Join us on April 11th for Vermont’s first annual Sauna Fest- a full-day celebration of sauna culture, ritual, and community.
Experience 7 unique saunas, 8 guided aufguss rituals, and 5 internationally renowned sauna practitioners sharing traditions from around the world. Throughout the day, enjoy aromatherapy, guided cold plunge experiences, and time to gather, rest, and connect between rounds of heat.
Vermont Sauna Fest is a celebration of sauna culture in the Northeast.
In the Northeast, winter has always shaped how we gather. Sauna offers a respite from the season’s isolation; a place to warm the body, soften the mind, and reconnect through shared experience. It’s a practice of resilience, healing, and collective care that feels especially needed now.
Vermont Sauna Fest exists to raise awareness of sauna culture in our region and to bring together the people and businesses helping it grow. By gathering in one place, sharing space, heat, and intention, we support one another and strengthen the foundation of this work.
This is about remembering what warmth can do…not just for the body, but for the whole community.
Your Questions,
Answered
What To Expect
How does the event work?
We will offer entry to the event in four waves, with 50 people per wave. Each session lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore and move between experiences at your own pace.
How many saunas will there be?
There will be 7 unique saunas on site, each offering a different style of heat, ritual, or experience. Guests are free to move between them during their session.
Will there be sauna rituals?
Yes. We’ll be hosting rotating aufguss sauna rituals led by visiting practitioners. These rituals will move between different saunas throughout the day so each wave has the opportunity to experience them.
What if I’m new to sauna?
No problem. We’ll have clear signage and volunteers throughout the site to guide you, answer questions, and help you feel comfortable with the flow of the experience.
Will there be cold plunges?
Yes. There will be four guided cold plunge experiences led by Rob Williams of Nordic Flow, a Wim Hof–trained instructor.
What should I bring?
Please bring:
Bathing suit
Towel
Water bottle
Sandals or slip-on shoes
Are there changing areas?
Yes, but changing spaces will be limited, so we recommend arriving already in your bathing suit.
What if I forget something?
We’ll have a small selection of items for sale, including sauna hats, towels, aromatherapy, water bottles, and other essentials.
Will there be food and drinks?
Yes. We’ll have one food truck on site where guests can purchase food, as well as non-alcoholic cocktails and electrolyte beverages.
What happens if it rains?
The festival is entirely outdoors and will happen rain or shine, so come prepared for Vermont weather.
When should I arrive?
Please plan to arrive 10–15 minutes before your scheduled wave to check in, sign the waiver and get oriented. Late arrivals may miss part of their session.
Can I stay longer than my time slot?
To keep the flow smooth for everyone, guests are asked to respect their 1 hour and 45 minute session time so the next wave can begin on schedule.
Is this a quiet environment?
This is a social, community-centered event. While there will be moments of calm and focus in the saunas, you’ll be sharing the space with fellow guests rather than having private sauna time.
Can I bring my phone?
Phones are allowed, but we encourage guests to disconnect and be present. Please be mindful of others and avoid taking photos inside the saunas.
Who This Is For
Vermont Sauna Fest is for:
Longtime sauna lovers and first-timers alike
People curious about ritual, heat, and embodied wellness
Those seeking connection without overwhelm
Anyone wanting to experience winter differently
You do not need to be “good at sauna.”
You only need to come as you are.
First Time Sauna Tips
Hydrate well – Drink water before, during, and after your session to stay energized and safe.
Listen to your body – Move between saunas and cold plunges at your own pace; it’s okay to step out or take a break.
Alternate heat and cold – Enjoy the full ritual by trying a sauna round followed by a guided cold plunge, then rest.
Bring minimal items – Towels, bathing suit, sandals, and water are all you need; extra items are available for purchase on site.
Relax and enjoy the community – Sauna Fest is about shared ritual, connection, and fun. Don’t worry about doing it “right”… just show up and soak it in.