Yes, cooler weather in autumn might come as a relief after the summer we’ve had. But soon enough we’ll miss being outdoors, hanging out with new people under the sun, and gathering a few last experiences and impressions to digest over the winter.

So here are a few events in the south to consider:

Yoga, tantra and mantra chanting retreat

2 - 4 October, Spain

‘The voice is vibration, movement, and energy. Through it, we release memories, stagnant emotions, and deep blockages that reside in the body and mind. In this experiential retreat, we will work with the therapeutic power of sound and conscious movement, allowing the voice to emerge without judgment, as an authentic channel for the expression of the Self.’

Oasis Family - Festival, Retreat & Family Holiday

8 - 11 October, Spain

‘Alongside music & dance, there will be space for creativity & play through a diverse range of workshops, for example yoga, martial arts, crafting and our program for children; as well as for connection & healing through singing, sound journeys, enjoying three delicious, freshly prepared meals every day, simply having an amazing time together by the pool – and much, much more.’

Tadah Hoop Retreat

24 - 29 October, Turkey

‘Tadah isn’t just a retreat. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in movement, nature, creativity and community. You’ll hoop, laugh, train, eat, swim, stretch, spin fire, and connect — with yourself and others — in the glorious Turkish sun. Come flow, connect, and create memories that will last a lifetime.’

Over the past 15 years I’ve taken over 500 people out into the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. We do yoga, meditate, dance, sing, tell stories and make our bed each night under the moon and stars.

It’s always such an interesting, eclectic group and we grow so close through the week. Come and join us :)

www.roadjunkyretreat.com

17 - 23 January and 14 - 20 February, 2027

A few more events to consider this autumn:

Draaimolen Festival

4 - 5 September, the Netherlands

‘Draaimolen Festival is a 100% independent non-profit festival, creating the perfect symbiosis of music, art and nature. With a small, passionate team and a large community of music lovers, we offer an immersive experience that celebrates creativity over commercialism. Join us in the forest as we return to our dance floors, reimagining what a festival can be

Yoga, tantra & mantra chanting retreat

2 - 4 October, Spain

‘In this Autumn Retreat, we invite you to immerse yourself in a deeply transformative experience where Iyengar Yoga, Classical Tantra Yoga, and mantra chanting become living tools for self-exploration, emotional healing, and the expansion of consciousness. The voice is vibration, movement, and energy. Through it, we release memories, stagnant emotions, and deep blockages that reside in the body and mind.’

Oasis Family - Festival, Retreat & Family Holiday

8 - 11 October, Spain

‘OASIS FAMILY is a small, intimate gathering in Southern Spain where festival magic meets the nourishment of a retreat and the ease of a family holiday. Set in the beautiful Global Tribe Biodynamic Ecovillage, it brings together intimate live concerts, sound journeys and ecstatic dance with organic food, workshops, healing, nature and a loving kids programme. With an intentionally unhurried rhythm, calm nights and plenty of space to rest, play and simply enjoy life, OASIS is created for adults, children, couples and families alike.’

And if you’re curious about the events that I run, it all began for me in the Sahara Desert in 2011 when I started running retreats there.

And I will still do at least a few more - this winter they will be:

17 - 23 January with yoga and creative voice/movement

14 - 20 February with meditation and contact, play, dance.

www.roadjunkyretreat.com

Tom Thumb

Falling leaves, summer memories and waiting for the wasps to die…

That’s my autumn anyway, along with waking up early again for school runs.

But if you’re fancy free and looking for some more inspiring events to go to, here are a few to consider:

Rebels Martial Arts Festival

19 - 20 September, Germany

‘The festival brings together teachers, schools and artists from across Europe with one shared vision: using movement as a universal language that builds understanding across cultures. If you enjoy yoga festivals, conscious gatherings, embodiment practices or transformational retreats, you’ll discover a different but surprisingly familiar experience – one where physical practice, inner development and cultural exchange naturally come together.’

Sleeping Giants Equinox Yoga Festival

24 - 27 September, Spain

‘From sunrise meditations to full moon celebrations, Sleeping Giants is a four day gathering bringing together embodied practices, human connection, and shared experience in the hills of Andalucía. Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, Dance, communal meals and Equinox ceremony, set against a landscape of ancient hills that have watched over this moment for thousands of years, shaped by shifting light, open terrain, and the rhythm of the seasons. Strictly limited to 150 people.’

Ecstatic Dance Festival

23 - 25 October, Germany

‘For three days, we’ll immerse ourselves in dance, music, silence, and authentic connection. A weekend to recharge, let go, and be carried by the power of a shared community field. Autumn is the season of harvest—a time when nature reveals its full abundance. Together, we want to celebrate this abundance: the abundance of life, connection, movement, and community.’

Dance the Medicine Ecstatic Dance Retreat

30 October - 3 November, Portugal

‘We call them “Immersions” because this is what we do: immerse ourselves in dance, facilitated the DTM way, using ritual, visualization, social activation, body exploration, and psycho-somatic exploration, all based on a theme unique to each retreat. Because our retreats are emergent, we cannot say exactly what will unfold. Instead, we will open space for those who walked before us and those yet to come, inviting them to dance with us as we honour and remember what a gift it is to be imperfectly human.’

My next chance to go somewhere beautiful will be as usual in the Sahara Desert in Morocco where I run a couple of retreats there 17 - 23 January and 14 - 20 February.

