Imagine a perfect weekend filled with tons of cool people, outdoor adventure opportunities, great food and drink, music, movies, free swag, and more. That’s what an outdoor adventure festival is all about. Whether it’s biking, watersports, yoga, meditation, backpacking, climbing, snowsports, or obstacle course racing, there are festivals for every type of adventure seeker. We compiled a list of the very best outdoor adventure festivals across North America so you can find one near you. A summary list of the outdoor adventure festivals appears first, but keep scrolling for more information about each festival. . Without further ado, here are the very best outdoor adventure festivals in North America.
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Outdoor Adventure Festivals Across North America
Abominable Snow Race
Where: Lake in the Hills, IL
When: January
How much: $25+
Description: “Remember when you were a kid crawling thru snow tunnels, launching snow balls, and playing King of the Mountain? Reconnect with your inner Yeti and conquer the Midwest’s premier winter obstacle race. The Abominable Snow Race challenges participants with 4-6 miles of snowy terrain, 20+ winter themed obstacles, and the Abominable weather. Held at the ‘The Mountain Top’ Ski Resort on the beautiful grounds of the Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, the Abominable Snow Race is the perfect blend of fitness, family, and fun. There’s so much to do before and after the race…this is one winter event you don’t want to miss!”
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Sedona Mountain Bike Festival
Where: Sedona, AZ
When: March
How much: TBD
Description: “The Sedona MTB Festival is 3-day mountain bike celebration that will include a Main Expo/Festival, Bike Demos, Shuttled Rides, a Beer Garden, great Bands for (3) nights and a whole lotta sweet RED SINGLETRACK! We are already working to make the 2019 Sedona Mountain Bike Festival bigger and better than last year. The mountain biking in Sedona is world class. Sedona sports over 200 miles of killer singletrack and is a media darling having appeared in magazines countless times in the last few years. Simply put: it’s a bucket list destination people want to come ride.”
Frozen Dead Guy Days
Where: Nederland, CO
When: March
How much: $10-$20
Description: “Known as one of the most unique and quirky festivals in the country, Frozen Dead Guy Days takes place in the Colorado mountain town of Nederland — three days of frosty merriment featuring 30 live bands in heated super tents and outrageous events like coffin racing, costumed polar plunging, frozen t-shirt contests and much more. Celebrating its 18th year in 2019, Frozen Dead Guy Days continues to be a world-renowned spectacle. The home-grown frosty fest pays homage to Bredo Morstol, who is frozen in a state of suspended animation and housed in a Tuff Shed on dry ice high above Nederland. Thousands of adventurous, life enthusiasts come to participate in Colorado’s “most frigidly fun festival” and view the events along with local, national and international media and entertainment.”
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Whistler World Ski and Snowboard Festival
Where: Whistler, British Columbia
When: April
How much: Free (individual event prices may vary)
Description: “Known to locals as WSSF, the World Ski and Snowboard Festival combines spring energy with Whistler’s unique mountain culture for 6 days of non-stop events and action on and off the slopes. There’s music, art, photography, filmmaking, ski and snowboard competitions and non-stop nightlife, PLUS some of the best skiing and après sessions of the season. Take our word for it, you’ll need more than the weekend to appreciate this vibe.”
Sea Otter Classic
Where: Monterey, CA
When: April
How much: $20+
Description: “The Sea Otter Classic is regarded as the world’s largest cycling festival. The mission of the Sea Otter Classic is to make people’s lives better through participation in sport and recreation and through celebration of an active outdoor lifestyle. We will accomplish this mission without compromising the ability of future generations to enjoy the benefits of a sustainable environment.”
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Coastal Redwoods Trailfest
Where: Northern California
When: April
How much: Race prices vary
Description: “Trailfest is a 3-day festival celebrating nature, trail running, music, food, and friendship. Each morning, you’ll run a gorgeous timed race on one of the world’s most uniquely beautiful trail courses. After the race, spend the day exploring the parks, hiking local trails, and discovering other nearby beaches, restaurants, and sights. After a day on the trails, sit back, and enjoy deserved rest, delicious food, expert presenters and motivational speakers, live bands, bonfires, a trail running film festival, yoga clinics, gear demonstrations, and more!”
Trail Days
Where: Damascus, VA
When: May
How much: Free
Description: Three days in Appalachia with beginning and expert thru-hikers, Trail Days is the premier festival celebrating the Appalachian Trail and all the people who make it great.
