GO Fest Schedule
(Below is the 2023 schedule, the 2024 schedule will post sometime in August)
Watch It, Try It, Race It, Live It! This schedule has all the activities, shows, races, and demos going on at GO Fest. It will continue to be updated and grow with new events and exhibitors as the event approaches!
How to use it — Watch the video!
- Sort by date using the tabs on the top.
- Sort by type of event, or the host with the menu to the left on desktop/below on mobile.
- Click the stars on the right to save your favorites and come back to them in the “Favorites” tab on top. (Favorites are saved for 30 days!)
Views & Brews E-Bike Tour
RMA is offering their standard e-bike tour and taking it through GoFest!
The Views & Brews electric bike adventure packs in sweeping Blue Ridge mountain views and 3 brewery tasting stops along a fun but safe course that winds from town to mountain and through downtown and the festival. After launching from the RMA shop along the Roanoke River Greenway in the Wasena neighborhood, you’ll climb Mill Mtn, pass through neighborhoods and parks before crossing the river into downtown Roanoke. In addition to tracing the Roanoke River and Mill Mountain greenway trails, you’ll move through the central city and even enjoy a spin through GoFest!
Safety is our top priority, so this activity is designed to include ample instruction as we build your skills on the e-bike. The only requirements are you be 21 years of age and know how to ride a bike. This activity is perfect for friends visiting from out of town; introduction to electric bike riding; getting to know Roanoke if you’re new to the area or are considering relocating; and/or seeing the downtown Roanoke brewery scene.
~11-mile E-Bike tour taking around 3 hrs.
Beautiful scenery overlooking downtown Roanoke, the Roanoke River, and the greater Roanoke valley.
Stops at 3 area breweries: Starr Hill, Olde Salem Brewing Company, Golden Cactus Brewing, Twisted Track, A Few Old Goats, or Big Lick Brewing!
Demo Pool presented by the Department of Wildlife Resources
The Demo Pool presented by the Department of Wildlife Resources is your opportunity to try out kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddleboards from several different vendors. Always a GO Fest favorite! Be sure to bring a towel.
We’ll have boats from Verus Kayaks, Mountain 2 Island, and Roanoke Outfitting and Adventures. Shout out to Roanoke Outfitting and Adventures and Buffalo Mountain Adventures for helping us manage the demo pool!
Get2KnowNoke Pop-Up Social & Campfire Chat
The campfire chat on Friday will be hosted by the region’s talent attraction and livability brand, Get2KnowNoke.
Have you ever wanted to ask the founders of GO Fest questions? Like….
- Will GO Fest ever move back to Rivers Edge?
- What was the original intention behind the event?
- How do events like GO Fest and the Blue Ridge Marathon affect economic prosperity in the region?
- How has the outdoors been leveraged to attract business and talent?
These are a few things some of the founders of GO Fest, Pete Eshelman, director of the Roanoke Outside Foundation, and Patrick Boas, assistant director of parks and recreation for the City of Roanoke will chat about. Come ask your own questions too!
The campfire chat will accompany the ever-popular Get2KnowNoke pop-up socials where attendees can network, win Roanoke-themed swag, and enjoy a “Plant Your Own Succulent” activity (limited to first 50 attendees). We’ll have a can-bar set up and you can learn more about how Get2KnowNoke is building community, creating network and professional development opportunities, helping folks find jobs, resources, and where to live.
Storytime and field trip with Clean Valley Council
Come learn more about litter and how you can keep it off our streets and out of our Roanoke River!
Take a short mini-field trip with us to find the closest storm drain.
ProTown BMX Stunt Show presented by Gentry Locke
Our top pros are always with us so don’t be surprised if you have seen them on ESPN’s X-Games, AST Dew Tour or some other t.v. or media coverage. We are teamed up with and support N.G.A, Next Generation Alliance, and F.C.A. Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
The team always brings top notch tricks and positive messages to any crowds we come in contact with.
Our motto is, “Dream BIG” because we believe everyone can be living their dreams too!!!
Special thanks to Gentry Locke Attorneys for bringing ProTown BMX to GO Fest.
Tic-Tac-Toe Triple Crown Trivia
Trivia with a twist! Test your knowledge of the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crown Trail and the Continental Divide Trail.
The Objective is to win the game of tic-tac-toe, but in order to do so
you must answer the trivia questions correctly.
