Last year, the brand-new Outside Festival came to downtown Denver, bringing live music, film screenings, speakers and other activities to Civic Center Park.
Now, after a successful first year, the festival is back and better than ever. Scheduled for May 31-June 1, this year’s event includes a full line-up of performances, activities and events.
More than 18,000 people attended the inaugural Outside Festival in 2024, which generated an estimated $16 million for Denver’s economy.
“We’re beyond excited to bring the Outside Festival and Summit back to Denver in 2025,” said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. “Last year’s festival was a resounding success and we’re thrilled to once again spotlight Denver’s vibrant community and culture as one of the nation’s best cities to work, play, live and visit.”
This year, the festival will be held at Civic Center Park, but also at Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park, the Denver Art Museum and the newly renovated Denver Public Library. With the festival’s larger footprint, organizers expect it to have an even bigger impact, attracting more than 25,000 people.
“Colorado’s outdoor recreation economy accounts for $66 billion annually, and is a core part of what makes our city and state so successful and vibrant,” says Conor Hall, director of the outdoor industry for the State of Colorado. “Bringing this event back to Colorado cements our place as a leader in this industry, and we’re thrilled to see everyone this spring.”
The festival is managed by Boulder-based Outside Interactive Inc., with support from the State of Colorado’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, Visit Denver, Groundswell Experiential and Superfly.
“Outside’s mission has always been to encourage more people to get outdoors, discover, learn and engage fully with all that nature provides,” says Robin Thurston, chief executive officer of Outside Interactive Inc. “The Outside Festival and Summit will continue to embody that same ethos, offering a space where people can engage and deepen their appreciation for the outdoors alongside others who share the same passion. We hope you’ll join us in 2025 for a weekend of adventure, growth, and community.”
Here’s what to know about this two-day bash.
Enjoy Live Music
Live musical performances are a big part of the Outside Festival. This summer’s star-studded line-up Khruangbin, Lord Huron, Sylvan Esso, Trampled by Turtles, Neal Francis, Waxahatchee, Husbands, Hazlett and other artists performing over the course of two days.
Immerse Yourself in Film Screenings
Curated in partnership with the Telluride-based Mountainfilm festival, the Outside Festival film program includes documentaries celebrating adventure, joy in the outdoors and renewal through wild experiences. Held at Denver Central Public Library’s Park View event space, the program includes films like “Girl Climber,” followed by a conversation with subject Emily Harrington and director Jon Glassberg, and “Remaining Native,” followed by a conversation with director Paige Bethmann and subject Ku Stevens.
Saturday, May 31
- 1:15 – 2:55 p.m.: Butterfly in a Blizzard, followed by a conversation with Kimmy Fasani
- 3:10 – 4:50 p.m.: “Short Films: Artistic License”
- David Blaine: Do Not Attempt
- First In, Last Out
- Momo
- A Little Film About Forever, followed by a conversation with filmmaker Max Romey and special guests to be announced
- 5:05 – 7:00 p.m.: Remaining Native, followed by a conversation with director Paige Bethmann and subject Ku Stevens
Sunday, June 1
- 1:15 – 2:45 p.m.: “Short Films: Trail Breakers”
- About Damn Time
- The North Face Presents: Trango, followed by a conversation with Trango subjects Jim Morrison and Christina Lusti
- 3:00 – 4:40 p.m.: “Short Films: Perseverance”
- OUTLIER: Common
- Beyond Beliefs
- Arctic Alchemy
- The Life We Have, followed by a conversation with The Life We Have cinematographer Greg Balkin and OUTLIER: Common director Dani Reyes-Acosta
- 5:00 – 6:45 p.m.: Girl Climber, followed by a conversation with subject Emily Harrington and director Jon Glassberg
Gain Insights from Speakers and Panels
Held at the Sturm Grand Pavilion within the Denver Art Museum, the festival’s “idea” sessions include talks and panels featuring influential people. For example, magician David Blaine and marathon swimmer Diana Nyad will be hosting a session called “The Art of Endurance,” while American rock climber Alex Honnold will share a bit about his “wild life” in a conversation with journalist Shelby Stanger.
Saturday, May 31
- 1:15 – 2:15 p.m.: “The Wild Life of Alex Honnold” with Alex Honnold, interviewed by Shelby Stanger
- 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.: “Scroll Less, Live More: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Young People by Balancing Tech and Time Outside ” with Larissa May, Ginger Naylor, Ron Griswell, moderated by Lauren Bash
- 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.: “I Love You, Man: Empowering a New Generation of Men to Find Strength, Connection, and Healing in the Outdoors” with Selema Masekela, Mike de la Rocha, Douglas Miles, and Doug Miles Jr., moderated by James Andrews
- 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: “The Greatest Adventure: Stories of Survival from Elite Athletes” with Kimmy Fasani, Ian Walsh, Chris Benchetler, and Olivia Jenkins, moderated by Langely McNeal
- 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.: “The Art of Endurance” with David Blaine and Diana Nyad
Sunday, June 1
- 1:15 – 2:15 p.m.: “The Barefoot Ways of John John Florence” with John John Florence, interview by Shelby Stanger
- 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.: “Real Stories from the Mountaintop: Melissa Arnot Reid,” interview by Rebecca Rusch
- 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.: “For the Love of the Parks” with Sally Jewell, Charles “Chuck” F. Sams III, and David Vela, moderated by James Edward Mills
- 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: “Nature & Neural Pathways: How Getting Outside Rewires Your Brain” with Albert Lin and Florence Williams
- 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.: “Outdoor Comedy is Not a Joke!” with Matt Lyons, Katie Burrell, and Eeland Stribling, moderated by Paddy O’Connell
Participate in Other Activities
The festival also includes athlete panels and signings, climbing experiences, yoga classes, workshops, gear demos, a kids’ zone, food vendors and a variety of brand engagements.
Network at the Outside Summit
Before the festivities officially get going, organizers will host a precursor to the festival called the Outside Summit on May 29. This is the outdoor industry’s premier networking event, with more than 500 influential leaders in attendance. Participants can also enjoy exclusive gatherings and festival access throughout the weekend.
