Soulshine Festival Guide 2021
You are making history by attending the first-ever Soulshine Festival. We look forward to welcoming you, as an official Soulshiner, to kick off this epic heart-centric and community-powered gathering this September long weekend!
Please go through this guide to help orient yourself with the festival for the best experience. And please excuse the bare bones website for now as we focus on bringing you the information you need.
The Pillars of the Soulshine Festival
This is paramount to a happy, healthy, fulfilling personal life experience and the overall wellness of humanity. Soulshine holds a focus on creating community to instill a stronger sense of unity, oneness and love in the world.
To acknowledge and embrace who we are is to step into our power with a conscious awareness of our creative abilities. We are far more incredible than any of us yet realize and Soulshine aims to empower people to be the greatest version of themselves they can be.
One’s own way, preference or choice. This is the foundation of what Soulshine stands for. The new world we are co-creating is one where people have the proper tools, information & support to make wise, conscious decisions. Freedom of choice matters.
Health is the real wealth, be it mind, body or soul and a happy, healthy population is the goal. The world we are co-creating carries a strong focus on holistic approaches to health and wellness as we explore and discover how to more wisely care for ourselves and our environment.
Soulshine recognizes a magnificent creator in every individual and encourages artistic expression in its many forms. When we are creating, a deep, almost forgotten part of our essence comes out to play and reconnects us with us to our truest selves.
The energy that connects us with each other, with the earth, and with all that is, comes with many different words and titles. Soulshine welcomes people from all religious or spiritual beliefs. We recognize that ultimately, we are just one big cosmic earth family.
Festival Map
As You Arrive
Take a breather. Appreciate the potential of the journey you are about to embark on at Soulshine! Below is the outline of what to expect to see and do as you arrive. Please note the scheduled entrance windows between 4pm-9pm on Friday and 9am-12pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Parking Partners
Upon arrival, our Parking Partners will direct you with the best use of the land. Please do not park without guidance. The parking lot is a bit of a distance from our campgrounds, so carefully consider what is essential for your comfort. You will need to carry your gear to the campgrounds. Families with small children who are unable to transport all their gear can ask for assistance from our awesome Parking Partners.
Gatekeeper
Greetings! You will be checked in and on your way with as much ease as possible. Please be patient and understand this is new to all of us. We appreciate you working with us every step of the way. The gate is open: Friday 4 pm – 9 pm. Saturday 9 am – 12 noon. Sunday 9 am -12 noon. Access outside these hours by special arrangement only.
Geordie’s Transitional Forest Walk
This enchanted hike through nature, from the parking property over to the festival property, will offer you some time to transition into the energy and vibe of the Soulshine Festival. It is an easy hiking trail with a clear path through the forest to the festival grounds.
Vibe Patrol
These lighthearted patrol members will be around to assist in any way that will decrease stress and pump up the vibe. They are here to serve you. Of course, independence and radical self-care are highly encouraged. It is Vibe Patrol’s goal to infectiously spread good vibes throughout the community; to share enthusiasm and excitement. They will shine light and love to all in attendance.
Camp Coordinators
As you emerge from the forest trail you will be greeted next by our Camp Coordinators. They will guide you to the Family Zone or Main camping grounds. Take your time to nest, create creature comforts, and prepare yourself for the weekend’s festivities. Walk the grounds to familiarize yourself with the layout of your new community home for the next few days. Meet your neighbors. Introduce yourself. Begin to build a community vibe.
Once In The Festival
Information Booth
Located on the path toward the Community Kitchen. Support volunteers will be available to help orient you throughout the daytime.
First Aid Tent
Located beside the Information Booth. Please do not hesitate to seek aid. Offering medical services for anything from cuts and scrapes to serious medical emergencies. We are here for your well-being, 24/hours of the day.
Healing and Kirtan Space
It’s a non-judgmental space for people who seek respite from the stimulation of the festival. This is a great space to use if you’re feeling overwhelmed or experiencing mental health challenges such as anxiety. This is also the space best used for integration if you are simply looking for an introspective and calm environment after visiting a healing workshop for example.