Come and join me?

www.roadjunkyretreat.com

Tom Thumb

The newsletters always slow down this time of year as I’m busy organising my own events - I just got back from a magical Festival of Creativity and with each day of rest my IQ climbs back by about 10 points. Right now I can just about manage to follow the plot of a Marvel film…

Here are a few festivals to consider:

Pyramid Festival

3 - 9 August, Serbia

‘At the foot of the mystical Rtanj Mountain, something more than a festival has taken root. Over the years, what began as a gathering has blossomed into Pyramid Village – a living community shaped by the spirit of Pyramid Festival. It is no longer just a temporary meeting ground, but a place that continues to breathe, grow, and welcome people year after year.’

New Healing Festival

17 - 23 August, Germany

‘“The New Healing Festival offers you a week full of music, art, and inspiration—a magical experience in a unique atmosphere. You can expect a varied program of meditation, yoga, philosophy, wellness, ceremonies, experience sharing, music, art, and much more, which will be expanded over the weekend to include two spaces where you can indulge in the finest electronic beats and dance the night away.’

Rebel Martial Arts Festival

19 - 20 September, Germany

‘Imagine spending an entire weekend exploring new and exciting movements, mindfulness, ancient traditions and modern disciplines – learning, training and growing alongside people who are curious rather than competitive If you have always wanted to try martial arts, explore new ways of moving, or experience an unforgettable weekend with like-minded people – this is your journey. Come as you are. Leave with memories you’ll carry for years.’

Dance the Medicine Ecstatic Dance Retreat

30 October - 3 November, Portugal

‘​The idea is simple: a group of people comes together with the intention to dance, focused on a central theme. We each bring our own medicine — our circumstances, desires, struggles, hopes, and curiosity — and dance with it all in relation to that theme. We dive deep into the group field created by a unique constellation of dancing humans and attuned facilitators, trusting the magic that unfolds.’

And if any of you like to plan a little further ahead, I run a couple of retreats deep inside the sand dunes of the Sahara Desert in Morocco (17 - 23 January & 14 - 20 February, 2027) with yoga, meditation, dance and music under the full moon :)

www.roadjunkyretreat.com

Stay cool this summer,

Tom Thumb

I love autumn.

Because it means summer is over and my work for the year is done - sending these newsletters hardly counts…

Here are a few events this fall (the one incontestably beautiful word America gave to the English language) to consider:

Portugal Contact Festival

14 - 19 September, Portugal

‘We have invited international artists and teachers who combine many years of teaching experience, professional choreography work, intensive movement research and performance experience. When choosing the facilitators, we consciously paid attention to a balance that reflects the diversity of the contact improvisation community. The program consists of technique units, research laboratories, score jams, bodywork and performance sequences.’

Sleeping Giants Yoga Equinox Festival

24 - 27 September, Spain

‘From sunrise meditations to full moon celebrations, Sleeping Giants is a four day gathering bringing together embodied practices, human connection, and shared experience in the hills of Andalucía. Yoga, Qigong, Tai Chi, Dance, communal meals and Equinox ceremony, set against a landscape of ancient hills that have watched over this moment for thousands of years, shaped by shifting light, open terrain, and the rhythm of the seasons.Strictly limited to 150 people.’

The Scottish Storytelling Festival

21 - 31 October, Scotland

‘The Scottish International Storytelling Festival is one of the most admired storytelling events in the world and the largest of its kind – both from a programming and participation perspective - encompassing a wealth of cultures, traditions and styles. A world of stories within the Festival City.’

And if you’re thinking even longer term then don’t forget that I run retreats in the Sahara Desert each winter. 20 of us walk out in the sand dunes in Morocco and camp there for a week of yoga, meditation, dance, storytelling and music under the full moon and desert stars :)

It’s the most wonderful place in the world I know.

www.roadjunkyretreat.com

17 - 23 January and 14 - 20 February in Morocco

Meanwhile there are the last places on the couple of small, friendly festivals that I run in the Czech Republic :)

Tom Thumb

If the heat of summer means you decide to just stay home with the curtains drawn and eat ice cream while watching old black and white movies - not that I ever do such a thing - then here are some events this autumn to consider:

III Festival of Shamanism & Ancestral Traditions

26 July - 2 August, Poland

‘During 8 days of the wonderful Festival, you will be able to take part in shamanic ceremonies, workshops, lectures, meetings, rituals, concerts and individual sessions. In the beautiful surroundings of wild Nature, forests, meadows, lakes, mystical Stone Circles and Power Places! ‘

Corfu Tantra Festival

6 - 11 September, Greece

‘The Corfu Tantra Festival is designed as both a festival and a retreat. You immerse yourself in the fun, freedom and profound celebration, while we hold the space for deep experiences and quantum leaps that will change your life forever. These 6 marvellous days are designed to let your divine soul awaken and unfold.’

Microburn

10 - 14 September, Wales

‘“We MicroBurners like to enjoy ourselves. We cannot deny that we have loads of fun. We’re super excited to be creating further opportunities for people to engage in and experience “Burner culture” and to help us build that culture together through participating together, dancing, hugging, laughing, singing, working and thriving.’

