Regional & International Festivals
KMC Chicago is part of a worldwide network of independent Kadampa Buddhist centers.
Over 1,200 of them in 40 different countries, all presenting authentic Buddhist wisdom for people living busy, modern lives.
Practitioners from these centers come together at regional, national, and international gatherings to learn, meditate, make meaningful friendships, and maintain an international spiritual community. Dharma Festivals and Celebrations are spiritual vacations.
Learn
Learn from the most senior teachers in Kadampa Buddhism.
Connect
Develop meaningful connections with people from around the region, across the country, or all over the world.
Be Inspired
Meet inspiring examples of people who are using Buddha's practical teachings to transform their everyday lives.
Midwest Dharma Celebration
The Midwest Dharma Celebration is an annual event that connects practitioners from around the Midwest. This weekend of practical teachings and guided meditations nourishes your spiritual life and increases your capacity for boundless inner peace and happiness. Perfect for all levels of experience. Everyone is welcome.
Midwest Dharma Celebration 2026
March 20 - 22, 2026
Madison, WI
The Midwest Dharma Celebration is a regional Buddhist meditation festival that brings together the sangha community from across the Midwest to immerse in transformative teachings, deep meditation, and meaningful connections. This annual event is organized by Kadampa meditation centers and branches in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Iowa.
US National Festival
Once a year, Kadampa practitioners from across the United States gather at one of two Kadampa World Peace Temples in the U.S. (in upstate New York, or northern Arizona), for this meaningful spiritual vacation.
US National Festival 2026
April 24 - 29, 2026
Glen Spey, NY
Details about the 2026 US National Festival will be announced at a later date.
Receive teachings, meditate, and make prayers in a World Peace Temple alongside hundreds of other people from across the United States. Everyone attending the festival has the same spiritual aspiration and intention, and is following the same Spiritual Guide. This feeling of shared purpose and mutual support is both inspiring and empowering, and opens our mind to a vision of a better world – a vision that actually seems achievable.
International Festivals
Every year the New Kadampa Tradition - International Kadampa Buddhist Union (NKT-IKBU) organizes three International Festivals taught by senior Teachers: every spring and summer in England, and every fall at a new location each year.
The Festivals consist of teachings, empowerments, and meditations, and finish with short retreats. Everyone is welcome to attend regardless of experience. They also provide an opportunity to meet and practice with like-minded people from all over the world. You will come away not only refreshed and relaxed but also spiritually re-energized.