Community Kitchen
The core of Soulshine is the empowerment of the community and what better way to do that than with food.
Some wise cooks and their helpers will be cooking beautiful meals in a commercial kitchen. You are invited to enjoy a large variety of whole-food plant-based meals all weekend long. Of course, we are not restricting your choice to bring food, but we do encourage you to join the community as a group to eat together. Our Community Kitchen will start with dinner on Friday and end with lunch on Monday. Reminder to bring your plate and utensils.
Music
Enjoy a soul-enriching soundtrack from amazing musicians on two stages. Expect lots of live music and dance music.
*Bands*
Serge Nikol (World Music Band)
Kush (Electronic and Live Band)
Moon Walkers (Funk Band)
Controlled Demolition (World Jazz/Funk Band)
The Banned Band (Jazz Band)
Nadia High (Folk/Rock Solo)
Ashley Gilmore (Soul/Folk Band)
Robin Benedict (Soul/Rock Band)
The Doozies (Acoustic Jam Band)
Boom Echo Bust.(Folk, Rock Band)
I Dunno (Progressive Rock Band)
Boris Buhot (Contemporary/Rock Solo)
Carl Stedmond (Family Concert, Solo)
Double MC (Inspiring Hip Hop)
*DJs*
Allan Spencer – (House, Tech House)
Omari Taylor – (House, Techno)
Truvibes – (Deep House, Tech House)
Mandiz– (Booty Bass)
Dr. Fuzzz – (Chillout Psytrance)
Ceremony
Soulshine is intentionally being created to celebrate and empower the individual and the community through a spirit-provoking festival experience. A critical part of this experience is conducting ceremonies that help set intention and guide flow. Expect an opening and closing ceremony, sound healing, community-centred meals, and other meditative ceremonies.
Crystal Bowl Journey – David Hickey
Ethereal Flute – Krishnadeva
Anthony Barr Sacred Sevens – Anthony Barr
Ongoing Kirtan Space – Various
Workshops
Learn and create in a wide variety of workshops on Saturday and Sunday. Learn about drumming, lotion making, food, breath awareness and even plant identification on instructional walks through the forest.
Drum Lessons (we have the drums for you) – Ron Cross
Breath Facilitation Beg + Adv – Ariel B, Jamison R and Misha L
Paneurhythmy Dance – Erika Allen
Finding your Purpose – Kelsey Sophia
Plant Identification Workshop – Timothy Martin
Mushroom Identification Workshop – Timothy Martyn
Hidden Medicine – Amanda Vollmer
Somatic Experiencing / Tremoring – Amanda Vollmer
Isometric exercise – Eli Martyr
Kombucha Workshop – Judith Lamb “Cake Lady”
Dyads – Effective Communication Rajie Kabli
(German) New Medicine Talk – Ilsedora Laker
Moving to Heal – Susan Elizabeth Rei
Authentic Relating Games – Sarah Joan Johnson
Sonic Group Healing workshop – Gary Diggins
Yoni Blessing Circle (Women’s Circle) – Amanda Perrone
Forgiveness/Self Acceptance Workshop – Lorree Appleby
Tap into your Soul field and Shine your light w/Epi-energetic Entrainment – Dr. Miguël
Angela Elizabeth Argentina – Morning Meditation/Yoga/Kirtan
Kids Activities
Community means family, and family means children. Soulshine is coming into form as a family-friendly event to enable deeper integration and community building. Expect many engaging and uplifting experiences for kids and families. We have planned a variety of family experiences while maintaining a festive spirit throughout the weekend. The Family Zone Campground prohibits extracurricular adult activity. Lets keep it safe and respectful when children are present, not only at the kids zone but the entire park. We are a community.
Art
Engage with sculpture and visual art. There will be time to enjoy the creations that will be crafted at the festival too.
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Gentle Reminders
Reset & Recharge
Get plenty of sleep! While we know there are so many incredible things to do and see, we strongly encourage you to get adequate sleep each night. Our bodies aren’t used to dancing and walking around for 3-4 days straight. Getting proper rest is our top tip to having the best experience possible. You may not need as much sleep as others, respect their needs too. Take time to ground and unwind. Wander through nature. Meditate. Recharge. Eat well. Stay hydrated.
