After canceling the live festival scheduled to take place May 16- 17 at Chicago’s Northerly Island due to the COVID-19 coronavirus, Outside Experience organizers announced last week that the gathering would go virtual on its Instagram account @outside_experience.
A collaboration between Outside Integrated Media – which publishes Outside Magazine – and Reed Exhibitions, the second Outside Experience was slated to be a two-day festival for all skill levels and ages to explore leading active lifestyle brands; enjoy adventure films, live music, and craft beverages; and engage in hands-on demos, including mountain biking, rock climbing, yoga, running, and more.
“Now more than ever, companies need outlets in which to do business and enthusiasts need fun and safe ways to celebrate our vibrant culture,” said Jon Fontane, event director (Reed Exhibitions). “Although we can’t bring the outdoor community together in person right now, we are dedicated to creating a platform for brands and consumers to connect, drive the industry forward, plan summer adventures, and even let loose a little.”
To date, the virtual festival includes cyber activities, brand features from Avocado Green Mattress, Brooklyn Boulders, Blake’s Seed Based, Cozy Nose, Gear Aid, and Kohler Original Recipe Chocolates, as well as music from the family-friendly Okee Dokee Brothers. The online event will continue through June and provide more entertainment, exclusive gear promotions, and inspiration for outdoor adventures.
To join the Outside Experience virtual festival, visit Instagram.com/outside_experience. For forthcoming updates about Outside Experience taking place May 2021, visit outsideexperience.com.
