Last year’s Outside Festival served as an important trial run for its organizers, who sought to promote Colorado’s $17 billion outdoor industry by drawing outdoor enthusiasts to the Civic Center. It successfully attracted 18,000 attendees, with 20% traveling from out of state, making a significant economic impact of approximately $16 million. The success has bolstered the confidence of Outside Interactive Inc., in collaboration with Visit Denver and the Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, ahead of this year’s event scheduled from Thursday to next Sunday.
According to Outside’s CEO Robin Thurston, the uncertainty surrounding the inaugural event last year has been replaced by optimism. “Last year was a test. We didn’t really know,” Thurston remarked, adding that this year businesses are more prepared, anticipating a greater turnout.
The festival promises to feature an exciting lineup in 2024, including booths and activities in Civic Center Park, a film festival, and key speakers such as renowned climber Alex Honnold, magician David Blaine, long-distance swimmer Diana Nyad, and mountaineer Melissa Arnot Reid, the first American woman to summit Everest without supplemental oxygen.
Highlighted films this year include “Girl Climber,” depicting Boulder native Emily Harrington’s remarkable achievements in climbing, and “Remaining Native,” which tells the story of Native American runner Ku Stevens, previously showcased at South by Southwest.
A new addition to this year’s festival, Outside Ignite, will provide a platform similar to Shark Tank, focused on outdoor entrepreneurship, offering a $100,000 start-up prize for the winning pitch. Musical performances will also be featured by artists like Khruangbin, Lord Huron, Sylvan Esso, and Waxahatchee.
This collaborative celebration of outdoor culture is anticipated not only to provide entertainment and inspiration but also to continue fostering economic growth in the region, echoing the success of last year’s event. Participating in festivals like these reinforces community support for the outdoor industry while also encouraging sustainable and active lifestyles.