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Dominion Energy River Rock
Where: Richmond, Virginia
When: May
How much: Free (event prices vary)
Description: “From music to mud pits, bikes to beer, SUPs to pups, and climbing to kayaks – it’s uniquely RVA! Rock the day and night away, watch professional athletes thrill the crowd, and maybe even get a little dirty yourself. Dominion Energy River Rock is the premier outdoor sports and music festival. ”
Bigfork Whitewater Festival
Where: Bigfork, Montana
When: May
How much: Free for spectators (races are $15-$45)
Description: “The Bigfork Whitewater Festival is celebrating 43 years of extreme whitewater action and community-oriented fun! This is the longest running event in Bigfork and is one that the entire Flathead Valley looks forward to each year. Participants come from around the world to race. Spectators are also a huge part of this festival and come to enjoy the races and other events held in town. Bigfork, Montana is located on the north end of Flathead Lake, where the Swan River spills into Bigfork Bay. The last mile of the Swan River, known as the “Wild Mile”, is a class IV section of whitewater. It is the perfect whitewater venue with a scenic nature trail paralleling the north side, giving spectators front row seats for some of the best whitewater action in the area. The Wild Mile also flows through downtown Bigfork, which offers an eclectic variety of restaurants, shops and galleries.”
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Mountain Sports Festival
Where: Asheville, North Carolina
When: May
How much: Free
Description: “The Mountain Sports Festival is a weekend music and sports festival that celebrates community, athletics and local business. The free festival showcases the terrain, environment, and unique culture of Asheville, NC and the surrounding mountains. The Mountain Sports Festival is organized by a volunteer group of community oriented citizens dedicated to providing a well balanced series of events and music that encourage participation on all levels. Every year, we build on our strong community base and bring you a wide variety of events in the mountains, throughout town, and on the river. An amazing array of musical talent, with acts and staging far better than most free festivals, will perform each day, and local beer, cider, and food vendors will be available to fill your belly.”
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Burning Can Fest at the Lyons Outdoor Games
Where: Lyons, CO
When: June
How much: TBD
Description: “The Colorado Burning Can Fest at the Lyons Outdoor Games is the perfect weekend for lovers of adventure, beer, music, and camping. Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Lyons Colorado boasts a natural playground for runners, riders, kayakers, dogs, and climbers. Featuring adventures to see and watch, a mountain-side beer fest with close to 100 breweries, world class athletes, beautiful camping, and a huge concert, the Burning Can Fest at the Lyons Outdoor Games is quickly growing to be one of the top outdoor lifestyle festivals in the U.S.”
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Outdoorfest NYC Campout
Where: Camp Kaufman, NYC
When: June
How much: Free (clinic prices vary)
Description: “OutdoorFest is back and we’re kicking it off by taking over 75 acres of green space in Staten Island to host the summer’s best campout. Campout under the stars || 5K Night Trail Race || Ultra Trail Run || LIVE SHOW || Beer by Sierra Nevada || Survival Skills || Slacklining || Stargazing (with real telescopes & astronomers!) No car? No problem. We’ll be running our shuttle again.”
GoPro Mountain Games
Where: Vail, CO
When: June
How much: Free for spectators (event prices vary)
Description: “Professional and amateur outdoor adventure athletes from the Vail Valley and around the world will converge upon the mountains and rivers of Vail to compete in nine sports and 25 disciplines including: x-country and road cycling, freestyle, 8-Ball, sprint and extreme kayaking, raft cross, World Cup Climbing, stand up paddle sprint and surf cross, as well as trail, mud and road running, dog comps and the Ultimate Mountain Challenge. In addition to the athletic events, the GoPro Mountain Games will include a mountain photography competition, adventure film school, film festival, an interactive exhibition and demo area, live music, and mountain lifestyle parties.”
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Tulsa Tough Cycling Festival
Where: Tulsa, Oklahoma
When: June
How much: Free for spectators (event price varies)
Description: “Saint Francis Tulsa Tough is a premier three-day cycling festival in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It features two days of challenging rides in true Gran Fondo style and professional-level criterium races in three distinct festival venues. Drop whatever you’re doing and get to Downtown Tulsa for the best weekend of cycling in the U.S.Bring the whole family and any bike that works, and join us Sunday afternoon for the FREE Townie Ride!”
