Newton, NC – ZenFest, the Catawba Valley’s vibrant celebration of yoga, movement, art, and community connection, returns to Catawba Farms on Saturday, May 2, 2026 with a special Sunday continuation designed to deepen the experience of presence, play, and wellness.
Co-presented by the YMCA of the Catawba Valley and the Catawba Valley Festive of the Arts, ZenFest invites participants of all levels to explore practices that support personal wellness and collective harmony while supporting non-profits that elevate physical, mental and spiritual health.
Saturday’s festival will feature a dynamic lineup of yoga classes, movement sessions, expressive arts, live music, wellness offerings, and community engagement. Attendees can expect a welcoming, inclusive environment where beginners and seasoned practitioners alike can “get Zen in the Valley.”
Free Community Wellness Fair
In addition to ticketed classes and sessions, ZenFest features a free Wellness Fair open to the public, welcoming the entire community to experience the spirit of the festival. The fair includes:
- 30 artisan vendors offering handmade goods, wellness products, and creative works
- Food trucks serving a variety of flavorful, healthy food
- Live music throughout the day to create a vibrant, festival atmosphere
The Wellness Fair reflects ZenFest’s mission of accessibility—creating space for everyone to gather, explore, and connect, whether attending classes or simply enjoying the day.
Building on the energy of Saturday’s festival, ZenFest will flow into a thoughtfully curated Sunday series of sessions designed to integrate and extend the experience with Stand-Up Paddle Board, (SUP), Pilates, ** Gentle Yoga Stretch, and Satsang, an open-hearted exploration of truth, awareness, and the nature of being.
“The festival provides opportunities to move the body into vibrancy as to reflect, restore, and reconnect with what matters most” says organizer Tammy Hefner with the YMCA of the Catawba Valley.
Proceeds from ZenFest benefit the YMCA of the Catawba Valley’s Annual Giving Campaign, and the Catawba Valley Festival of the Arts. Both organizations share supporting access to vital community programs focused on individual health and wellness and community connection and inclusiveness.
ZenFest is more than a one-day event—it is a gateway to ongoing wellness, creativity, and community connection in the Catawba Valley.
Tickets and Information:
Visit https://www.anandarasa.org/zenfest2026 to learn more and secure your spot.
About YMCA of the Catawba Valley
The YMCA of the Catawba Valley strengthens the community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, ensuring that everyone has access to essential programs and services.
About AnandaRasa Catawba
AnandaRasa Catawba is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals and the community through the healing arts, including yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and creative artistic expression.
