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Whether yoga is part of your daily routine or you’re new to the practice, September is the perfect month to roll out your mat. As designated by the Department of Health and Human Services in 2008, National Yoga Month was created to educate and inspire healthy lifestyles through yoga, and Colorado is the place to celebrate. Here, five fun events to take part in this month (and beyond):
Thug Yoga: Has there ever been a more natural combination than downward dog and Snoop Dogg? It just makes sense. Thug Yoga at the Sky Hotel in Aspen provides an up-tempo, carefree environment for all levels every Saturday through September on the pool deck, weather permitting. The $10 entry fee not only gets you through the door, but puts a complimentary Aspen Brewing Co. beer in your hand as you hit your poses—providing yet another natural combination. Sky Hotel, 709 E. Durant Ave., Aspen; $10
Yoga Rocks the Park: What started as a small gathering of about 30 yoga enthusiasts has morphed into a multi-city, seasonal event that has hosted up to 2,600 participants. Hosted at a different park every Sunday through September, Yoga Rocks the Park is an hour-and-a-half yoga session led by Denver-based instructors, which ends with wellness sessions and vendors serving green juices, kombucha, and yoga gear. Locations vary; free (donations accepted)
Friday Night Yoga Club: An adults-only event, Friday Night Yoga Club is a positive, intoxicant-free way to kick off the weekend. A 75-minute, high-energy yoga session allows more experienced yogis to try something new and the less experienced to practice in an upbeat environment to the tune of a new DJ every Friday through December. Bonus: Use code 303Yogamonth to get 20 percent off any Friday Night Yoga Club events in September. Locations vary; $25–$180 (season pass)
StapletOM Yoga Festival: This third annual festival has its fair share of Denver flare. All 15 yoga instructors, as well as the food and beer vendors, come from the Denver area. Even if you don’t buy a ticket to the three-day festival in Stapleton, which takes place September 16–18, you can still grab a drink and check out everything the festival has to offer. Free kids yoga is also available for anyone wanting to get their little ones hooked early. Friday and Saturday, Founders Green, 7601 E. 29th Ave.; Sunday, The Stanley Marketplace, 2501 Dallas St., Aurora; $25–$59
Yoga Journal Live! Colorado: There’s a little something for everyone at this Estes Park yoga festival. Boulder-based Yoga Journal magazine hosts its “Yoga Journal Live!” events across five states and features panels, intensive classes, and keynote speakers. The action kicks off September 22–25, and tickets can be purchased for the entire event, day passes, or half-day workshops. The yoga market is open to the general public and features vendors selling food, yoga accessories, and artisan jewelry. Bonus: Use code Yrp15 for 15 percent off Yoga Journal events. YMCA of the Rockies, 2515 Tunnel Rd., Estes Park; $35–$750