Natural Time
Don’t get too hung up on set times. Part of the magic of Soulshine Festival is our organic flow, in Natural Time. This heart-centric experience will ebb and flow under grace and with as much ease as possible. Time is yours to optimize and utilize, benefitting your highest good.
Note About Alcohol
This gathering is intentionally subtle, flowy and soul enriching. While you can bring your own food (and drink), we will not be serving any Alcohol.
We actually discourage excessive drinking entirely. We anticipate most attendees will be responsible, with many not consuming any alcohol at all. This is just not that kind of get together though we certainly will be celebrating and letting loose. – Lets keep this Vibe in mind when on the festival grounds for the best experience possible.
Note about Garbage
Please leave no trace. Bring only what you need, and leave with as much as you can. We will certainly have bins and compost on site but are encouraging everyone to simply be kind to the land, and to help make the new volunteer team’s lives easier –
Thank you.
Go To Main Ticket Site
Frequently Asked Questions
So where is it going to be exactly?
Soulshine will be held approximately 45 min drive north east of Toronto. Just north of Oshawa in Blackstock, Soulshine is utilizing two properties including Souls Path Retreat and Purple Hill.
Guests will be entering from Purple Hill at:
2731 Shirley Rd, Blackstock, ON L0B 1B0
When will you open your doors? How early can I come on Friday?
Festival gates will open between 4pm-9pm on Friday.
Saturday and Sunday entrance gate is open between 9am-12pm.
If you are unable to enter between these two times we would have to process your entry differently and likley much slower. Work with us and try and arrive at the requested times.
No one is able to enter past 10pm on any day without advanced permission.
Yes, there are plenty of flushing toilets, sinks and some outdoor showers.
You can bring whatever you feel you need but the community Kitchen will be cooking and serving delicious plant-based meals all weekend, included in your ticket price.
Check “Community Kitchen”.
Please Note: If you are looking to cook additional food for yourself we ask that you do not bring full size B.B.Q. or large gas canisters. You are however permitted to bring a hibachi or a small camping stove.
The answer is yes, but we are starting to fill most of the needed departments.
We envision 2 tiers of volunteers. One that simply signs up for a short 2 hour shift (at the event) and the other commits to a three 6 hour shifts (or more) and an orientation session. Those committing to significant volunteer hours receive a free all-inclusive pass to enjoy the weekend.
We are still filling positions in the community kitchen, parking/reception and gate.
Please e-mail hello@soulshinefestival.ca if you are interested in volunteering. Please excuse any delay in getting back to you.
- Proof of ticket (email on your phone or printed)
- Tent
- Sleeping bag
- Plate + cup + utensils
- Tea or Coffee Cup/Mug
- Clothes for 4 days
- Personal hygiene products
- Extra socks
- Towel
- A sweater / jacket
- Festival Chair
- Yoga Mat/Something to lay on
- Festival Blanket
- Cellphone Battery
- Washcloth
- A journal (optional)
- A cool expressive outfit(optional)
- Flashlight (optional)
- Small backpack or fanny pack (optional)
- Frisbee, bubbles and hula hoops (optional)
- A positive attitude 🙂
- Don’t bring so many things… in general 😉
- No glass bottles
- No gas powered generators
- No personal fires
Can I bring my dog or other pets?
As this is the first edition of this large undertaking we are unable to say yes to our furry friends. We may look into including them for the following year.
Soulshine is primarily a weekend long ceremonial experience, full of intention and building of flow.
Please try and make it for the full experience, hand in hand with the rest of the family.
If you are unable to make it for Friday, you are able to enter on Saturday. Likewise if you are unable to stay for Monday, you can leave on Sunday.
See “When will you open your doors” Above.
Ultimately, this is a camping-centric gathering in a grounding and comfortable environment for those on foot.
We are unable to accept any more trailers/RVs than what we already accommodated.
Contact us: hello@soulshinefestival.ca
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