Daytonians, this IS the weekend for the biggest active outdoor event in the area! The Midwest Outdoor Experience is happening this Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3. There is something for everyone at this event, and it is one of the largest festivals celebrating the outdoor lifestyle in the Midwest. Over 15,000 people attended last year, let’s break that record for 2015! Extra bonus: admission and parking are free, so you have nothing to lose!
What started 10 years ago as an event to highlight outdoor gear has grown to a two-day festival featuring almost every outdoor adventure sport. Explore the active side of Dayton with the whole family at Eastwood Metro Park this weekend. “This event is a celebration of the many outdoor recreation opportunities our region and Five Rivers Metro Parks offer,” said Rebecca Benná, executive director of Five Rivers Metro Parks. “It is a way for everyone to personally connect with nature and experience the outdoors. It’s a chance not only for expert adventurers to further their skills, also for families to try something new.” New this year is a pumptrack. Pumptracks offer a full-body workout as riders push and pull bikes and skateboards through the looped course. Visitors can try one of the bikes provided or bring a skateboard to try it out. Also new is the Osprey Backcountry Zone, which includes exhibits by backcountry retailers and clubs, a campfire to hang around, a hammock lounge, and mock campsite. The Mad River Mountain Action Sports Area is where visitors can try snow tubing, climbing and more. An exciting new demo will be the Jeff Lenosky Bike Trials Show, where Lenosky will amaze audiences with tricks on a bike.
For those wanting a hands-on experience, the festival offers a variety of activities. Try your hand at fly fishing, canoeing or kayaking. These experiences are open to all ages and skill levels. Adaptive equipment also will be available for some experiences. Add to your biking knowledge at the IMBA Bike Village, and learn a variety of skills at the REI Outdoor School. Children can try a variety of outdoor activities at the Subway Fresh Fit Youth Adventure Zone. Other activities include backpacking, bouldering, climbing, disc golf, fitness programs, geo coaching, group bike rides, inline skating, night ultimate disc, orienteering, skateboarding, slacklining, snow tubing, stand up paddleboarding (SUP), and ziplining. This is definitely an active event that will knock your socks off!
After all that exercise take a break and enjoy live music featuring local acts. Fill up with a variety of options from local food trucks and grab a beverage from the Great Lakes Beer Garden. This year’s vendors also have committed to the festival’s Waste Free initiative. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own water bottle and pint mug or purchase a reusable stainless steel one to use in the Great Lakes Beer Garden and at water stations.
For the extreme hard core outdoors people bring a tent and camp for the weekend (sites are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis). For the first time, limited space will be available for small pop-up campers, too. Or take your involvement one step further and volunteer with the Midwest Outdoor Experience. Contact 937-275-PARK (7275) or email [email protected] by October 1st. This will really amplify your experience of the event, spending as much time as possible in a beautiful natural environment!
The Midwest Outdoor Experience is the most happening festival of the great outdoors! Spend the first weekend in October immersed in nature, outdoor activities, exercise, camaraderie, music, and delicious food; what could be better? Get out and get moving Dayton, and let’s have the best outdoor experience ever!
