REI this week announced 2018 dates and locations for two all-new one-day festivals celebrating women, music and the outdoor. The first Outessafest will be held at Patuxent River Park in the Washington D.C. area on Sept. 29, followed by Outessafest at Shakori Hills in North Carolina on Oct. 20. The festival is inspired by women, but all are invited to attend the inclusive gathering, said the co-op.
“People discover a love of the outdoors in a variety of ways, and it’s in nature that we form deeper connections and discover new things about ourselves,” said Sally Johnson, senior manager, events marketing at REI. “Just as some are transformed by climbing giant peaks every weekend, others connect with the outdoors by taking a walk in the park, doing yoga or a 5K run, or simply experiencing art or listening to music outside. Outessafest was created to delight the senses and include unexpected moments to engage with nature.”
Each day will start off with yoga; drop-in sessions for all levels will be hosted throughout the day for participants to find their centers in a beautiful outdoor space. Follow yoga with rock climbing, where festivalgoers will bring themselves to new heights, whether they’re experienced climbers or new to the sport. In Maryland, take a tour of Jug Bay by paddling the peaceful water or, in North Carolina, work up a sweat by running a 5K.
Other highlights include inspirational speakers and panelists who will share how an outdoor lifestyle helps them to be their best selves, as well as outdoor classes such as hacks for the outdoor life and camp cooking to inspire and support discovery into the outdoors. Spend the afternoon and evening listening to a dynamic line up of female-led music performances. Limited camping will also be available on-site in North Carolina for those who want to spend even more time outside.
Classes will be led by female REI Outdoor School instructors, in addition to brand partners. As the largest provider of outdoor experiences in the country, REI Outdoor School had over 375,000 participants in 2017.
REI Outessafest partners include Black Diamond, Garmin, Hydro Flask, Leatherman, Lorissa’s Kitchen, Maui Jim, Merrell, OluKai, Osprey, RXBAR, Salomon, Sea to Summit, Smartwool and Subaru of America.
Complete details on musical talent lineup, speakers and programming will be available on www.Outessa.com on June 19. Tickets will also go on sale June 19 for $100 per festival. Children 12 and under will be admitted free of charge.
