Anthem ‘GO Outside Festival’ returns in Roanoke this weekend

ROANOKE, Va. ( WFXR ) — The 14th annual Anthem GO Outside Festival is only a couple of days away and from new partnerships and expanded accessibility to community services, there are some major announcements you need to know about.

With an expansion into a second location at Explore Park, this year many new things are happening and eventgoers have a lot to look forward to.

The festival takes place this year from October 18-20 and will still feature many of your favorite activities from past events.

Pete Eshelman , director of the Roanoke Outside Foundation and founder of the Anthem GO Outside Festival, shares his excitement: “This year’s festival promises a true mountain-metro adventure. The ‘Festival Basecamp’ in downtown Roanoke will continue to buzz with energy, surrounded by restaurants, retail, and entertainment. Meanwhile, the ‘Adventure Outpost’ at Explore Park will provide a picturesque setting with its scenic beauty, mountains, trails, and river—perfect for camping, testing outdoor equipment, and enjoying the Ultimate Air Dog Show.”

Pedal to GoFest: Roanoke Rolls Out Temporary Bike Lanes for a Smoother Ride!

In partnership with Toole Design and LMC Safety Barricade , the City of Roanoke has announced they will be installing temporary bike lanes from Jefferson Street, between Elm Avenue and Riverside Circle SE. This will give people with bikes or scooters better access to the event.

Attendees will see barrels, tape, and signs separating bike lanes from October 18-20.

Free Bus Rides to GO Fest on Saturday, Oct 19 from Valley Metro

New this year: Fare-Free Day with Valley Metro! This means people will be able to ride the bus to GO Fest 100% free on Saturday, 10/19, thus making it the most accessible GO Fest ever.

“We are proud to be back for another year supporting the GO Outside Fest,” said Jim McKeon , Sales Director for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia . “As a company that serves our members across their entire health journey, Roanoke’s GO Outside Fest is a perfect way to support our whole-health approach.”

On Sunday, October 20, The Adventure Outpost will also feature a “Try It” day where attendees will have the opportunity to use the park’s trails and greenspace for mountain bike demos, trail running, disc golf, and other activities hosted by outdoor exhibitors.

Events and Activities

Oboz Shoes, Major Outdoor Retailer, Hosting Trail Workdays, Planting Trees

Major outdoor shoe brand, Oboz , is the official GO Fest Trail Partner! Not only are they hosting two trail projects, but they’re also planting a tree for every pair of shoes tried on during the festival! Trail Work 1: Saturday at Mill Mountain

TikTok Star with Over 1 Million Followers to Speak at Mast General Store Campfire Stage

The Chaotic Forager is a TikTok star, and she’s hosting an intriguing workshop at the Mast General Store Campfire Stage! Gabrielle lived in Charlottesville, VA, and has amassed over 1 million followers on TikTok with her videos of foraging in the wilderness for edible mushrooms.

“Explore Park’s natural beauty and outdoor activities create a perfect setting for the expansion of the GO Outside Festival,” says Allen Hayes , director of Roanoke County Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. “This event adds to the variety of outdoor experiences we offer in Roanoke County, providing another great opportunity for community recreation and connection.”

Member of Monacan Nation to Speak at Mast General Store Campfire Stage

“Living off the Land” Campfire Chat with Victoria Ferguson, Enrolled Citizen of the Monacan Indian Nation serving as a Member of the Historic Resource Committee . Victoria will spend time speaking about how the Eastern Siouan-speaking Monacans lived in the interior of Virginia, surviving by using natural resources. The presentation will include Indigenous stories documented by relatives. She will also take questions throughout the presentation and encourage visitors to adopt some of the practices her ancestors used to protect the land.

Expanded Footprint and Offerings at Explore Park

GO Fest has expanded the Explore Park and includes a Try-It day with tons of demos, a Bike Box Derby, the Ultimate Air Dogs, Tree Top Quest (and even a Twilight Zipline event), a disc golf event, trail work, and camping!

“GO Fest has always been about celebrating the outdoor community here in the Roanoke Region,” says Patrick Boas , recreation manager at Roanoke City Parks and Recreation. “With the addition of Explore Park, we are excited to have our neighbors from the County join in and provide yet another fantastic opportunity to highlight what we have to offer in this metro-mountain town.”

GO Fest Contributes to Hurricane Relief Efforts

A portion of proceeds from beer sales will be donated to the Outdoor Business Alliance of Western North Carolina . Additionally, hurricane refugees are starting to face colder weather. To help, we’re hosting a winter clothes drive at GO Fest. Attendees can bring jackets, fleece, hats, socks, and other warm clothing to the festival.

For details and updates as they come about the many offerings available to watch, try, live, and race, visit www.roanokegofest.com .

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