Don’t Miss GO Fest, Oct. 14-16
Mark your calendars now: The Anthem Go Outside Festival, which connects outdoor enthusiasts to the things they love, is back for a sixth year Oct. 14-16 at River’s Edge.
The festival also got a boost from the state as recipient of a Virginia Tourism Corporation grant to help market the event to even more people. The outdoor festival, which is put on by Roanoke Outside and Roanoke Parks and Recreation, will receive $6,750 to leverage marketing initiatives for the event.
The festival 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.
What’s unique about Go Fest is that it is not an ordinary sit-in-your-seat kind of event; it is designed to encourage participation and involvement. Walk around with 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. Take a bike up Mill Mountain, hop in a kayak, or try a new pair of shoes for a trail run.
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 fondo with 28, 66, and 100 mile options.
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 in our community, conservation groups, trail building workshops, and opportunities to get involved.