Conscious Dance Leadership Training

20 - 25 September, Germany

“This training is ideal if you...Dream of starting your own Ecstatic Dance community - are a conscious dance teacher ready to grow your classes - already organize conscious dance events but want to make them financially sustainable - are a Conscious Dance DJ or Facilitator who wants to better handle the business side - seek a vibrant learning cohort and future colleagues…’

Dance the Medicine Ecstatic Retreat

30 October - 3 November, Portugal

‘Come retreat with us. The idea is simple: a group of people comes together with the intention to dance, focused on a central theme. We each bring our own medicine — our circumstances, desires, struggles, hopes, and curiosity — and dance with it all in relation to that theme. We dive deep into the group field created by a unique constellation of dancing humans and attuned facilitators, trusting the magic that unfolds.’

And if you’re thinking even longer term then don’t forget that I run retreats in the Sahara Desert each winter. 20 of us walk out in the sand dunes in Morocco and camp there for a week of yoga, meditation, dance, storytelling and music under the full moon and desert stars :)

It’s something truly unique and you know, I won’t be doing it forever…

www.roadjunkyretreat.com

17 - 23 January and 14 - 20 February in Morocco

Meanwhile there are the last places on the couple of small, friendly festivals that I run in the Czech Republic :)

Tom Thumb

Some events for you to check out:

Convento Festival

9 - 14 August, Italy

‘With only 100 tickets available, our focus is on quality over quantity. We carefully select experienced teachers who can guide you through the journey with intention and depth. Our thoughtfully designed schedule will include recurring sessions, giving you the chance to grow and deepen your practice, rather than rushing from one workshop to the next in a frenzy of spiritual consumption.’

Tantramour Festival

29 August - 4 September

‘A week to explore, feel and vibrate! Each day is an invitation to plunge into the heart of oneself: meditation, dance, sacred rituals, concerts and live music. Whether you are novice or experienced, the TantrÂmour Festival offers you customized workshops to your experience. Come discover, learn and transform yourself in a space secure, caring and inclusive in a spirit of listening, respect and authenticity.’

Schwelle Festival

13 - 18 October, Austria

‘We are passionate about what we do, so join us and let us inspire you! Experienced teachers and facilitators from around the world will offer various talks, workshops, sessions, play parties and a selection of many mindful and bodily activities. The Schwelle Wien team is known for a responsible, conscious and considerate approach to sexuality without any moral judgment and is free from any conventions and prejudices.’

Dance the Medicine Ecstatic Dance Retreat

30 October - 3 November, Portugal

‘Join Dance The Medicine (DTM) for an ecstatic dance retreat unlike anything you have experienced. An invitation into deep embodiment, human connection, and the ancient, living ritual of dance. We call them “Immersions” because this is what we do: immerse ourselves in dance, facilitated the DTM way, using ritual, visualization, social activation, body exploration, and psycho-somatic exploration, all based on a theme unique to each retreat.’

And then there are a few last minute tickets for the couple of small, friendly festivals that I run :)

Tom Thumb

Hera are some events I would go to if I wasn’t busy organising my own…

Pachacanta Music Medicina Festival

9 - 12 July, Italy

‘Immerse yourself in a unique experience—a meeting point for those dedicated to personal and collective exploration and evolution. Medicine music draws from the roots of ceremonial contexts, channeling the energy of cultures, languages, and traditions from around the world. Join us in this celebration, where the rhythm of the drum merges with the song of the soul and beats in unison with the universe.’

Phoenix Fire Convention

16 - 19 July, Germany

‘For millennia, people sit around campfires are fascinated by the eternal dance of the fire. For the fire means warmth and security, but also exchange stories and togetherness. This is a community of fire and flow artists to share ideas and make friends, The participants create the event together. We are here to celebrate the art form together, though the sharing of knowledge, the meeting of hearts and the dance of the flames.’

Roztoc Flow Arts Festival

13 - 17 August, the Czech Republic

‘Come to Roztoč- the festival for circus artists, fire dancers, actors and performance artists in general. We’ve got both live music and DJs, lots of workshops, multiple huge shows, all-night firejams, and so much more! At Roztoč, we have a long history of amazing shows. It’s both a festival for circus and performance artists, as well as a music festival. Everybody will find something they like here!’

Dance Community Leadership Training

20 -25 September, Germany

‘‘Do you have a dream of creating an ecstatic dance in your community? Or have you already created one and want to grow its success? Dance The Medicine’s (DTM) Dance Community Leadership Training, led by three powerhouse women of the DTM team, is our most comprehensive course, exploring every aspect of how to build, grow, and sustain a unique and successful dance event.’

And on the events I run there are 10 places left on the Festival of Creativity 17 - 26 July - a participatory event where everyone is invited to make workshops on anything from singing to hypnosis to storytelling.

Musicians play unplugged around the fire, we make all the food and tea and we come together in a temporary 10 day village.

And there are 7 places left for women on the Festival of Sensuality 15 - 22 August - a grounded, inclusive event where we learn about our boundaries, our desires, out communication, all within a safe, supportive community.

Tom Thumb

Some events to consider:

Burning Mountain Festival

25 - 28 June, Switzerland

‘At 1500m above sea level, the Burning Mountain takes place in the middle of one of Europes highest inhabited valleys: the Engadine! Come and enjoy the campsite next to the beautiful River Inn and relax in one of the most amazing spots along the PsyTrance circuit.’

Gathering of Light

15 - 19 July, the Netherlands

‘Guided by indigenous wisdom and the balance of feminine and masculine energies, we gather visionaries and creators to practice collective healing, resonance, and unified intention—moving beyond words into embodied action. We do not wait for the New Earth to emerge; we bring it into form, here and now.’

