Denverites and outdoor enthusiasts alike are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the inaugural Outside Festival, set to take place June 1-2, 2024, at Civic Center Park. Theevent promises to be a celebration ofeverything outdoors, featuring a lineup of musical acts, adventure films, inspirational speakers, immersive experiences and the latest outdoor gear.

“The goal behind the Outside Festival is to create the definitive annual gathering that celebrates outdoor culture,” says Robin Thurston, founder and CEO of Outside Interactive Inc. “This is where the spirit of outdoor adventure meets the rhythm and art of urban life — appropriately right here in the heart of Colorado.”

Headlining the musical performances are acclaimed artists including Fleet Foxes, Thundercat, Lettuce, Andrew Bird, Say She She and The Heavy Heavy. With a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, concertgoers can expect a musical journey that captures the essence of Colorado's outdoor spirit.

But the Outside Festival isn't just about the music. It aims to celebrate and promote Colorado's thriving outdoor industry, which employs hundreds of thousands of people and contributes to the state economy. Conor Hall, director of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry, emphasizes the festival's role in unifying the voice of this industry and empowering both businesses and communities.

“The outdoors is the lifeblood industry of the state of Colorado, contributing more than $62 billion to the state and supporting over 500,000 jobs — that’s 18% of the workforce in Colorado,” Hall notes in a press release. “Historically, Colorado’s outdoor industry has not had a voice that is relative to its size and importance. With the Outside Festival, we are creating a gathering that unifies our voice and empowers the industry and community it represents.”

Produced by Groundswell Experiential and Superfly in partnership with Outside Interactive Inc., the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and Visit Denver, the festival aims to make the outdoors more accessible while promoting sustainability and inclusivity. Thurston underscores the festival's mission to inspire, educate and activate people to experience the wonders of the outdoors.

“We hope to get people to turn off their screens, step outside and connect with themselves and each other,” she emphasizes.

In addition to the musical performances, the festival will feature an array of activities and experiences. From adventure films curated in partnership with renowned festivals like the Boulder International Film Festival, Telluride’s Mountainfilm Festival and the Mountains of Color Film Festival, to gear showcases from Outside Lab at CU Denver and other interactive exhibits, there will be something for everyone at Outside Festival.

Attendees can look forward to wellness activities, kid-focused programs, climbing competitions and more from industry leaders like The North Face, Purina and UC Health.

Learn more + get tickets at festival.outsideonline.com

Originally published in Summer + Fall 2024 issue of Spoke + Blossom’s Sister Publication, Well.

Denver's Inaugural Outside Festival Set To Showcase Music, Adventure + Community