Players will be given a question with a specific set of possible answers. Players must answer question correctly within a twenty second period to claim a square. If question is answered correctly player gets a chance to throw a beanbag on the board to claim their X or O square. If answered incorrectly you cannot mark a spot on the grid. The next question goes to player 2. If they answer correctly, they get a chance to throw a beanbag on the board. If they don’t answer correctly, they don’t put anything on the board. Go back and forth between players until one gets 3 X’s or 3 O’s in a line. The participant who gets 3 in a row on the board wins a pair of socks.
Beer Mile Team Relay presented by Fleet Feet
You were going to have a beer that night with your friends anyway so why not do it with a relay? Kick off your GO Fest weekend by being part of the Beer Mile Relay presented by Fleet Feet! This race will be held on GO Fest premises at Elmwood Park on Friday, October 13, 2023.
- 5:30-6:00p.m. Check in (Bring ID to show you are 21+, MUST be checked in by 6:00p.m.)
- 6:00p.m. Mandatory Pre-Race Meeting
- 6:15p.m. Race Start
25 Team Limit. $50 PER TEAM (Up to 4 members, or $12.50 each) and closes on 10/12/23 at midnight.
This race will wind through the festival and will consist of 4 laps. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 overall teams, best team name, and best team costume. Bonus awards will be given for the best costumes. The sky is the limit for this one, so get creative!
NO DAY-OF REGISTRATION. REGISTER EARLY
BEER RELAY GUIDELINES:
- ALL participants must be 21 or older
- Participants must have proof of age and obtain an ID band from the ID tent prior to the event
- 2 to 4 members per relay team (Minimum of 2 per team)
- Beer must be consumed before starting each lap
- Empty containers must be deposited in the trash. NO LITTERING!
- Participants must alternate on each lap
- On laps 2,3, and 4 participants must be tagged by the preceding teammate before beginning their lap
- Unnecessary contact with other participants could result in disqualification (beer mile is not a contact sport)
- Mandatory high fives to each other after completing the race
- Most importantly have fun, laugh, and enjoy making memories with your friends
SETTING UP TEAM
Only one person from each team needs to initially set up their team with a password and pay the one-time fee. Once the team is created other team members can select that team via the drop down menu and follow through to confirm registration. Only the person setting up the team will pay the fee.
- Enter personal information (if you set up more than one member at time of team set up it will look like you will be charged for each participant. IGNORE. It will drop off when you go to pay. This will also show a charge if you are joining a team. Ignore. It will drop off at the time on the last page when you confirm registration).
- Create team with password (or join team if already created)
- Sign waiver
- Enter payment info (only if you are setting up the team)
- Confirm Registration
EACH TEAM HAS TO HAVE AT LEAST TWO MEMBERS TO PARTICIPATE ON RACE DAY. Captains of each team will be able to add and remove members until registration ends.
October 12, 2023 @ 11:59 PM LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER A TEAM AND TEAM MEMBERS
Leave No Trace Activity: Bear poop vs dog poop (and How to Be a Responsible Pet Owner!)
Enjoying the outdoors with a beloved pet can offer many physical and emotional health benefits. Just as disposing of waste properly is very important for humans, it also applies to the waste from our pets. Join Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team members Becca & Luke for engaging discussion and activities to learn the impacts of dog poop, why dog waste should be packed out, and tips for being a responsible pet owner to minimize impacts.
Storytime and field trip with Clean Valley Council
Come learn more about litter and how you can keep it off our streets and out of our Roanoke River!
Take a short mini-field trip with us to find the closest storm drain.
Lumberjack Show presented by Member One
Captivating audiences for the past 25 years, Timberwork’s Lumberjack Shows provides images of man against the impossible, competing in a sport derived out of a nation’s heritage. Come watch the axes fly, chainsaws roar, and some super-human Lumberjack feats that’ll have you jumping out of your seats!
Be sure to stop by the Member One FCU tent and give them a high five for bringing the lumberjack show to GO Fest.
Freedom First Highline Slackline Show above Elmwood Amphitheater
Turn your eyes to the sky for a highline performance that only the GO Outside Festival can bring you!
The Trickline Collective is a group of slackliners passionate about balance, performance, and the outdoors. They travel the world to deliver slackline entertainment at the highest level and tell the stories of our sport. Highlining is just slacklining, but higher. Highlines can be anywhere from 20 to 400 feet above the ground, with athletes walking and performing tricks on a narrow 1-inch wide piece of webbing.