BurningHeart & Friends Tantra Festival

6 - 9 August, Germany

‘This is a magical place for community, encounter in nature, and tantric being. For us, this festival is an opportunity to form a community over four days and explore together how we can do even better. How we can meet without trying to change each other, how we can be mindful of ourselves and others, and how beautiful it can be to flow together.’

[With the code FESTIVAL2026, you can still secure an Early Bird ticket for €399 until 21 June.]

Positive Trace Festival

19 - 23 August, Denmark

‘The mission of the Positive Trace Festival is to inspire and empower environmental action by uniting people in the restoration and preservation of our ecosystems. Through hands-on restoration work and a diverse program of educational activities, we aim to cultivate a deeper connection to nature and promote sustainable practices.’

And then there are the couple of small, friendly festivals that I run :)

Tom Thumb

It was the comedian Steven Wright who said ‘When I was in school the teachers told me practice makes perfect; then they told me nobody’s perfect so I stopped practicing.’

In any case perfection and purity are lifeless. It’s the imperfections that make people, projects, events interesting. And the mistakes we make are where we learn about ourselves, grow and change.

So go out there and make some beautiful mistakes this summer :)

Some events to consider:

Convento Festival

9 - 14 August, Italy

‘Our vision is to gather as a tribe, embracing the deep sense of belonging which resides in each of us. We come together in humbleness and respect for both nature and one other, embarking on a shared journey to co-create a sanctuary of love, attentive listening, and profound transformation. Join us in this adventure and connect with your essence, sharing an experience of personal growth.’

Hitchgathering

Sometime in August, Unknown - perhaps Norway or Spain or Romania

‘The Hitchgathering is a DIY hitchhiking festival that has been organised since 2008. Usually the bulk of the food is obtained by dumpster diving and cooked on the fire; everything else is open to everybody's imagination. Usually there is swimming, music, games, story-telling, workshops... whatever you can come up with! Everybody is welcome without any need to announce your presence or register yourself anywhere beforehand.’

Corfu Tantra Festival

6 - 11 September, Greece

‘The Corfu Tantra Festival is unique by the depth of the spiritual transmission that you’ll receive. The Tantra we teach is rooted in Love and Meditation. You’ll experience meditations, rituals, and embodied practices guided by experienced teachers from around the world. Step by step, you’ll explore freedom, presence, and love as living truths.’

I wish I had more time to go to many of the events I share with you.

But as I organise a couple of small festivals of my own, my time in summer is pretty limited but in the best way :)

They’re small festivals in the Czech Republic with around 100 people which makes it feel like a little friendly village. No phones, no alcohol, no drugs. Lots of love, learning and celebration :)

There are also volunteer positions available on both - write to me to learn more :_

The Festival of Creativity 17 - 26 July

A co-created event where the participants lead workshops on anything from dance to painting to herb recognition to physics in a teepee :)

Musicians play unplugged around the fire, we make all the food and tea and we come together in a temporary 10 day village.

The Festival of Sensuality 15 - 22 August

Everybody’s got a body that we live inside. You, me, everybody. This is an opportunity to get to know your body, your feelings, your borders and learn what happens when you encounter… other bodies :)

Tom Thumb

If summer is as hot as May has been then there’s only one place to be: outside as much as possible. Why not find others outside while you’re at it…

Everness Festival

19 - 28 June, Hungary

‘Everness is not just a festival for us, but a space where you can get a little closer to yourself, and to others in the process. It started in 2013 with a simple but strong intention: to create a community where you don’t have to play roles, where you can ask, search, develop, and where we support each other in this. The Everness Festival is a living manifestation of this. Ten days where you can break away from your usual rhythm, slow down and really be present.’

Global Lightforce Alliance

15 - 19 July, the Netherlands

We call upon our brothers and sisters to come together for the third edition of the Gathering of Light: an annual five-day immersive playground and practice space for our global family to connect, share, celebrate, heal and activate our fullest potential. Through shared ceremony, workshops, music, and service, we actively practice the values of conscious co-creation, collective healing, and natural living —turning shared intention into tangible experience.’

And if summer is too hot for you, here are also a couple of autumn events to cons

Kama Etna Festival

1 - 6 September, Italy

Kāma Etna Festival is born from a heartfelt desire to craft a magical space where individuals can release fear and embrace their true selves amidst the beauty of pleasure. This journey is rooted in awareness, consciousness, and deep respect for each person’s boundaries and desires. We’ve designed an immersive experience that balances moments of study, practice, and reflection with plenty of free time, live performances, music, DJ sets, and captivating shows in the performing arts.’

Yoga, Tantra and Mantra Chanting Retreat

2 - 4 October, Spain

‘In this Autumn Retreat, we invite you to immerse yourself in a deeply transformative experience where Iyengar Yoga, Classical Tantra Yoga, and mantra chanting become living tools for self-exploration, emotional healing, and the expansion of consciousness. The voice is vibration, movement, and energy. Through it, we release memories, stagnant emotions, and deep blockages that reside in the body and mind.’

