Hi, friends,

It’s been a few weeks since the first-ever Anaconda Yoga Fest, and the dust has finally settled. My body feels rested, my mind has slowed, and I’ve had some time to really take in what happened that weekend.

The whole thing was, simply put, magic. The class locations alone made the weekend feel like an adventure. Between the historic Montana Hotel ballroom, the sun-dappled lawns of Washoe Park, the art-filled halls of Copper Village Museum, and our cozy home base at Anaconda Yoga, the festival unfolded like a walking meditation through town. Each space carried its own energy: old brick and sunlight, grass and mountain air, art and movement.

When I first imagined the Anaconda Yoga Fest, I hoped it would feel different from other yoga weekends. More than a lineup of classes. More like an experience rooted in community, nature, and Montana’s quiet beauty. And that’s exactly what it became.

There was a shared buzz in the air between classes, at the Wellness Market, during the evening Kirtan that’s hard to describe unless you were there. It wasn’t just excitement about yoga; it was connection, joy, and the sense that something was beginning.

Here is a small gallery of my favorite photos from the weekend:

Behind the scenes, the weekend was powered by some truly incredible humans. The teachers weren’t just showing up to teach; they were jumping in wherever needed—covering last-minute classes, manning check-in tables, helping guests find their way, and cheering each other on. It reminded me that community isn’t something you build on paper; it’s what happens in moments like that.

Special shoutout to Audrey, who worked the front desk with me on check-in day when the line was out the door and the energy was through the roof. She somehow kept everything running smoothly and still made people laugh in the process!

To my mom and brother: you both deserve medals. My mom helped set up and check people in, and my brother spent three days setting up tents, hauling gear, and looking after Washoe Park so every class ran without a hitch. I truly couldn’t have gotten through it without them.

In fact, massive thanks to all of the volunteers. People were pouring in by the trove to help out. I actually had more volunteers than I had work! People are so good, thank you for helping me kick butt. Especially huge thank you to Marie for being an extra set of hands all weekend!

And to my girls Nicole, Jasmine, and Hannah, thank you for showing up early, helping me set up, and exploring Anaconda with me. Those few quiet moments before it all began were an important part of kicking this thing off with good vibes only.

I’m also so grateful to everyone who traveled from across Montana (and beyond!) to be part of this first year. Meeting so many of you in person after months of messages and planning was one of my favorite parts of the entire weekend. Thank you for trusting this small-town dream and helping it come alive.

As I look back now, what stands out most isn’t how perfectly things went (they didn’t) or how beautiful the classes were (they absolutely were). It’s how everyone came together with openness, curiosity, and kindness and made it all work. That’s what Yoga really is.

So thank you for coming, for teaching, for showing up in every way.

The first Anaconda Yoga Fest was more than a weekend of yoga. It was a reminder that community still matters, that Montana has a way of bringing people back to themselves, and that when you follow a wild idea with a full heart, it can grow into something beautiful.

Here’s to next year.

Much love,

Marquis

See Anaconda Yoga Fest 2026 details here