The Outside Festival 2025, held May 31–June 1 in Civic Center Park, was a vibrant collision of outdoor adventure, live music, wellness, and forward-thinking conversation. With the majestic backdrop of the Colorado State Capitol and the energy of downtown Denver, this free event brought together thousands of outdoor lovers to celebrate everything Outside stands for — from climbing to conservation, bikes to beats.
Music & Film: Soundscapes of the Wild
The festival’s main stage pulsed with energy as artists like Khruangbin and Lord Huron delivered soulful, expansive sets that perfectly matched the open-air setting. Whether you were stretched out on a blanket or dancing under the stars, the vibe was relaxed and electric — a reminder of how live music can amplify the spirit of community and nature.
Indie film buffs and adventure junkies alike found themselves drawn to the Film & Speaker Tent, where handpicked documentaries like Girl Climber and The Life We Have sparked emotional responses and inspiration. Post-screening panels with filmmakers and outdoor athletes added layers of insight that made the viewing experience feel intimate and thought-provoking.
Ideas & Inspiration: Conversations That Matter
The Ideas portion of the festival wasn’t just filler — it was transformative. From Alex Honnold’s reflections on risk and purpose to John John Florence’s musings on climate and surf, the speaker lineup delivered authenticity and depth. Attendees gathered under shaded tents, listening intently to stories of resilience, curiosity, and personal evolution.
Panel discussions tackled some of the most pressing cultural topics in the outdoor space — including how to build emotional resilience in youth, what it means to foster belonging in wild spaces, and how masculinity is evolving in adventure sports. These weren’t just lectures; they were calls to action and connection.
Adventure & Wellness: Try, Move, Recharge
From the Climber’s Corner with hands-on demos to the interactive Bike Central showcasing the latest gear and group rides, the festival delivered on the promise of outdoor immersion. Attendees could hop on a gravel bike, chat with pro athletes, or take a stab at bouldering — all within the heartbeat of downtown Denver.
On the more meditative side, the Wellness Zone hosted all-levels yoga sessions with CorePower Yoga, breathwork workshops, and mini sound baths. For many, this offered a welcome pause — a chance to stretch, reset, and reconnect with their bodies in the midst of the festival buzz.
Sustainability & Community: Moving the Industry Forward
One of the most impactful elements of the Outside Festival was its strong emphasis on sustainability and inclusivity. Through gear upcycling workshops, zero-waste initiatives, and educational booths on climate action, the event encouraged attendees to rethink their relationship with gear, consumption, and the outdoors.
The Outside Summit, held alongside the main festival, featured changemakers and leaders in outdoor media, DEI, and environmental innovation. These conversations, while more industry-focused, made a big statement: the future of the outdoors must be equitable, sustainable, and inclusive — and that starts now.
Brand Activations & Pop-Ups: Engaging Experiences
The festival featured an impressive array of brand activations and interactive experiences:
- The North Face: Hosted the “Climbers Corner,” featuring a colossal climbing wall where elite professionals competed, and attendees of all skill levels could try top-rope, bouldering, and adaptive climbing.
- Adaptive Adventures: Provided an accessible climbing experience, ensuring inclusivity for individuals with physical disabilities.
- Purina Pro Plan: Presented the “Incredible Dog Experience,” showcasing award-winning dog teams performing high-flying, agility-packed routines that delighted audiences.
- High West Distillery: Brought their “Whiskey Train,” a mobile bar serving signature spirits and promoting their “Protect The West” initiative in partnership with snowboarder Shaun White.
- REI Co-op: Highlighted emerging recreation brands led by diverse entrepreneurs through its Path Ahead Ventures program, emphasizing inclusivity in the outdoor industry.
- Solo Stove: Featured their popular fire pits and pizza ovens, creating cozy gathering spots and demonstrating outdoor cooking solutions.
- Columbia Sportswear: Sponsored the “Film x Ideas” series at the Denver Art Museum, integrating adventure films with insightful discussions.
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science: Operated the “Curiosity Cruiser,” a mobile exhibit offering hands-on science activities for children.
- SunBum, Liquid Death, Columbia, Fjällräven, Lyft: Set up engaging booths with product samples, interactive games, and giveaways, enhancing the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
- SENIQ: Showcased fashion-forward women’s performance wear, blending technical functionality with trend-driven designs.
Can’t wait for next year!
The Denver Wanderer 