October 17–19: Nationally recognized outdoor festival returns to Roanoke with music, competitions, and hands-on adventures across two locations.
Roanoke, VA — The Anthem GO Outside Festival (GO Fest) is turning 15, and organizers are pulling out all the stops. What began in 2011 as the small but spirited “Roanoke Outdoor Circus” has grown into one of the nation’s largest outdoor festivals, attracting tens of thousands each year for a free weekend of music, adventure, and community. This year’s milestone event, happening October 17–19, promises to be the most exciting celebration of outdoor community Roanoke has ever seen.
“GO Fest was created to connect people with the outdoors in fun, unexpected ways,” said Pete Eshelman, festival founder. “Fifteen years later, it’s grown into a signature event that brings the community together, boosts our local economy, and inspires people to get outside all year long.”
Saturday Night 15th Anniversary Throwback Party
The festival’s biggest party happens Saturday evening — a throwback to GO Fest’s very first year as the Outdoor Circus, it will be a circus-themed soiree with music, camaraderie, and community participation! Sol Driven Train hits the stage at 6:30PM and will lead a celebratory lap of the festival, parading through the downtown festival grounds and into Elmwood Park Amphitheater, where an evening of magic, music, and merriment will commence. Expect live music, fire pits, and festive surprises!
Crowd Participation is The GO Fest Way
Attendees are invited to get into the spirit by joining in on the parade as it passes them by, wearing past GO Fest merch, and sharing in the nostalgia by submitting favorite GO Fest photos from the past 15 years for a chance to see them on the big screen during the celebration.
What’s New and What’s Back
Two Locations
After a successful roll out of the Adventure Outpost in 2024, this year’s GO Outside Festival spans two locations–connected by a free shuttle:
- Festival Basecamp — Elmwood Park in downtown Roanoke, packed with hundreds of outdoor brands, non-profits, artisans, and hands-on demos.
- Adventure Outpost — Explore Park, where visitors can camp, hike, bike, paddle, and catch the Member One Ultimate Air Dogs.
GO Fest 2025 Highlights
- The Mountain Film Festival presented locally by Mast General Store.
- 100th Birthday of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
- New local retail exhibitors like Shrewd Outdoors and Rock Outdoors.
- Member One Ultimate Air Dogs Show at Explore Park.
- Gentry Locke BMX Stunt Show.
- A fresh, new paddling pool thanks to Botetourt Parks & Recreation, perfect for stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, and kayaking.
- CaveSim hands-on cave exploration, made possible by the Cave Conservancy of the Virginias.
- TikTok star and Author Gabriel Cerberville, aka The Chaotic Forager, live on the Campfire Stage, presented by Mast General Store.
- Returning favorites: Lumberjack Show, Silent Disco (Fri & Sat), high-line slackliners, climbing towers, bike demos, and more.
- Trail Partner Oboz Footwear will host free guided group hikes and shoe demos: a Friday Night night hike with Mast General Store and a Saturday Morning sunrise hike with Walkabout Outfitter.
GO Fest for the Competitive Crowd
- Walkabout Outfitter Wild Gear Chase is the chance for 100 adventure enthusiasts to go on the scavenger hunt and go home with amazing outdoor gear prizes.
- Four Ringed Circus Beer Mile! with Fleet Feet Roanoke is the classic GO Fest kick off activity!
- $5 5K with RunAboutSports Roanoke, the perfect first, fifth or fiftieth 5K for runners, walkers and everyone in between!
Get Involved
Exhibitor spaces are still available, and volunteers spaces are beginning to fill (this year, all volunteers get an ENO Twilights camping string light gift). Sponsorship opportunities can be discussed by emailing info@roanokegofest.com.
Quick Facts:
When: October 17–19, 2025
Where: Elmwood Park (Downtown Roanoke) & Explore Park
Cost: Free admission
Website: www.roanokegofest.com
Social: @roanokegofest Roanoke GO Outside Festival
This year’s Anthem GO Outside Festival is presented by Roanoke Parks and Recreation and Roanoke Outside, with the support of dozens of community partners and sponsors.