This year’s Spring Into Wellness Festival at Lava Hot Springs will set your health aglow (literally!). This energy-boosting annual event is back for a weekend of yoga, nature walks, classes with experts, nourishing food, and a huge variety of vendors, all dedicated to refreshing your mind, body, and spirit. See Event Details.
Wellness has always been central to Lava Hot Springs, according to festival organizer Collin Petrun. “Lava has been a year-round wellness destination for as far back as the local native people speak about,” he says. “It’s always been a place of healing and peace, and this festival really highlights what Lava has to offer to people seeking greater health and wellness.”
The festival runs from June 1-3 at various locations in Lava, but most of the activities will be held at the Lava Senior Center and Community Center, 150 N. Center Street. Check out these festival highlights and learn how you can extend the good vibes with fun trip additions.
June 2
Mix & Mingle, 5:30-6:30 p.m.: The festival kicks off with a mix-and-mingle social hour featuring wine and a food share. You’ll meet the wellness enthusiasts, speakers, and vendors you’ll be spending time with over the weekend. Go for more: You’ll have additional opportunities over the weekend to head out for a full dinner on the town with your new pals! Downtown Lava has plenty of delicious options, including the Chuck Wagon Cafe, Wagon Wheel Lounge, Portneuf Grille & Lounge, Riverwalk Thai Food, the Greystone Dinner Experience, and Eruption Brewing and Bistro, which is scheduled to open shortly before the festival.
Glowga, 7-8 p.m.: Grab some glow-in-the-dark body paint and adorn yourself and your friends. Once the lights dim and the black light comes on, the all-levels yoga session begins. It’s a colorful, creative way to experience movement — all you need is your own mat and a sense of fun. Go for more: Lava’s skies are dark and vibrant; to see the Milky Way, just step away from the town’s lights and look towards the heavens. Luckily, the moon turns full on June 4, the day after the festival. Why not take advantage of this celestial show with a stay at a campground?
Drum Circle, 8 p.m.: Join the drum circle, led by Collin, and begin to get into sync with your fellow festival goers. No experience necessary to join in. Go for more: A hike is a perfect way to tune into nature’s natural rhythms. Check out Bird Canyon, a favorite path for locals and visitors. To get to Bird Canyon Trail, follow South Blaser Highway to East Symons Road. Take a left on East Symons, then take another left onto Byington Road. Take a right onto Pheasant Drive, then turn right onto Elkhorn Road. Follow Elkhorn Road until you get to Red Fox Road, then take a left on Red Fox. The trail will be on your right.
June 3
Sound Bath, 9:30 a.m.-10:15 a.m.: Stretch out, get comfortable, and let the sound and vibrations of singing bowls reverberate around you. This immersive experience is said to help with stress, release trauma, and realign your personal energy. Go for more: Of course, you can immerse your body in the healing waters of Lava Hot Springs! Or try a true summertime experience and float the Portneuf River that flows through town. Check out our guide to floating this untamed river safely and discover where you can rent your own tube.
Gyrokinesis, 10:30-11:15 a.m.: Instructor Lori Head will guide you through this playful exercise designed to open energy pathways while coordinating movement, breath, and focus. All ages and abilities are welcome. Go for more: Need even more play in your life? Head to Lava Zipline Adventures and whiz through the air while taking in a brand-new view of the gorgeous scenery below.
Healing Waters of Lava Hot Springs, 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.: Lava Hot Springs Inn & Spa owner George Katsilometes is an expert on the power and purity of the Lava’s waters. Learn more about the water’s inherent healing properties during this informative talk. Go for more: You can enjoy Lava’s hot pools as part of your festival experience, but it’s definitely not too early to plan your cold-weather getaway to Lava. There’s nothing better than the water’s naturally high mineral content and elevated temperature for soothing cold-weary bodies — book your stay now and give yourself something to look forward to this autumn or winter.
The Healing Gift of Touch, 12:15-1 p.m.:Discover the benefits of massage from licensed massage therapist Brenda Hatfield, who will walk you through the physical and mental advantages of receiving healing touch regularly. Go for more: A massage is even more relaxing after a hard day of play. Both Mountain Mayhem Adventure Rentals and Lava Outdoor Fun Rentals offer plenty of ways to enjoy the gorgeous summer weather. Why not rent a bike and hit the trail or grab disc golf equipment and challenge your friends to a game?
Trauma Recovery Yoga, 2:15-3 p.m.: Joyce Bosen has spent years developing and sharing her Trauma Recovery Yoga, or TRY, which helps practitioners calm anxiety and be in the moment. It’s great for people with PTSD or circling thoughts. All levels welcome. Go for more: The meditative, rhythmic motions of fly fishing require you to stay in the moment, just like yoga. The Portneuf River teems with wild brown trout and cutthroat trout, but avoid fishing in town — it’s off limits and reserved for folks floating or swimming. Check out Southeast Idaho High Country for other great fishing areas, as well.
Energy Healing, 3:15-4:30 p.m.: Learn about ways to support your health and wellness during this presentation about LIFEWAVE Stem Cell Activation Technology. Go for more: Get your energy pumping during a hike up to the L above Lava Hot Springs on the Centennial Trail. This hike is available to all festival participants from 1-6 p.m.
The festival wraps up with a Wellness Walk from 5-6 p.m., when you can explore Lava businesses and discover how they can help you along your healing journey. At 5 p.m., join instructor Lori Head for yoga and a hot springs soak. Be sure to check out the many vendors set up at the Lava Senior Center and Community Center, as well!
For more information about the festival, visit the event page on our website. Check out even more information about great places to stay and recreation opportunities on the Stay and To Do sections of the website.