When I retire from organising events I’m going to go to all of these :)

Meanwhile I still run a couple of small events in the Czech Republic with around 100 people: a little friendly village. No phones, no alcohol, no drugs. Lots of love, learning and celebration :)

The Festival of Creativity 17 - 26 July

An intentional temporary village where all the workshops are run by the participants :)

Musicians play all night around the fire, we tell stories, bathe in lakes, and eat together surrounded by a wonderful forest.

No phones, alcohol or bad weather. Well, 2 out of 3 we can promise…

The Festival of Sensuality 15 - 22 August

If tantra festivals feel too woo for you and you’d like to learn more about your body, and other bodies, in a safe, supportive setting, this one might be for you :)

Tom Thumb

What about spending next week on a Swedish island with a bunch of Scandinavian hippies?

What about going to England for one of the oldest alternative festivals on the calendar?

What about going to Spain to celebrate the total eclipse with electronic music all around?

Some events to consider :)

Space of Love

29 May - 7 June, Sweden

‘“There we celebrate and create, meet new and old friends, and try new paths to discover more about ourselves, one another and how we can live more beautifully on our planet. We are blessed with many expressions of nature; forest, meadows, sand and sea, sunrise and birdsong and an often cloudless blue sky. We all get a chance to slow down and ground, go deeper and allow our hearts to open. We make new connections and find new doors to open. The Space of Love we create within and around us, and take it on home when we leave the island.”

The Green Gathering

30 July - 2 August, England

‘Join us for four days of low impact living in an area of outstanding beauty, every corner bursting with music, creativity, natural abundance and community spirit. Intimate solar stages host up and coming acts, festival legends, DJs and spellbinding spoken word. The original off-grid, non-profit festival: we’re powered by sun, wind, people and passion for change.’

Sizigia Total Eclipse Festival

10 - 14 August, Spain

‘‘On August 2026, the firmament above Spain will conspire in rare harmony. The Moon will draw its veil across the Sun, and daylight will bow to shadow. A fleeting alignment — measured not in hours, but in the beating of hearts will bind the Sun, the Moon, and the Earth in a silent covenant.’

When I retire from organising events I’m going to go to all of these :)

Meanwhile I still run a couple of small events in the Czech Republic with around 100 people: a little friendly village. No phones, no alcohol, no drugs. Lots of love, learning and celebration :)

The Festival of Creativity 17 - 26 July

A co-created event where the participants lead workshops on anything from dance to painting to herb recognition to physics in a teepee :)

Musicians play unplugged around the fire, we make all the food and tea and we come together in a temporary 10 day village.

The Festival of Sensuality 15 - 22 August

Everybody’s got a body that we live inside. You, me, everybody. This is an opportunity to get to know your body, your feelings, your borders and learn what happens when you encounter… other bodies :)

Tom Thumb

I like where I live. It’s quiet, I have a park next door, it’s a cure apartment.

But I often wish I could open my door and be with friends. With people on my wavelength. A place where I could stroll out to breakfast with my guitar for coffee and a song.

For me, that’s what the right kind of festival is about: living for a week with a bunch of interesting, creative, thoughtful people who I wish were my neighbours :)

Here are a few events to consider:

Milk n’ Honey Festival

17 - 22 June, Poland

‘Imagine a place where the whole of you is welcome – the imperfectly perfect beautiful human that you are. Where you are lovable in all your light, darkness, and glitter. Where you can be courageously vulnerable and real. Where your quirky, shameless, erotic self is cherished, loved and appreciated.’

Pachamama Play Festival

21 June - 4 July, Montenegro

‘At the heart of the festival will be AcroYoga, inviting us to celebrate our bodies, trust one another, and rediscover the joy of playful movement. Classes will be offered for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced practitioners, so everyone can join with ease and confidence. Around this, you’ll enjoy yoga, meditation, music, dance, massage, and other creative and playful experiences.’

Cyprus Ecstatic Dance Festival

27 September - 2 Octoeber, Cyprus

‘Ecstatic Dance is a liberating dance and movement practice inviting you to explore the exhilaration of moving your body freely. In this space, we co-create a safe environment where you can move, play, connect, sweat, stretch, sound, unwind, renew, release, and transform. Be true to yourself while respecting your body—unleash your wild dancing self without worrying about judgment. Claim your freedom, open your heart, and touch the infinite!’

Tantra Sexuality Retreat

28 November - 4 December, Guatemala

‘‘A grounded and carefully guided Tantra retreat exploring intimacy, polarity, sensuality, emotional connection, and sexual energy in a respectful, emotionally mature, and heart-centered environment. Throughout the week, participants are guided through a progressive journey into intimacy and sacred sexuality, exploring themes such as masculine and feminine polarity, attraction, desire, emotional openness, energetic connection, pleasure, arousal, and authentic expression.’

And there are still the last tickets available for the events I run:

The Festival of Creativity 17 - 26 July

and

The Festival of Sensuality 15 - 22 August

Hope to see some of you there,

Tom Thumb

I met this English couple in a bar a few years ago and after about ten minutes they asked me where I was from. Well, the south of England I told them. No, they smiled, your English is very good but where are you really from?

I left Britain in 1996 and have lived all over the world since then and I don’t miss it much. One thing I did like about growing up there though were the festivals. Here are a few to consider:

Joygasmic Mini-Festival Co-Creative Retreat

17 - 22 May, England [flexible dates]

‘Imagine spending six days surrounded by open-hearted people, sharing laughter, meaningful conversations, games, wisdom, delicious food, and moments of genuine connection. This Joygasmic Mini-Festival blends the intimacy of a retreat with the playful spirit of a festival. The experience is designed to feel relaxed, welcoming, and joyful - a space where you can show up exactly as you are and feel truly seen.’