Throughout the weekend, these highline stunt performers will be balancing and bouncing high above the Elmwood Amphitheater and Holton Plaza on Franklin Road. You won’t want to miss it!
Special thanks to Freedom First for helping make this happen.
See Highline Schedule above Holton Plaza/Franklin Road
Where to Watch:
- Oct 13th: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 13th: 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 14th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 15th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
Banff Mountain Film Festival
Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival is one of the largest and most prestigious mountain festivals in the world!
Hot on the heels of the Festival that is held every fall in beautiful Banff, Alberta, the
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour hits the road. With stops planned in over 600
communities and more than 40 countries across the globe, the Banff World Tour celebrates amazing achievements in outdoor storytelling and filmmaking worldwide.
From the over 400 entries submitted into the Festival each year, award-winners and audience favorites are among the films that are carefully selected to play in theatres around the world.
Traveling to remote vistas, analyzing topical environmental issues, and bringing audiences up-close and personal with adrenaline-packed action sports the 2023/2024 World Tour is an exhilarating and provocative exploration of the mountain world. Join Mast General Story when Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour brings the spirit of outdoor adventure to the Anthem GO Outside Festival at Elmwood Park, October 13 at 7:30pm.
GO Fest will feature films such as The Fastest Girl in the Village, Nuisance Bear, and Danny MacAskill’s Do A Wheelie.
Silent Disco
Freedom First Highline Slackline Show above Elmwood Amphitheater
Turn your eyes to the sky for a highline performance that only the GO Outside Festival can bring you!
The Trickline Collective is a group of slackliners passionate about balance, performance, and the outdoors. They travel the world to deliver slackline entertainment at the highest level and tell the stories of our sport. Highlining is just slacklining, but higher. Highlines can be anywhere from 20 to 400 feet above the ground, with athletes walking and performing tricks on a narrow 1-inch wide piece of webbing.
Throughout the weekend, these highline stunt performers will be balancing and bouncing high above the Elmwood Amphitheater and Holton Plaza on Franklin Road. You won’t want to miss it!
Special thanks to Freedom First for helping make this happen.
See Highline Schedule above Holton Plaza/Franklin Road
Where to Watch:
- Oct 13th: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 13th: 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 14th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 15th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
LewisGale Salem Half Marathon
Come run the second leg of the Virginia’s Blue Ridge Triple Crown series in Salem, just 15 minutes from Go Fest! You’ll start and finish at the Salem Farmers Market in downtown Salem, VA. The course takes you on a challenging but scenic tour of Salem through neighborhoods, Roanoke College, and the Roanoke River Greenway. Half Marathon, 8K and Kids 1- and 2- mile options are available! Come run with us then head back to Go Fest to make a fun, active day!
Road Run sponsored by Altra
Meet at the Fleet Feet tents to get your demo shoes. The Altra rep and Coach Pat will be there to get you all set up with shoes and route directions. They will join you on the run/walk. You can walk or run the planned route (there will be turn by turn directions). Once you return you’ll give the demo shoes back and have a chance to share your thoughts on the shoes! Stick around for an Athletic Brewing Co. beer and to score some giveaways.
5K on the ROA Runway
The second annual 5K on the ROA Runway at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport will take place October 14, 2023. This family-friendly 5K run/walk is open to all ages and abilities.
Hosted by the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission, the 5K on the ROA Runway will raise funds for Carilion Clinic Cancer Center in memory of Julie Jeavons. Julie was the wife of David Jeavons, ROA’s Director of Finance and Administration, who lost her fight with cancer in 2021.
The race will begin at approximately 9 a.m. on October 14. Race day parking is located in the lot at 1410 Coulter Drive. NW, Roanoke, VA 24012.
- $35 if registering by August 16 at 11:59 p.m.
- $45 if registering between August 17-31
- $55 if registering between September 1-15 (registering before September 15 guarantees a race shirt)
- $55 if registering between September 16 – October 12 (no shirt guarantee)
Walkabout Outfitter Wild Gear Chase
Cardinal Bicycle Gravel and Grinds Ride
Explore some gravel from GO Fest! This 40–mile gravel adventure ride will leave from the Cardinal GO Fest Booth, and it will follow the short version of the VBR Road & Gravel Route from the Gravel Adventure Field Guide. This ride will include pavement and gravel with challenging climbs. Expect to be on your bike for at least 4+ hours. This is a no drop ride, but riders should be prepared for the terrain.