FIBArk Festival
Where: Salida, CO
When: June
How much: Free for spectators ($20+ for competitors)
Description: “Every year in June during the Arkansas River runoff in Salida, Colorado, a festival occurs called FIBArk or “First In Boating the Arkansas.” The festival focuses on whitewater boat races and paddlers from around the nation and world come to compete. The town is consumed with FIBArk. Every person who lives in Salida is involved as a merchant, a volunteer, or a spectator and people who come from out of town fill Salida to the brim to witness one of the premier boat races in North America.”
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Adventure Sports Week Tahoe
Where: Lake Tahoe, CA
When: June
How much: Free (Individual event prices may vary)
Description: “Adventure Sports Week Tahoe is a 10 day event featuring human powered sports, music, film, and fun for all. Come join us and celebrate our adventure lifestyle here in the heart of the sierra. Trail Running, Triathlon, Mountain Biking competitive events to choose from. Concerts, film, clinics, gear demos, and more. These ten days in June have events for everyone. Come challenge yourself during the day in one of the many competitive events, and relax during the afternoon with the Summer Concerts at Commons Beach or the Tahoe City Wine Walk. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to visit Lake Tahoe.
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Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival
Where: Canon City, CO
When: June
How much: Free for spectators (race entry varies)
Description: “The Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival is held annually in beautiful Cañon City, Colorado, where the Arkansas River flows, rages, and tumbles out of the world famous Royal Gorge. This is the premier whitewater and river event of the summer. The festival is held annually at Centennial Park, located along the beautiful banks of the Arkansas River. Whitewater Events are designed to include any individual who is in good physical condition with the ability to swim. You need not be an “expert” to participate in whitewater events. Whether you prefer rafts, kayaks, SUP’s, or river boards there is an event for everyone to enjoy. Back for the 18th year is the Build Your Own Boat Race (ByOB Race) and there is the very popular Community Raft Race. Anyone can get in the river and have fun.”
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The Pursuit Series: New York
Where: Hunter Mountain, NY
When: June
How much: $499+
Description: “Join us to experience the breathtaking beauty of New York’s Catskill Mountains at Hunter Mountain. With hundreds of glorious acres of waterfalls, forested trails, and lakes for us to explore, and located less than 3 hours outside of New York City, we’re beyond excited to feature this location as our first east coast festival. All Pursuers get the VIP treatment with a weekend full of amazing outdoor activities, experiences, food, drinks, and fun. Each pass includes everything you’ll need to have an amazing, worry-free experience.”
Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival
Where: Spokane, WA
When: July
How much: Free (clinic prices vary)
Description: “Try stand up paddleboarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking, geo-caching, SUP yoga, disc golf, slacklining, and the latest bikes, kayaks and paddleboards, and other boats at the 4th annual Spokatopia Outdoor Adventure Festival! General admission is FREE, although there is a fee for signing up for some outdoor activities/adventure clinics and a $5 demo pass that gets you access to unlimited bike and water sports demos.”
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International Surf Festival
Where: South Bay, CA
When: August
How much: Free
Description: “The event promotes the four South Bay beach cities, the world’s best lifeguard service, and physical fitness for thousands of participants. Participants range in age from 8 years old to the late 80’s. The three signature events for the festival are the Judge Taplin Lifeguard Medley Relay, the Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier Swim, and the Charley Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament. Other great events include a surfing contest, bodysurfing contest, beach run, paddleboard races, dory race, and youth events. The festival has hosted numerous international lifeguard teams including teams from Victoria, Australia. The International Surf Festival kick-off dinner is held on the Wednesday prior to the start of the Charley Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament and the Lifeguard Intracrew competition on Friday. The dinner includes the Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguard Medal of Valor award ceremony.”
Wanderlust Festival
Where: Multiple Locations
When: Check Schedule
How much: $15-$1,000
Description: “Wanderlust Festivals are all-out celebrations of mindful living. In the midst of some of the most breathtaking natural settings imaginable, be surrounded by a dynamic family of one-of-a-kind instructors, musicians, speakers, chefs and fellow celebrants. Step into what’s beyond: new ideas, new friends, new foods, new moves. And at the end of all this blissed-out exploring you’ll find you’ve come home—to yourself.” Check out their website for other dates and locations.
