Outside Festival and Summit at Civic Center Park in Denver, Colorado on May 31, 2025, with Khruangbin, Sylvan Esso, Marfa, Neal Francis, Shovelin Stone, Husbands, Squeaky Feet, and Brothers of Brass. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
Denver's Civic Center Park just concluded the second annual Outside Festival and Summit, an event that has quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the outdoor community. Founded by Outside Interactive Inc. and presented by Capital One and REI Co-op, this four-day extravaganza drew a remarkable 35,000 attendees, nearly doubling its inaugural 2024 turnout of 18,000. Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside Interactive, emphasized the event's broader mission: “This year’s Outside Festival and Summit proves that we’re building something much bigger than an event... we’re fostering deeper connections and bringing the outdoor community together.” He highlighted the Outside Summit's role in redefining the traditional outdoor trade show, uniting industry leaders to tackle current challenges and successes, while the Outside Festival continues to be a magnet for fans of music, film, wellness, and adventure, promising continued growth and value for years to come.
The event kicked off on Thursday, May 29th, with the Outside Summit, featuring Outside Ignite, a national startup pitch competition. From nearly 200 applications, five finalists vied for a grand prize, with Raide Research of Carbondale, Colorado, ultimately securing the $100,000 award. Campfire Ranch took the runner-up prize and was also honored with the audience-voted People’s Choice Award. The Summit itself saw a impressive 80% increase in registrants, drawing 900 attendees who immersed themselves in 15 back-to-back sessions. Friday's agenda began with key addresses from Conor Hall of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and Carrie Besnette Hauser of Trust for Public Land, setting an industry-focused tone. Attendees also had the unique opportunity to hear from Albert Lin, the renowned National Geographic explorer, scientist, and television host.
The momentum surged into the weekend as the Outside Festival reached capacity on Saturday and Sunday, welcoming 33,000 attendees, including children 12 and under who enjoyed free admission. Organizers reported a significant reach, with 26% of attendees traveling from out of state and 32% identifying as BIPOC. Music lovers were treated to a diverse lineup of 12 musical acts, featuring headliners such as Khruangbin, Lord Huron, Sylvan Esso, and Trampled by Turtles. Beyond the vibrant music scene, the festival offered thought-provoking content with 10 "Ideas" sessions at the Denver Art Museum, boasting 18 speakers on Saturday and 13 on Sunday. The Outside Festival Film, curated by Mountainfilm and presented by KEEN, captivated audiences at the Denver Public Library with six film screenings on Saturday and seven on Sunday, each followed by engaging conversations with film subjects.
The festival was also a hub for connection and sustainability, hosting 20 partners from the Adventure Travel Trade Association, 26 Camp Colorado partners, and 15 nonprofit vendors. In a testament to its environmental commitment, Outside implemented reusable cups for cocktails, with less than 1% of the 15,000 distributed cups ending up in separated waste.
Active participants engaged in various zones: 120 yogis found their flow at the UCHealth Health and Wellness zone, 500 climbers scaled The North Face climbing wall, and over 100 walkers joined Diana Nyad and Bonnie Stoll for the inspiring EverWalk session. Thousands more explored additional touchpoints across areas like the REI Wild Ideas Worth Living stage, Scout Motors’ Tailgate sessions, and Outside’s Ultimate Basecamp with the Colorado Wildlife Council. The success of the Outside Festival and Summit was powered by its esteemed sponsors, including Capital One, REI Co-op, Brooks Running, Scout Motors, Berghaus, The North Face, VF Corporation, UCHealth, the State of Colorado, Visit Denver, and the Denver Art Museum.
About the Outside Festival and Summit
The second annual Outside Festival and Summit unfolded in downtown Denver from May 29 to June 1, 2025, solidifying its place as a cornerstone event for outdoor enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. The Outside Festival, presented by Capital One and REI and running from May 31 to June 1, was a vibrant celebration of all things outdoors, featuring an engaging mix of music, films, expert speakers, and cutting-edge gear. This dynamic event is the result of a powerful partnership between Outside Interactive, Inc., the State of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Office, and Visit Denver, all united by a shared commitment to making the outdoors more accessible and inclusive for everyone. Meanwhile, the Outside Summit, held from May 29 to June 1, 2025, served as the outdoor industry's premier networking conference, fostering collaboration and innovation. To learn more, visit theoutsidefestival.com.
About Outside Interactive, Inc.
Outside Interactive, Inc. is the leading hub for outdoor inspiration, activity, and celebration. Recognized by Fast Company as one of the Most Innovative Companies of 2025 in media and news, Outside engages over 300 million unique users annually and boasts more than 100 million registered users across its diverse network. This network includes 25 media, service, and utility brands, such as Outside, MapMyFitness, Velo, Yoga Journal, Pinkbike, Gaia GPS, Trailforks, athleteReg, and many more.
Outside's core mission is to encourage everyone to embrace the outdoors, fostering healthy, connected, and fulfilling lives through experiences tailored for both seasoned adventurers and newcomers alike. For an enhanced experience, Outside offers Outside+, a subscription that bundles top-tier storytelling, videos, gear reviews, mapping applications, online courses, discounted event access, and much more.
Outside Festival and Summit
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