Outside Festival hits full speed in second year

The Outside Festival in Denver aims to celebrate Colorado's outdoor culture, expanding significantly from its inaugural year to attract 25,000 attendees. Organizers anticipate generating $16 million in economic activity, with half of the attendees traveling from outside the city. The event features industry discussions, a startup pitch contest, and concerts with major headliners, showcasing the outdoor recreation industry's $17 billion economic impact in Colorado. Conor Hall, the Colorado outdoor recreation director, highlights the festival's distinct identity compared to past events. Denver officials previously incentivized the Outdoor Retailer show to remain in the city, but it returned to Salt Lake City in 2023.

In response, they committed to creating a larger and more engaging event for outdoor enthusiasts. Mayor Mike Johnston emphasizes the economic and cultural significance of the festival in establishing Denver as the international outdoor recreation hub. The festival's growth reflects the community's commitment to outdoor activities and industries.