solar power, plentiful recycling receptacles, composting, and a renewable dish program, and has reusable utensils available for purchase. Purchase a ceramic tea cup at the Tea Zone and receive free tea throughout the course of the gathering — $5 well worth it!

For a glimpse at what makes Enchanted Forest Gathering truly enchanted, watch the 2016 Official Video – Dance With Us.