How to Make the Most of Group Therapy Weekender

Above & Beyond’s Group Therapy Weekender is next weekend. Here’s a roundup of the programming and lineup to ensure you have the best time!

There is less than a week until the latest edition of Above & Beyond’s Group Therapy Weekender, and anticipation is mounting! Anjunafamily from around the world cherishes their pilgrimage to The Gorge Amphitheatre and to an event that is becoming a staple in Anjuna offerings. Debuted in 2019, Group Therapy Weekender takes all the best Anjuna offers with sets from the label’s roster, workshops and sessions beyond the music, and endless chances to make lifelong memories.

With such a packed programming schedule, it can be hard to know which sets and sessions to catch, and fear of missing out can kick in. This year, the activities move from the main Gorge venue space into camp, and doors to the main event are later than last year, sparing attendees from making the trek from camp in the heat to enjoy everything to its fullest. Whichever way, any journey you choose will lead to a rewarding weekend, but we’ve rounded up a summary of the schedule to prep you.

Heading to Seattle early? Start your party plans with Anjunabeats and Anjunadeep warm-up parties on Thursday, July 20. Anjunabeats fans can head to Ora Seattle to catch sets from Amy Wiles, anamē, Andrew Bayer, Alexander, Alex Sonata & TheRio, Elevven, and Avenue One. Like the Anjunadeep side of things? Q Nightclub will host a DJ set from CRi and sets from Durante & HANA, Nicky Elisabeth, and Simon Doty. For those that can’t get enough of the Anjuna love, kick things off a day early!

The official festivities at The Gorge start on Friday, July 21 at 6 PM.

Anjunabeats label manager Gareth Jones will play the opening set in The Meadow and provide a proper kick-off. He will be followed by Amy Wiles b2b HANA, and then by Paavo’s solo alias P.O.S. Back in camp, those settling in can join a Meet and Greet event with ice breakers hosted by The Instigators, or get crafty with Totem Making with LazerPantz.

Our must-catch set of the night will come from Tony McGuinness going b2b with Gabriel & Dresden. This will be Josh Gabriel’s first show back after his health scare last year and will be a special moment you do not want to miss as we celebrate his recovery and return to performing. End the night with either CRi as he hosts the first after-hours of the weekend and welcomes his Friends in Secret for a special b2b set, or at Climate Canvas, where you can visualize the impact of taking climate action through the eyes of Anjunafamily DJs.

Throughout the weekend, attendees will also be able to shop at various vendors in the campsite, as well as enjoy food and drink offerings there. Complimentary face paint, braids with extensions, and bio glitter are available at the Glam Bar, which is open from 4-8 PM on Friday and 2-8 PM Saturday and Sunday. You can explore the Secrets of the Gorge on Saturday and Sunday through an augmented reality scavenger hunt or rest your feet in the Lounge.

Things start off bright and early on Saturday, July 22, with the Daybreaker Experience.

Join in on yoga, meditation, dancing, and a few surprises to jumpstart your day. There will be an additional Pulse Yoga session and Daybreaker Soundbath later on in the afternoon for those who aren’t as early of risers. Want to beat the heat? Parasol decorating will take place in the Anjunafamily Dome so you can have a one-of-a-kind, functional souvenir.

Artist activations will be in full swing with a live recording of anamē’s It’s a Beautiful World Podcast, Dave Dresden in discussion with Professor John Fernandez, Director of MIT’s Environmental Solutions Initiative, and Annie Norman on the sustainable future of festivals, and even a secret album listening party with one of Anjuna’s artists!

At 3:30 PM, the music kicks off at both the main Gorge stage and The Meadow.

Saturday is all Anjunabeats on full display with favorites like Sunny Lax, ALPHA 9, ilan Bluestone, Kasablanca, Nourey, and Andrew Bayer. Above & Beyond will, of course, be taking to the main stage for the pinnacle with a two-hour set that’s sure to get emotions and dance moves flowing. You’ll be singing along and having the time of your life, no doubt! When festivities end at the main venue, head to the silent disco with Leena Punks b2b Amy Wiles or a special edition of Club Quarantine with Gabriel & Dresden, which goes until 4 AM.

The festivities continue on Sunday, July 23, with unique experiences and special performances.

Attendees can start their mornings with Power Fusion Yoga, learn how to DJ, recenter with Daybreaker’s breathwork session, or become a climate defender by creating a mixed-media art piece with other Anjunafamily members. Also taking place Sunday morning is A State of Anjuna, where you can chat with members from Anjuna HQ about the community’s future, potential improvements, and other suggestions you may have. Later in the afternoon, make another functional souvenir, earplug jewelry, or stretch your limits at Daybreaker’s Acroyoga class!

Over in the main venue, it’s Anjunadeep’s turn to take over, and music starts a little earlier at 3 PM. Catch sets from Nils Hoffman, Simon Doty, James Grant, Jody Wisternoff, Tinlicker, Yotto, and more! Paavo and Elena Brower will also perform a Flow State set in the Meadow for those that can’t get enough of the reinvigorating yoga sessions! All good things must come to an end as Sunday closes with a closing party hosted by Anjuna HQ until 2 AM.

There truly is no way to go wrong with so many options for this year’s Weekender. Share your experience with us on social media, and follow us on Instagram for fun, exclusive content all weekend! We can’t wait to see you there at the beautiful Gorge!

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