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Downieville Classic Mountain Bike Race
Where: Downieville, CA
When: August
How much: Free for spectators
Description: “The Downieville Classic has been named one of the top 10 best bike festivals from Outside Magazine. What it is: A weekend of racing and partying in the Sierras where riders have to pick one tool for two disciplines: a 29-mile cross country race, and a 15-mile downhill with 5000 vertical drop. Downieville is most famous for its races, and riders come to prove themselves hardened and unbreakable. Not a racer? Not to worry. Nearly as famous are the Ron’s House of Big Air River Jump, the log pull competition, and a soundtrack of live music.”
Kids Adventure Games
Where: Multiple Locations
When: Check Schedule
How much: $60
Description: “The Kids Adventure Games™ offers kids, ages 6 through 14, the opportunity to experience the thrill of adventure racing. The races emphasize teamwork, problem solving, sportsmanship, environmental awareness and fun. The kids cross the finish line, muddy, sweaty, smiling and full of pride. The intent of the Kids Adventure Games™ is to be challenged yet have fun, be determined, develop good character, sportsmanship, teamwork, build grit and resiliency, be able to think on your feet and finish the day with a smile.”
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The Pursuit Series: Norcal
Where: Bear Valley, CA
When: August
How much: $499+
Description: “With over 1,600 acres of trails, lakes, rocks, and meadows at your fingertips, you’ll quickly realize why the Sierra Nevada mountains are a true multi-sport mecca. You’ll find this hidden gem conveniently located between Lake Tahoe and Yosemite, and an easy drive from anywhere in the Bay. All Pursuers get the VIP treatment with a weekend full of amazing outdoor activities, experiences, food, drinks, and fun. Each pass includes everything you’ll need to have an amazing, worry-free experience.”
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FallFest Vermont
Where: Jeffersonville, VT
When: September
How much: $35+
Description: “Not only will you enjoy great food & drink, but FallFest Live offers festival games to try, a climbing wall to conquer, and a Kids Zone that helps make this event fun for the entire family! Add to that a vendor village that includes sport and art vendors, FallFest will keep you busy all evening!”
Outdoorfest Upstate
Where: Northern Catskills, NY
When: September
How much: $170+
Description: “We know that as city dwellers it’s often hard to feel connected to an outdoor community in our “hometown.” OutdoorFest provides a place for outdoor enthusiasts to unite and build community by reshaping the way we view our lives in cities and advocating for the accessibility of the outdoors.”
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Gauley Fest
Where: Gauley, West Virginia
When: September
How much: $50 (Kids Free!)
Description: “All proceeds from the festival support American Whitewater’s river conservation and access works throughout the nation. Started in 1983 to celebrate the derailment of a hydro-electric project that would have disrupted the flows on the Gauley River, Gauley Fest has grown to become the largest paddling festival in the world. The festival is a showcase for American Whitewater and the top whitewater vendors in the boating community. The festival will feature live entertainment, a whitewater marketplace, raffle, and a silent auction where you can pick up some awesome outdoor gear. Come out and join us for a weekend of great paddling, exciting camaraderie, live entertainment, killer boat raffles, and the infamous silent auction.”
Grinduro
Where: Quincy, CA
When: September
How much: $200
Description: “In short, Grinduro is just what the name suggests: Gravel Road Race + Mountain Bike-Style Enduro = one long loop of pavement and dirt, where finishing times aren’t based on overall loop time, but four timed segments (each roughly five-to-ten minutes). But Grinduro is not just a bike race. It’s a celebration of cycling with as much emphasis on the fun as the ride, with excellent food, an impressive display of art and incredible handmade bikes, live music, camping and a festival atmosphere. The course is a serious affair (7,500-feet of climbing in 60 miles) but the Grinduro isn’t meant to be a sufferfest. We’ve linked together some of our favorite roads in a quiet corner of California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. The course features a mix of surfaces (smooth pavement, gravel and hard-packed dirt) with two main climbs, one long valley and two world-class descents. One descent includes a fast and flowy singletrack trail. The other descent trends downhill for 30 miles!”