A GPS of the route can be found here. You can also stop into Cardinal Bicycle any time for a free copy of the Gravel Adventure Guide. Route selection may change based on weather or group interest.
Cardinal Bicycle Road Ride
Join a fun and social 30 to 40 mile road ride starting from the Cardinal GoFest Booth and then riding some of our favorite roads in Roanoke. This ride will include climbing and is appropriate for intermediate and advanced riders. This is a no-drop ride, but riders should expect to be able to maintain a 15mph pace.
Here is a sample route to give you an idea of what to expect.
Hustle/Haven Yoga Flow
60 minute vinyasa (breath to movement) flow to stretch and strengthen your body and connect your mind to your breath and movements. Followed by a free potion toast!
Demo Pool presented by the Department of Wildlife Resources
The Demo Pool presented by the Department of Wildlife Resources is your opportunity to try out kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddleboards from several different vendors. Always a GO Fest favorite! Be sure to bring a towel.
We’ll have boats from Verus Kayaks, Mountain 2 Island, and Roanoke Outfitting and Adventures. Shout out to Roanoke Outfitting and Adventures and Buffalo Mountain Adventures for helping us manage the demo pool!
Trek Bicycle Demo
Got your eye on a brand-new steed? Try it before you buy it at our GO Fest demo event! Have some fun cruising around on our latest and greatest models and find the perfect one for you.
We will have ebikes, mountain bikes, and so much more available
All riders will need to complete our waiver and provide a valid ID
Helmets are provided
Mountain Bike and eMountain Bike Demos with Cardinal Bicycle and Specialized
Cardinal Bicycle and Specialized will have a fleet of full suspension mountain bikes for you to try out on the trails. Choose from a Specialized Stumpjumper EVO or try an electric mountain bike with a Specialized Levo. We will have a full range of sizes available.
Wear your riding clothes and appropriate shoes and bring a hydration pack or water bottle. Bring your own helmet and pedals, or we will have helmets and flat pedals you can use for your ride.
A state or federal identification card will be required to demo a bicycle.
Radford Nursing: Health Screening, Blood Pressure Checks, and more.
Radford Community nursing students plan to complete health screenings and education to include blood pressure screening and medication reviews for attendees of GO fest. They will also be teaching on topics to include reading food labels and exercise.
Young Women in the Outdoors
The Kind
Free music on the Elmwood Stage, presented in partnership with 5 Points Music Sanctuary!
Trail Run sponsored by Altra
Meet at the Fleet Feet Tents to get your demo trail shoes. The Altra rep will be there to get you set up. Head across the festival grounds to the Explore Park shuttle at the corner of Williamson Rd and Bullitt Ave. You’ll head out to Explore Park and get around an hour to walk/run on the trails and get a feel for the Lone Peak shoes! You’ll be joined by the Altra rep at Explore Park to run/walk with you an answer any questions you have. Afterwards, hop back on the shuttle to be dropped out at the festival and return your demo shoes. Stick around for an Athletic Brewing Co. beer and to score some giveaways.
Storytime and field trip with Clean Valley Council
Come learn more about litter and how you can keep it off our streets and out of our Roanoke River!
Take a short mini-field trip with us to find the closest storm drain.
ProTown BMX Stunt Show presented by Gentry Locke
Our top pros are always with us so don’t be surprised if you have seen them on ESPN’s X-Games, AST Dew Tour or some other t.v. or media coverage. We are teamed up with and support N.G.A, Next Generation Alliance, and F.C.A. Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
The team always brings top notch tricks and positive messages to any crowds we come in contact with.
Our motto is, “Dream BIG” because we believe everyone can be living their dreams too!!!
Special thanks to Gentry Locke Attorneys for bringing ProTown BMX to GO Fest.
Local Bird Watching
Learn about birds native to the Roanoke area. Develop skills for finding and identifying local birds and build an appreciation for the ways in which birds impact our ecosystem.
Stop by at anytime during the session!
Super Carlin Brothers Pop Corn Podcast Live Recording
The Super Carlin Brothers, J and Ben Carlin, will host a live recording of their Pop Corn Podcast. The Super Carlin Brothers are advocates for Roanoke and for the outdoors as well as YouTube-famous podcast hosts with the mission of providing a welcoming corner of the internet for folks to come together and share in their fandoms. They will also have their Carlin Brothers Coffee for sale which benefits Feeding Southwest Virginia.