Stonehenge Summer Solstice Gathering

18 - 22 June, England [also 25 July – 1 August and 1 - 8 August]

‘We have created an increasingly popular annual four-day mini-festival with a wonderful vibe for those wishing to peacefully celebrate the Solstice season in the relaxed and magical atmosphere of Salisbury Plain itself. We grow every year and our live entertainment is becoming increasingly well known throughout the area for its inspirational range of artists and for representing the best of our local talent, as well as playing host to niche international acts who go on to Glastonbury to perform during the following week.’

Foundations of Natural Intelligence

27th June – 4th July, Scotland

A seven-day retreat in the remote hills of southern Scotland. Off-grid and offline, reconnect with nature through meditation, conversation, and contemplation. Time and space to rewild. The retreat offers respite from our hectic lives, and space to cultivate a healthier way of being and an enriched connectedness with nature. How can we build a more conscious and loving relationship with our self, each other, the wider world, and beyond?’

One thing I didn’t like about Britain was the weather :) So if, like me, you’re not a huge fan of winter, here’s an opportunity to escape in November:

Sacred Touch Tantra Massage Retreat

7 - 13 November, Mexico

‘Something magical happens when we choose the body as a gateway into love. This retreat is a deep immersion into Tantra Massage Rituals—where touch becomes a language of safety, devotion, and love. Through hands-on practice, heart-opening rituals, yoga, somatic healing, and guided teachings, you’ll explore embodiment as a path to presence and authenticity.

These days I live in the Czech Republic and run a couple of little festivals here. They’re nearly sold out though. There are just 20 tickets for

The Festival of Creativity 17 - 26 July

and about 15 left for

The Festival of Sensuality 15 - 22 August

Hope to see some of you there,

Tom Thumb

Imagine you go to an event you’ve never heard of before. You turn up with your backpack and tent, you meet a crowd of new, friendly people. You take part in workshops and experience something unique. You feel part of something greater than yourself.

Or you could stay home watching short form videos all summer…

I know which choice I’m making :)

Here are some events to consider:

Homecoming Somatic Yoga Retreat

25 - 28 June, England

‘Pausing is a doorway - it’s a deliberate act of listening. When we step out of the constant forward motion, something more precise begins to emerge: sensation, pattern, intelligence within the body that quietly knows. This retreat is an invitation to meet that place with attention.’

14th International Festival of Tantra, Conscious Sexuality and Relationships

26 June - 5 July, Poland

‘Do you want to: Learn to feel true closeness to your loved one? Live the full power of an awakened heart? Find out what embodied spirituality is? Create more depth and connection in your relationships? Feel more alive, full of love and joy? Learn to experience deep love and intimacy? If so, this is the perfect place and time for you!’

The Netherlands Contact Improvisation Festival

14 - 19 July, the Netherlands

‘During this festival, we celebrate Contact Improvisation as it was originally developed by a group of dancers centered around Oberlin College in the early 1970s. We will focus on technique-oriented classes and celebrate what we’ve practiced, learned, and shared in our evening jams.’

Everness Festival

19 - 28 June, Hungary

‘Everness is not just a festival for us, but a space where you can get a little closer to yourself, and to others in the process. You don’t have to do anything right, you just have to show up and be open to what’s coming. That’s what many people love about it: that there is no one way, no one answer, but you find what works for you.’

Yoga del Mar

27 - 30 August, Spain

‘Yoga del Mar, is an island yoga studio, located right by the sea. Our heart calling is to raise awareness through our Festival providing conservation, protection and regeneration of land and sea in the Mediterranean. With the Yoga del Mar Spirit Festival our vision is to reconnect people with themselves, with nature and with one another. Everyone can take actions small and big ones to make a difference.’

I wish I had more time to go to many of the events I share with you.

But as I organise a couple of small festivals of my own, my time in summer is pretty limited but in the best way :)

They’re small festivals in the Czech Republic with around 100 people which makes it feel like a little friendly village. No phones, no alcohol, no drugs. Lots of love, learning and celebration :)

The Festival of Creativity 17 - 26 July

A co-created event where the participants lead workshops on anything from dance to painting to herb recognition to physics in a teepee :)

Musicians play unplugged around the fire, we make all the food and tea and we come together in a temporary 10 day village.

The Festival of Sensuality 15 - 22 August

Everybody’s got a body that we live inside. You, me, everybody. This is an opportunity to get to know your body, your feelings, your borders and learn what happens when you encounter… other bodies :)

Tom Thumb

Sometimes I feel like AI is taking over our lives while we’re looking the other way. We ask it stuff instead of searching for answers, we make it our doctor, our secretary, maybe even our therapist…

So I’m looking forward to summer and being at festivals when everyone puts their phones away and connects to other human intelligences…

Here are a few events to consider:

The Spirit of Awen Gathering

31 July - 9 August, England

‘“All of the lesser spotted magical folk of Awen are already hard at it so that camp can happen, creating the special and wonderful sacred space that we have all come to know and love. A sacred space that promises to be full of the usual merriment, laughter, workshops, music, dance, ritual, tribe and community.. Oh and something big to burn..…Always…In a meaningful, ritual and sacred way of course..️”

Awaken as Love Training

12 - 19 August in the Netherlands

‘This first stage is called “Initiation” because if you choose this then all your experiences up til now have led you to this point and you are obviously ready to step into a wider reality – in doing so you enter fresh and new, open to discovering more. As you step into this journey you will encounter maps that help you understand the larger world and your place in it.’

