From acro yoga flips to aerial swings, meditation circles, and live music, Woodlawn Park became a weekend playground for yoga enthusiasts from across Canada at the fifth annual OM Yoga Festival.
“After COVID, many events were cancelled or postponed, so being one of the few yoga festivals happening in Canada right now really drew people in,” said Kim Mayuk, founder of OM Yoga Studio. “Many attendees are already planning to return next year.”
The festival offered a variety of classes to suit all interests and skill levels. At any given time, 3–4 classes ran simultaneously, including acro yoga, meditation, partner sessions, yoga history workshops, and movement-focused flows. “Variety is really important,” Mayuk explained. “You can do as much or as little as you like and customize the experience to your needs.”
Aerial yoga was a standout feature. Mayuk, who has been teaching aerial yoga for six years, emphasized that classes are accessible to beginners, with hammocks adjustable for comfort and confidence. She also leads an accredited aerial yoga teacher training program, attracting instructors from across Western Canada, including Vancouver, Saskatoon, Regina, and Manitoba.
Music and food added to the festival atmosphere. Winsome Kind performed throughout the day, providing a live soundtrack to the classes, while Charlie’s Food Truck served vegan and vegetarian options created specifically for the event.
Attendance this year was slightly lower due to the early September schedule. Organizers plan to return to a July timeline next year to accommodate more participants.
Mayuk emphasized that the festival is welcoming to everyone, regardless of age, flexibility, or experience. “Yoga is for everybody. You don’t have to be flexible to do yoga. It’s about grounding yourself, calming your mind, and enjoying the practice,” she said. “Even if you’re nervous, just give it a try—you’ll be surprised what you can do.”
The OM Yoga Festival not only provided physical activity and learning opportunities but also promoted mental wellness and community engagement, reinforcing Estevan as a destination for yoga enthusiasts from near and far.