The Outside Festival is an annual event celebrating Colorado’s bond with the great outdoors. In its second year, it’s the ideal occasion for thrill-seekers, nature enthusiasts, adventurers, conservationists, and curious newcomers to come together under the Rocky Mountain sunshine. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
When and Where
The Outside Festival kicks off on Saturday, May 31st, and wraps up on Sunday, June 1st. Taking place at Civic Center Park (101 14th Avenue), it is a celebration in the heart of Denver and is open to all ages. One-day or two-day tickets are available, with attendees able to choose from general admission tickets and VIP options. All tickets for this rain-or-shine event can be purchased here.
What to Expect
True to its name, the Outside Festival celebrates Colorado’s eclectic and diverse love for everything from hiking, biking, and kayaking to rock climbing, ATVing, and yoga. It features the following:
- Live music and other entertainment, including performances by Squeaky Feet, Husbands, Neal Francis, Khruangbin, Trampled by Turtles, Hazlett, and more.
- Films and lectures that focus on adventure, resilience, and connecting with the earth
- Demonstrations and health and wellness activities, such as gear demonstrations, yoga sessions, climbing walls, and tutorials on bike maintenance,
- Vendors emphasizing outdoor lifestyles, sustainability, and conservation
- Other Mile High antics that aim to explore the magic of our state
Why Denver?
Colorado has long been praised for its lifestyle centered on outdoor adventure; it is considered one of the best states for outdoor enthusiasts, alongside states like Alaska, Utah, California, and Montana. This, along with its central location, makes Denver an obvious choice to host a festival dedicated to Mother Nature magnificence.
In fact, the Centennial State provides the following:
- Over 6,000 miles of hiking, backpacking, walking, and running trails (including between 53 and 59 fourteeners, depending on the definition being used)
- Over 7,000 miles of biking trails suitable for riders of all experience levels.
- Whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Colorado and Arkansas Rivers, along with paddleboarding on numerous lakes and reservoirs
- Numerous ski resorts, snowmobile trails, and snowshoe trails
- Four national parks and 42 state parks
- Thousands of rock climbing routes and campgrounds
Colorado is also considered the most physically active state in the country, which should come as no surprise; with numerous outdoor opportunities, everyone can find something they enjoy.
Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a nature novice, the Outside Festival is the quintessential event in Colorado. Kick off your summer by honing your skills, stocking up on gear, or discovering inspiration in a new activity.