Create your own eco-friendly re-usable tote bag with Grateful Gypsy
Join Grateful Gypsy to create and take home your own eco-friendly reusable market tote bag. We’ll supply the materials and inspiration, be sure to bring your creativity and imagination! Register now for the event time/date that best meets your Roanoke GO Outside Festival visit schedule!
Registration via Grateful Gypsy’s website is required to participate and each member in your party must be registered in order to participate; 1 ticket purchase is required for each member of your party that wishes to participate. Your registration assists us in knowing the number of materials/staff needed for the weekend.
Our event is designed for ages 6+. Youth participants must have parental or guardianship supervision for the duration of the event.
A portion of the registration fee will be donated to the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue.
Be sure that you are selecting the date/time for the activity that best meets your Roanoke GO Outside Festival visit schedule; if you miss your scheduled registration time, we are not able to move you to a new date/time and refunds will not be given.
All Levels Yoga with Uttara Yoga Studio
Get up, get going, and get outside! Join Uttara Yoga Studio for an all-levels class that emphasizes proper alignment and movement linked with breath. Experience intelligent, mindful sequencing of poses that build internal heat and focus in preparation for a relaxing cool down. All levels welcome! Some mats will be available but please bring your own if you have one.
Saturday 11:30am – 12:30pm with Laura
Sunday 9:30am – 10:30am with Dawnbee
The Ambassador
Free music on the Elmwood Stage, presented in partnership with 5 Points Music Sanctuary!
Bike Rodeo
A bike rodeo is a skills and knowledge clinic for young bike riders, typically age 4-12. During this time the traffic garden that is available throughout GO Fest will have a volunteer on-hand to demonstrate skills and answer questions.
World’s Slowest Bicycle Race
Test your bicycle skills as you balance, bob, and weave your way through an obstacle course where the winner is the SLOWEST!
Complete the course, as slowly as you can, without putting your foot down to win a $20 gift card to Trek Bicycle Roanoke and bragging rights for an entire year.
Fun for the whole family, the World’s Slowest Bicycle Race is designed for riders of all skill levels, so grab your friends (and their friends, friends) and we’ll see you on the course!
Lumberjack Show presented by Member One
Captivating audiences for the past 25 years, Timberwork’s Lumberjack Shows provides images of man against the impossible, competing in a sport derived out of a nation’s heritage. Come watch the axes fly, chainsaws roar, and some super-human Lumberjack feats that’ll have you jumping out of your seats!
Be sure to stop by the Member One FCU tent and give them a high five for bringing the lumberjack show to GO Fest.
Rain Barrel Demo/Raffle with Clean Valley Council
Participants will gather on the Wellness Patio to learn how to make a rain barrel out of a reused drum/barrel. Clean Valley Council staff will teach audience members how to successfully create a rain barrel to reduce water use! All participants will be able to enter into our on-site raffle. Must be present to win!
Learn How to Optimize your Mountain Bike Suspension with Cane Creek
Mountain bike suspension is designed to be tuned to its rider based on weight, riding style, and terrain. Cane Creek’s suspension experts will teach you what you need to know to tailor your ride. Stick around to join Cane Creek on a mountain bike ride at 2:00.
Litter Cleanup Scavenger Hunt
Join Eco Maniac Company for a scavenger hunt for litter! You will have 20 minutes to collect as much litter as possible around the event area and then report back to the Eco Maniac Company tent to add up your points. The top three point collectors will win prizes compliments of Eco Maniac Company and Clean Virginia Waterways.
Meet at the Eco Maniac Company tent to pick up your Scavenger Hunt points list. Pick up as much trash as you can in 20 minutes and keep track of what you collect as you go. Report back to Eco Maniac Company by the time specified to turn in your points. The winners will receive eco-friendly prizes!
Highline Slackline Show above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
Turn your eyes to the sky for a highline performance that only the GO Outside Festival can bring you!
The Trickline Collective is a group of slackliners passionate about balance, performance, and the outdoors. They travel the world to deliver slackline entertainment at the highest level and tell the stories of our sport. Highlining is just slacklining, but higher. Highlines can be anywhere from 20 to 400 feet above the ground, with athletes walking and performing tricks on a narrow 1-inch wide piece of webbing.
Throughout the weekend, these highline stunt performers will be balancing and bouncing high above the Elmwood Amphitheater and Holton Plaza on Franklin Road. You won’t want to miss it!