Own Spirit Festival

2 - 7 September, Spain

‘Own Spirit is a visionary festival that combines music and psychedelic culture, sense of community, spiritual growth and dance as an expression of being. At Own Spirit Festival we celebrate life, inviting people of all ages, including families and children, to take part in this process of transformation and gain of mindfulness.’

Schwelle Festival

13 - 18 October, Austria

‘Let’s come together again to celebrate, explore and learn in the sphere of consciousness, love and healthy sexuality. In this exclusive event we create a retreat-like atmosphere with a carefully selected event program combined with the fun elements of a festival. We are connected in unity and should cherish ourselves generously. Be part of this amazing experience and celebrate life with us!

And…you might want to consider the two small festivals I run in the Czech Republic :)

The Festival of Creativity 17 - 26 July

A co-created event where the participants lead workshops on anything from dance to painting to herb recognition to physics under the stars :)

Musicians play unplugged around the fire, we make all the food and tea and we come together in a temporary 10 day village.

The Festival of Sensuality 15 - 22 August

Everybody’s got a body that we live inside. You, me, everybody. This is an opportunity to get to know your body, your feelings, your borders and learn what happens when you encounter… other bodies :)

Tom Thumb

This week rather than showcasing a few festivals I thought I’d let you know a bit more about what you can find on www.festivalsandretreats.com

It started off as a way to curate and collate small, alternative festivals in Europe and I built that based on my own knowledge and the recommendations of friends so that we could have one resource to plan our summers :)

With time it occurred to me that it would be helpful to have dedicated calendars by interest, too, so now we have mini-calendars dedicated to:

Tantra

Contact Improv

Juggling

Burning Man

And more :)

There are even now a couple of dedicated sites for festivals in the UK and the US..

I’d especially like to add a section for free gatherings where people can come together without buying a ticket - if you know of any interesting collectives, conventions, meet ups like that please let me know :)

I wish I had more time to go to many of the events I share with you.

But as I organise a couple of small festivals of my own, my time in summer is pretty limited but in the best way :)

They’re small festivals in the Czech Republic with around 100 people which makes it feel like a little friendly village. No phones, no alcohol, no drugs. Lots of love, learning and celebration :)

The Festival of Creativity 17 - 26 July

A co-created event where the participants lead workshops on anything from dance to painting to herb recognition to physics in a teepee :)

Musicians play unplugged around the fire, we make all the food and tea and we come together in a temporary 10 day village.

The Festival of Sensuality 15 - 22 August

Everybody’s got a body that we live inside. You, me, everybody. This is an opportunity to get to know your body, your feelings, your borders and learn what happens when you encounter… other bodies :)

Tom Thumb

“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the Road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there is no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

So said Bilbo Baggins (and now you know what a nerd I am…) and so is true of any festival or retreat you might go to this year - who knows what friends, lovers and inspirations await..

Here are a few events to consider:

Joygasmic Mini-Festival Co-Creative Retreat

17 - 22 May, England

‘This Joygasmic Mini Festival is a co-creative gathering where every guest adds their unique flavour - from games and practices to meals and evening entertainment - creating a deeply authentic experience together. Expect unique entertainment, cacao connection circles, meaningful wisdom sharing, childhood games, impactful practices, and the rare joy of being fully seen, valued, appreciated & celebrated for just being you.’

Alchemy of Yoga Retreat

4 - 10 June, Italy

‘Our retreats are co-created by a diverse group of facilitators—artists, bodyworkers, healers, musicians, astrologers, yogis, and guides—who bring their wisdom, presence, and unique practices to shape transformative experiences. Each retreat is an open exchange of knowledge, movement, breath, sound, and sacred rituals, designed to guide you on a deep and personal journey. Our facilitators offer their expertise to support your process, creating a space where learning, growth, and connection flourish.’

Yaga Gathering

16 - 20 July, Lithuania

‘Yaga is an open-air gathering taking place in a lakeside location surrounded by Dzukija forests in Lithuania. The event was founded in 2003 by a handful of friends out of a desire to create a place where participants can bring a positive change, enjoy themselves, feel accepted, and be more connected.’

Awaken as Love Tantra Festival

5 - 9 Augusts, the Netherlands

‘The AAL Tantra Festival is great for those who would like to experience many different teachers in a wide range of Tantra workshops, Biodanza, Firewalking, Temple Evenings, and Sacred Cacao Ceremony in a large group of people with choices in the programs. It is a celebration where you can choose to attend every single event or to just enjoy taking time to enjoy the atmosphere of the Castle lands and Pleasure Gardens, and to spend time with yourself or socialising with others.’

And if you’d like to join 100 people without phones, drugs or alcohol to create a sense of community for a week, then check out the events I run in the Czech Republic:

The Festival of Creativity 17 - 26 July

A co-created festival with up to 12 different workshops a day in which to participate and music around the fire all night…

The Festival of Sensuality 15 - 22 August

Everybody’s got a body - come and get to know yours better - your boundaries, your communication and how you relate to others..