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Grand Circle Trailfest
Where: Kanab, UT
When: October
How much: Event prices vary
Description: “Trailfest is a 3-day festival celebrating nature, trail running, music, food, and friendship. Each morning, you’ll run a gorgeous timed race on one of the world’s most uniquely beautiful trail courses. After the race, spend the day exploring the parks, hiking local trails, and discovering other nearby beaches, restaurants, and sights. After a day on the trails, sit back, and enjoy deserved rest, delicious food, expert presenters and motivational speakers, live bands, bonfires, a trail running film festival, yoga clinics, gear demonstrations, and more!”
Indiana Dunes Outdoor Adventure Festival
Where: Indiana Dunes National Park, Indiana
When: October
How much: TBD
Description: “Centered at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center on State Road 49, the festival will showcase the region’s natural and cultural significance through hiking, paddling, biking, and other activities such as yoga, geo-caching, photography, birding, and orienteering. The festival has events for everyone including families, beginners, experts, and those with limited mobility. The only requirements are the desire for an outdoor adventure and to have a great time! The festival will take place across the region with activities in Porter, La Porte, and Lake Counties. A highlight of the weekend will be the grand opening of the Little Calumet River Water Trail with a tour sponsored by the Northwest Indiana Paddling Association, Shirley Heinz Land Trust, and Save the Dunes. Another unique opportunity will be backpacking in the national lakeshore. With support from REI, we will be leading an overnight backpacking trip to Cowles Bog beach and back. Enjoy the sunset from your tent pitched on the beach along Lake Michigan! No experience required and equipment will be available to rent.”
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Roanoke Go Outside Festival
Where: Roanoke, VA
When: October
How much: Free Admission
Description: “This one-of-a-kind community driven event attracts 35,000 visitors each year to fulfill their love of all things outdoors. This isn’t a “sit in your seat” kind of event — YOU’RE ENCOURAGED TO GET INVOLVED by test driving a bike or stand-up paddleboard, learning to fly cast, joining one of our many races, camping out, sampling craft beer, taking a survival class or engaging in over 125 activities during this three day smorgasbord. It’s no wonder that this festival was voted Best in the Blue Ridge three year’s running and we’re just getting started.”
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Bridge Day
Where: New River Gorge, WV
When: October
How much: Free (individual event prices may vary)
Description: “Bridge Day, one of the largest extreme sports event in the world, is held annually on the third Saturday in October in Fayette County, West Virginia, USA. Hundreds of BASE jumpers and nearly 80,000 spectators are expected to attend the event. The 876′ tall New River Gorge Bridge, serves as the launch point for six hours (9am-3pm EST) of safe, legal BASE jumps.This is the only day of the year that traffic is shut down and spectators can safely and legally walk across the world’s second longest single arch bridge. Vehicular traffic on the Bridge will be closed from 7am until approximately 5pm. Time is on your side—at least for six hours! Come and enjoy the view from the best overlook in the New River Gorge. Enjoy browsing through hundreds of vendor’s booths to find just the right souvenir for the day. Feeling Brave? Check out Bridge BASE Jumping or Rappel and Highline Information.”
Moab Ho Down Mountain Bike Festival
Where: Moab, UT
When: October
How much: $70+
Description: “Bike Riding, Enduro Racing, Jump Jamming, Partying, & Bike Movie Watching!”
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Outwild Series Fall Festival
Where: Santa Monica, CA
When: November
How much: $585+
Description: “The Outwild Festival is a 3-day kick-off event for individuals ready to jump into the Outwild community. The theme for the event is intentional life design – being selective with how you prioritize your time, pursue opportunities, and set goals. But don’t worry, we’ll spend just as much time practicing yoga and getting outside as we will doing workshops and hearing speakers. Every afternoon there will be time set outside for outdoor rec. Outwild will have suggestions on local hikes. For a small extra fee, there will be also be an optional beginner rock climbing course on Friday and mountain biking excursion on Saturday (limited spaces available). If you’re not in the mood for an outdoor adventure, we’ll have supplemental workshop options at the venue, including meditation and writing courses.”
Outdoor adventure festivals across North America
Outdoor adventure festivals are a great way to learn more, master skills, or try something new. They allow you to meet fellow adventure seekers while enjoy good food, music, and events. Outdoor adventure festivals take place all over North America throughout the year. Pretty much no matter where you are or whatever sport or activity you’re interested in, you can find an awesome event in our list of outdoor adventure festivals.
Do you have any favorite outdoor adventure festivals? Did we forget any outdoor adventure festivals near you? Let us know in the comments below!
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