After hosting over 1,000 yogis and non-yogis alike at last year’s festival, the third annual Barefoot & Free Yoga Festival (barefootandfreeyoga.com) returns to the beautiful Proud Lake State Park for a weekend of nature, camping, yoga, music, healing arts, connection and conversation. Surrounded by nature and just minutes outside of metro Detroit, the festival has something for everyone.

"Our festival is a celebration of all things in life that help you feel free. Our mission is to help each of us return to that childlike feeling where you are full of wonder and possibility. We seek out teachers and leaders who are experts at this in their own life and who are brilliant and inspirational at teaching you. This includes trainers, herbalists, tarot readers, healing artists, health coaches, reiki and meditation teachers, belly dancers, musicians, shamans and so much more. There is something for everyone, kids, adults, seasoned yogis and people new to the practice." - Beth James, Founder of Barefoot & Free.

Each day of the fest provides the opportunity for friends and families to kick back, relax and enjoy the festivities or just hang out in the 4,700-acre state park. Proud Lake offers kayaking, canoeing, SUP boarding, fishing, mountain biking, boating, camping and picnic areas.

The lineup includes nationally recognized yoga teachers such as Faith Hunter, Sean Phelps, Gina Caputo, Meg McCracken and Danni Pomplun as well as local, Detroit-based yogis Sitara Bird, Michael McCarthy and Kisa Doll. Featured musicians include East Forest and Marti Nikko & DJ Drez who will play interactive bass-heavy sounds, world beat and synth pop, among other genres. The festival healers will offer workshops, teachings and ceremonies. A full lineup of teachers, instructors, musicians and healers can be found on the festival’s website schedule (barefootandfreeyoga.com/schedule/).

The 2018 festival kicks off on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018, at 4 p.m. Classes and performances will go through the weekend. Passes for this beautiful weekend are on sale now and can be purchased as a day or weekend pass directly from the festival website (barefootandfreeyoga.com/shop/). Camping passes are also available while supplies last. Kids 12 and under are free and activities and yoga for kids will be offered, along with childcare. Veterans can receive 50 percent off their festival tickets when they email their veterans card to barefootandfreeyoga@gmail.com. Local retail and food vendors will be on-site selling their homemade/handmade products and healthy eats.