Shambala music festival, known for being entirely vegetarian for the past 10 years, is considering serving deer meat at its 2026 event. The decision has sparked backlash online, as many attendees value the festival's meat-free status and see it as a key part of its identity.

The festival organizers are allowing fans to vote on whether venison should be added to the menu, with arguments on both sides regarding environmental considerations, ethical concerns, and potential alternatives to culling deer. Many attendees have expressed disappointment with the potential change, citing the enjoyment of a meat-free experience at the festival and suggesting that Shambala should remain fully vegetarian to maintain its uniqueness.