Reasons to visit Yogapalooza! at Harbourfront Centre

Mila Volpe —

We know it can be a little intimidating to walk into a Yoga Studio when you’ve never tried it before. Yogapalooza is the perfect way to sample a wide variety of classes in a fun setting. Join us for Yogapalooza – Movement, Music and Meditation at Harbourfront Centre in downtown Toronto on August 16 and 17.

Bring your family and friends to enjoy this special weekend of free events.
Here are the top 10 reasons to get excited!

1. Free Yoga, Martial Arts and Dance – even a Silent Disco!

New to the practice?  Been at it for lifetimes?  Explore all different kinds of yoga, including Hatha Yoga, Laughter Yoga and Kundalini Yoga.  All ages, shapes and sizes are welcome.  Yoga is for everyone and our line-up of teachers will introduce you to the beauty of the practice.  Back again this year is Nia with Martha Randall – join in for expressive movement through dance.
Yogapalooza is proud to present an opportunity to try something new – Global Dance Party with Silent Disco Squad! Visit the Silent Disco page to request a tune and download the mix. On Sunday, August 17th at 1pm, we’ll turn Yogapalooza into a silent dance floor, where we all dance to the same beat, listening through our headphones. Invite passers-by to join in with our extra headsets and splitters.
Drop in for a class or two or stay for the whole day.   Lots of opportunity to interact with the teachers – ask a burning question, learn more about a certain style of practice and to connect with community. Check the schedule here.

2. Yoga for Kids

Kids benefits from Yoga just as much as adults do.  Our Kids’ Space offers two full days of fun activities for kids of all ages – Laughter Yoga, YogaFit Kids and Story Time with Jennifer Amor are just some of the festivities we have in store for you.  Former WNBA All-Star Tammy Sutton-Brown will also be reading from her children’s book series, Cree and Scooter.

3. Yoga off the Mat

Did you know? Many non-profit organizations are using Yoga and Meditation as the platform for their awareness and healing initiatives.  Introduce yourself to The Canadian Positive Psychology Association, Freeing the Human Spirit, The F-You Project and Lake Ontario Waterkeeper, get involved in all that they have to offer the community.

4. Free Giveaways

Look out for the Lole women in yellow! Visit the Yogapalooza booth and ask for your Gift bag. Fill out a ballot to win a gorgeous Lole tote – a stylish addition to your practice.  And of course, everyone gets a souvenir Yogapalooza button for hanging out with us on Saturday and Sunday.

5. Volunteers Rock!

Every teacher on stage, every person who hands you a button or helps you find your way to the event space has donated their time and energy to make this event come to life.  Isn’t it amazing what love manifests?

6. Yogapalooza is Social Entrepreneurship

Doing good for the world and doing good for the community is what we are all about.  Yogapalooza is the biggest FREE outdoor Yoga event in Canada.  Our joy is to share the gift of Yoga and raise the consciousness of the world at the same time.  We have great vendors – including Healthy Life Cycle, LovBird Creations and Isola Jewellery. Our vendors believe in what we do.  Check out their booths and give them a high five for their vision, amazing products and services.

7. Go Big and Go OM

This year will be bigger and better than ever. Along with our neighbours, the Hot & Spicy Food Festival, we’re anticipating a great buzz with lots of people out to enjoy the festivities! Like our Facebook Fan Page to stay on top of all the exciting details.

8. 26 Degrees and Sunny!

What better way to enjoy a summer day than doing yoga outside by the water? Yogapalooza is the place to be!

9. Practice yoga with a former WNBA All-Star!

You’ll be in good company when you practice alongside Tammy Sutton-Brown! Tammy spent seven years playing with the Women’s Canadian National Basketball Team, which included the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney and multiple World Championships. The 6’3” center, a WNBA champion, spent six seasons with the Charlotte Sting where she excelled in her career, leading to her selection for the 2002 WNBA All Star team. Tammy Sutton-Brown will be practicing yoga with us as well as reading for the kids from her children’s book series, Cree and Scooter.

10. Hollywood North

You never know who you might see at Yogapalooza. Last year, Lawrence Fishburne and Gina Torres were seen checking us out! Our fav photographer, Hamidah Hemani, will be there to capture the highlights of Yogapalooza this year.  Give her your best smile and look for the final shots at the end of the festival.  Be sure to visit the Yogapalooza booth and Strike a Pose! Take pictures of your friends and family in their favourite yoga pose and tweet it out with our hashtag, #thisisyoga.

Hope to see you all at Yogapalooza on Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17 from 10am to 6pm at Harbourfront Centre.