See Highline Schedule above Elmwood Amphitheater
Where to Watch:
- Oct 13th: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 13th: 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 14th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 15th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
Lapidary, The art of carving and polishing stones
Mark Morgan will set up his polishing wheels to show how the process works! He will let folks try a hand at it while teaching about the technique from start to finish.
Create your own eco-friendly re-usable tote bag with Grateful Gypsy
Join Grateful Gypsy to create and take home your own eco-friendly reusable market tote bag. We’ll supply the materials and inspiration, be sure to bring your creativity and imagination! Register now for the event time/date that best meets your Roanoke GO Outside Festival visit schedule!
Registration via Grateful Gypsy’s website is required to participate and each member in your party must be registered in order to participate; 1 ticket purchase is required for each member of your party that wishes to participate. Your registration assists us in knowing the number of materials/staff needed for the weekend.
Our event is designed for ages 6+. Youth participants must have parental or guardianship supervision for the duration of the event.
A portion of the registration fee will be donated to the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue.
Be sure that you are selecting the date/time for the activity that best meets your Roanoke GO Outside Festival visit schedule; if you miss your scheduled registration time, we are not able to move you to a new date/time and refunds will not be given.
James Gregory: The Ethnic Explorer
Gregory was 5 years old living in Drakes Branch, VA (population: 500) when his passion for nature began to grow through mountain biking, paddle boarding, and hiking. He will speak on promoting diversity within outdoor spaces and his steadfast belief that nature belongs to all. He derives joy from sharing his experiences outdoors and will encourage listeners to delve into less explored paths.
Lazy Man Dub Band
Free music on the Elmwood Stage, presented in partnership with 5 Points Music Sanctuary!
Lazy Man Dub Band is a reggae band hailing from Roanoke, Virginia. Formed in 2007, the band is comprised of 9 talented musicians who share a passion for the one drop grooves of classic reggae music. Their sound is anchored by a tight and soulful rhythm section, complemented by a powerful horn section that adds an extra layer of depth and energy to their live performances.
Lazy Man Dub Band draws inspiration from the great reggae bands of the past, such as Bob Marley and the Wailers, The Skatalites, and The Maytals. Their music combines classic elements of roots reggae, dub, and one drop with a modern sensibility, resulting in a sound that is both timeless and fresh.
The band’s live shows are renowned for their high energy and infectious grooves, as well as their tight musicianship and improvisational flair. Whether playing at local clubs and festivals or opening for national acts, Lazy Man Dub Band always brings their A-game and leaves audiences wanting more.
With a dedicated fan base and a growing reputation as one of the top reggae bands in the region, Lazy Man Dub Band is poised for even greater success in the years to come. Whether you’re a die-hard reggae fan or simply love great music, be sure to catch Lazy Man Dub Band at their next show!
ProTown BMX Stunt Show presented by Gentry Locke
Our top pros are always with us so don’t be surprised if you have seen them on ESPN’s X-Games, AST Dew Tour or some other t.v. or media coverage. We are teamed up with and support N.G.A, Next Generation Alliance, and F.C.A. Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
The team always brings top notch tricks and positive messages to any crowds we come in contact with.
Our motto is, “Dream BIG” because we believe everyone can be living their dreams too!!!
Special thanks to Gentry Locke Attorneys for bringing ProTown BMX to GO Fest.
Cardinal Bicycle & Cane Creek Moutain Bike Ride
Take a ride with the mountain bike experts from Cane Creek. Cane Creek designs, develops, and hand-builds a unique range of cycling components nearby in Western North Carolina. We will all head out to Mill Mountain to enjoy some trails together.
eBike demos from Cardinal Bicycle and Specialized are available for demo on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive at least an hour early to allow time to get your demo set up and ready to ride. We cannot guarantee your bike of choice bike will be available for the ride.
Views & Brews E-Bike Tour
RMA is offering their standard e-bike tour and taking it through GoFest!
The Views & Brews electric bike adventure packs in sweeping Blue Ridge mountain views and 3 brewery tasting stops along a fun but safe course that winds from town to mountain and through downtown and the festival. After launching from the RMA shop along the Roanoke River Greenway in the Wasena neighborhood, you’ll climb Mill Mtn, pass through neighborhoods and parks before crossing the river into downtown Roanoke. In addition to tracing the Roanoke River and Mill Mountain greenway trails, you’ll move through the central city and even enjoy a spin through GoFest!
