GO Outside Festival Set for October 14-16 in Roanoke

August 12, 2016

The Anthem Go Outside Festival

is connecting outdoor enthusiasts to the things they love. The festival, scheduled for Oct. 14-16 in Roanoke, VA, includes more activities than you can do in three days – camping, biking, boating, races, geocaching, and more. The festival is along the Roanoke River Greenway, the perfect location for testing a new bike, pair of shoes, or even a kayak.

Go Fest

is now in its sixth year and is not an ordinary sit-in-your-seat kind of event; it is designed to encourage participation and involvement. Festival-goers walk around in the beautiful backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, touch and try out gear, sample food and drink, listen and dance to live music, and have fun. It’s the type of event where you can come for the day, or bring the tent and stay all weekend.

And best of all, admission and demos are free. Plus there will be plenty of live music (Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe is headlining Saturday night) and food, beverage and craft beer vendors.

Go Fest is an easy opportunity to try new activities or test new gear. With a rich mix of outdoor amenities including to 600 miles of trails, 22 miles of urban greenways, 24 rivers and creeks, and 300,000 acres of national forest in the Roanoke Region, there is something for everyone.

The event includes some fan favorites such as the Walkabout Outfitter Wild Gear Chase, Ultimate Air Dogs Dock Diving, Giant Pro Bike Rider Jeff Lenosky, the Keen Lumberjack Show, and Sprint BMX Stunt Pros.

Plus, there are a few new things for 2016 including a “VIP glamping” option, silent disco dance party, a children’s strider bike race, and a gran fond with 28, 66, and 100 mile options.

Some of the biggest names in the outdoors industry will be on site with gear for you to test out. Grab a bike, sit in a kayak, or try on a new pair of shoes. And this is top-notch gear. You can take out a bike that retails for $5,000 and ride it out on Mill Mountain or test a pair of new shoes during a group trail run.

Pick the brains of experts in hiking, biking, backpacking for the best tips and techniques to make the most of your next outing. If you have been thinking about trying something new, this is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of an opportunity to learn. There will be plenty of experts on hand to help you learn to do everything from cast a fly rod to cook over an open flame, or roll a kayak.

When you need a break from the action, you’ll have ample opportunity to wind down with plenty of other outdoors-loving people just like you. There’s something for every family member to do with a Kid’s Zone full of activities and leashed dogs are welcome.

While the focus of GO Fest is fun, it is a good time to stop and think about the Roanoke Region’s natural assets and how to preserve them for future generations. Learn about outdoor initiatives happening your community, conservation groups, trail building workshops, and opportunities to get involved.

Learn more and make plans to come to Go Fest, Oct. 14-16, at www.roanokegofest.com.

* OutdoorX4 Magazine – Promoting responsible 4×4 adventure travel and outdoor recreation