Here are some events coming up this summer:

Tantric Joy Festival Amsterdam

17 - 21 June, the Netherlands

‘Tantra is a spiritual path where the body and our nature is seen as an expression of the divine in us. And our body needs grounding, needs being felt, healing, acceptance… We are so happy about the space in nature that will allow us to fly even higher because of the grounding of the earth and the elements. This year the theme of the festival is Divine Essence Nature and Goddess Kali will be our inspiration and festival guide.’

Pachamama Play Festival

21 June - 4 July, Montenegro

‘A meaningful part of the experience is spending time with the Pachamama Community in the Kotor Bay Area of Montenegro. Our place is surrounded by forest, close to the sea, and within easy reach of Kotor, Budva, and Tivat, while still far from the tourist crowds. Life here is simple and natural. You can feed the animals, harvest from the garden, share slow, nourishing meals, and follow the hiking trail from our house down to hidden beaches.

Taboo Festival Berlin

15 - 19 July, Germany

‘The themes of The Mystic Picnic are Shadow work, Kink, Darkness but especially bringing our joyous sparkly wonders into these places. We are interested in ritual, transformation, personal growth, catharsis and insights. Our diverse facilitators will offer a variety of creative and engaging experiences to give you the opportunity to meet, express and empower your sweetest taboos. Our workshops range from beginner friendly to more advanced, and from light and playful to dark, deep and profound.’

Roztoc Festival

13 - 17 August, the Czech Republic

‘Come to Roztoč- the festival for circus artists, fire dancers, actors and performance artists in general. We’ve got both live music and DJs, lots of workshops, multiple huge shows, all-night fire-jams, and so much more! At Roztoč, we have a long history of amazing shows. It’s both a festival for circus and performance artists, as well as a music festival. Everybody will find something they like here.”

I wish I had more time to go to many of the events I share with you.

But as I organise a couple of small festivals of my own, my time in summer is pretty limited but in the best way :)

They’re small festivals in the Czech Republic with around 100 people which makes it feel like a little friendly village. No phones, no alcohol, no drugs. Lots of love, learning and celebration :)

The Festival of Creativity 17 - 26 July

A co-created event where the participants lead workshops on anything from dance to painting to herb recognition to physics in a teepee :)

Musicians play unplugged around the fire, we make all the food and tea and we come together in a temporary 10 day village.

The Festival of Sensuality 15 - 22 August

Everybody’s got a body that we live inside. You, me, everybody. This is an opportunity to get to know your body, your feelings, your borders and learn what happens when you encounter… other bodies :)

Tom Thumb

At the end of the day, when we go to festivals and retreats, we go because other people will be there. Otherwise it would be pretty lonely. Sure, the workshops might be cool, the music sounds great, the location looks amazing, but it’s the people who will make the memories.

What I look for in the small festivals I include on the calendar are events where you’re likely to meet people who won’t be too drunk to remember your name the next day and actually care about your experience at the event as well as your own.

Here are a few events to consider:

The Cocoon

3 - 10 May, Greece

‘We believe in the power of conscious connection with ourselves, with each other, and with life itself. We stand for a responsible, open and non-judgmental approach to intimacy, aliveness and personal unfolding. In a world beyond cultural conditioning, we create spaces where humans are invited to explore their boundaries, desires and needs – to move closer to their truth. We celebrate the full spectrum of human experience - in ecstasy and stillness, in connection and solitude, in touch and in space.’

Embody Essence Facilitator Course

1 June - 16 July, Italy

‘You’ll be guided through transformative practices that help you reconnect with your body, understand your emotional landscape, and cultivate genuine intimacy with yourself and others. For the ones that are ready to dive into the full training: From this embodied understanding, you’ll learn to facilitate from a space of integrity, holding space with clarity, empathy, and confidence creating environments where real transformation can unfold.’

Convento Festival

9 - 14 August, Italy

‘Welcome to our retreat-style festival! With a small group and a well-thought-out schedule, this five days are all about diving deep—into yourself and into real connections with others. Expect high-quality workshops that are meaningful yet light-hearted, guiding you through a journey that’s both fun and transformative. It’s an intimate, relaxed space where you can slow down, be yourself, and explore what truly matters.’

Kama Etna Fest

1 - 6 September, Italy

‘Kāma Etna Fest is a conscious sexuality festival, a space to celebrate who you are. From the heart-opening and devotional side of intimacy to the playful and edgy dimensions of desire and connection. Through workshops, music, art, burlesque, and kinky experiences, we create a space where pleasure and love are explored with awareness, respect, and honesty, so you can express your real self freely. Surrounded by nature and a conscious community, reconnect with how deeply we are meant to feel, relate, and live.

[discount code kāma26 valid until 15th April]

The 2 small festivals I run in the Czech Republic are all about people - such a rich and diverse range of people who come together and create these little villages for a week or so. There are no phones or drink or drugs, and there are no stages or microphones - just people making music around the fire, teaching in teepees.

The Festival of Creativity 17 - 26 July

A co-created event where the participants lead workshops on anything from dance to painting to herb recognition to physics under the stars :)

Musicians play unplugged around the fire, we make all the food and tea and we come together in a temporary 10 day village.

The Festival of Sensuality 15 - 22 August

Everybody’s got a body that we live inside. You, me, everybody. This is an opportunity to get to know your body, your feelings, your borders and learn what happens when you encounter… other bodies :)

Tom Thumb