Safety is our top priority, so this activity is designed to include ample instruction as we build your skills on the e-bike. The only requirements are you be 21 years of age and know how to ride a bike. This activity is perfect for friends visiting from out of town; introduction to electric bike riding; getting to know Roanoke if you’re new to the area or are considering relocating; and/or seeing the downtown Roanoke brewery scene.
~11-mile E-Bike tour taking around 3 hrs.
Beautiful scenery overlooking downtown Roanoke, the Roanoke River, and the greater Roanoke valley.
Stops at 3 area breweries: Starr Hill, Olde Salem Brewing Company, Golden Cactus Brewing, Twisted Track, A Few Old Goats, or Big Lick Brewing!
How to Be a Leave No Trace Champion
Join Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team members Becca & Luke for engaging discussion and activities that explore how to enjoy the outdoor spaces you love in an environmentally sustainable way. Ever wondered about ways to avoid disturbing wildlife or why not to burn trash in a campfire? Learn Leave No Trace practices that protect the outdoors while minimizing our impacts to the land, soil, vegetation, water, wildlife, and others — from the backyard to the backcountry. Whether you are new to Leave No Trace or consider yourself an expert, join us to gain or refresh Leave No Trace skills and knowledge to protect and enjoy the outdoors responsibly!
Tic-Tac-Toe Triple Crown Trivia
Trivia with a twist! Test your knowledge of the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crown Trail and the Continental Divide Trail.
The Objective is to win the game of tic-tac-toe, but in order to do so
you must answer the trivia questions correctly.
Players will be given a question with a specific set of possible answers. Players must answer question correctly within a twenty second period to claim a square. If question is answered correctly player gets a chance to throw a beanbag on the board to claim their X or O square. If answered incorrectly you cannot mark a spot on the grid. The next question goes to player 2. If they answer correctly, they get a chance to throw a beanbag on the board. If they don’t answer correctly, they don’t put anything on the board. Go back and forth between players until one gets 3 X’s or 3 O’s in a line. The participant who gets 3 in a row on the board wins a pair of socks.
Lumberjack Show presented by Member One
Captivating audiences for the past 25 years, Timberwork’s Lumberjack Shows provides images of man against the impossible, competing in a sport derived out of a nation’s heritage. Come watch the axes fly, chainsaws roar, and some super-human Lumberjack feats that’ll have you jumping out of your seats!
Be sure to stop by the Member One FCU tent and give them a high five for bringing the lumberjack show to GO Fest.
Outdoor Skills: First Aid
Practice your basic first aid skills to be prepared for small injuries that can take place while exploring the outdoors. Learn about bandages, medicines and techniques for taking care of yourself and others in nature.
Stop by anytime during the session!
Rain Barrel Demo/Raffle with Clean Valley Council
Participants will gather on the Wellness Patio to learn how to make a rain barrel out of a reused drum/barrel. Clean Valley Council staff will teach audience members how to successfully create a rain barrel to reduce water use! All participants will be able to enter into our on-site raffle. Must be present to win!
Parks Director Panel Discussion
Topics will delve into the development of regional outdoor assets like the Roanoke River Greenway, Explore Park, and Waid Park. Attendees will get to hear about both the visionary mindset and organizational reality of this progress from the point of view of municipal parks and recreation departments. The Directors who will be speaking will be Michael Clark from City of Roanoke, Allen Hayes from Roanoke County, and Paul Chapman from Franklin County.
Highline Slackline Show above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
Turn your eyes to the sky for a highline performance that only the GO Outside Festival can bring you!
The Trickline Collective is a group of slackliners passionate about balance, performance, and the outdoors. They travel the world to deliver slackline entertainment at the highest level and tell the stories of our sport. Highlining is just slacklining, but higher. Highlines can be anywhere from 20 to 400 feet above the ground, with athletes walking and performing tricks on a narrow 1-inch wide piece of webbing.
Throughout the weekend, these highline stunt performers will be balancing and bouncing high above the Elmwood Amphitheater and Holton Plaza on Franklin Road. You won’t want to miss it!
See Highline Schedule above Elmwood Amphitheater
Where to Watch:
- Oct 13th: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 13th: 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 14th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 15th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
Create your own eco-friendly re-usable tote bag with Grateful Gypsy
Join Grateful Gypsy to create and take home your own eco-friendly reusable market tote bag. We’ll supply the materials and inspiration, be sure to bring your creativity and imagination! Register now for the event time/date that best meets your Roanoke GO Outside Festival visit schedule!
Registration via Grateful Gypsy’s website is required to participate and each member in your party must be registered in order to participate; 1 ticket purchase is required for each member of your party that wishes to participate. Your registration assists us in knowing the number of materials/staff needed for the weekend.
Our event is designed for ages 6+. Youth participants must have parental or guardianship supervision for the duration of the event.
A portion of the registration fee will be donated to the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue.
Be sure that you are selecting the date/time for the activity that best meets your Roanoke GO Outside Festival visit schedule; if you miss your scheduled registration time, we are not able to move you to a new date/time and refunds will not be given.
Social Assassins, a side project by Gabriel Marin, of Consider the Source
Free music on the Elmwood Stage, presented in partnership with 5 Points Music Sanctuary!
Road Run sponsored by Altra
Meet at the Fleet Feet tents to get your demo shoes. The Altra rep and Coach Pat will be there to get you all set up with shoes and route directions. They will join you on the run/walk. You can walk or run the planned route (there will be turn by turn directions). Once you return you’ll give the demo shoes back and have a chance to share your thoughts on the shoes! Stick around for an Athletic Brewing Co. beer and to score some giveaways.
Asia Bright, Black Girls Hike
Asia Bright was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, where she began a grassroots effort to bring more black people in her community outdoors, ultimately sparking the Black Girls Hike movement. Bright will share how Black Girls Hike showcases a community of black and brown outdoor enthusiasts through storytelling content and curated hiking and travel experiences from all over the world. Bright will speak about how she built this community and what it means for the greater outdoor community.
Storytime and field trip with Clean Valley Council
Come learn more about litter and how you can keep it off our streets and out of our Roanoke River!
Take a short mini-field trip with us to find the closest storm drain.
ProTown BMX Stunt Show presented by Gentry Locke
Our top pros are always with us so don’t be surprised if you have seen them on ESPN’s X-Games, AST Dew Tour or some other t.v. or media coverage. We are teamed up with and support N.G.A, Next Generation Alliance, and F.C.A. Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
The team always brings top notch tricks and positive messages to any crowds we come in contact with.
Our motto is, “Dream BIG” because we believe everyone can be living their dreams too!!!
Special thanks to Gentry Locke Attorneys for bringing ProTown BMX to GO Fest.
Litter Cleanup Scavenger Hunt
Join Eco Maniac Company for a scavenger hunt for litter! You will have 20 minutes to collect as much litter as possible around the event area and then report back to the Eco Maniac Company tent to add up your points. The top three point collectors will win prizes compliments of Eco Maniac Company and Clean Virginia Waterways.
Meet at the Eco Maniac Company tent to pick up your Scavenger Hunt points list. Pick up as much trash as you can in 20 minutes and keep track of what you collect as you go. Report back to Eco Maniac Company by the time specified to turn in your points. The winners will receive eco-friendly prizes!
Create your own eco-friendly re-usable tote bag with Grateful Gypsy
Join Grateful Gypsy to create and take home your own eco-friendly reusable market tote bag. We’ll supply the materials and inspiration, be sure to bring your creativity and imagination! Register now for the event time/date that best meets your Roanoke GO Outside Festival visit schedule!
Registration via Grateful Gypsy’s website is required to participate and each member in your party must be registered in order to participate; 1 ticket purchase is required for each member of your party that wishes to participate. Your registration assists us in knowing the number of materials/staff needed for the weekend.
Our event is designed for ages 6+. Youth participants must have parental or guardianship supervision for the duration of the event.
A portion of the registration fee will be donated to the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue.
Be sure that you are selecting the date/time for the activity that best meets your Roanoke GO Outside Festival visit schedule; if you miss your scheduled registration time, we are not able to move you to a new date/time and refunds will not be given.
Highline Slackline Show above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
Turn your eyes to the sky for a highline performance that only the GO Outside Festival can bring you!
The Trickline Collective is a group of slackliners passionate about balance, performance, and the outdoors. They travel the world to deliver slackline entertainment at the highest level and tell the stories of our sport. Highlining is just slacklining, but higher. Highlines can be anywhere from 20 to 400 feet above the ground, with athletes walking and performing tricks on a narrow 1-inch wide piece of webbing.
Throughout the weekend, these highline stunt performers will be balancing and bouncing high above the Elmwood Amphitheater and Holton Plaza on Franklin Road. You won’t want to miss it!
See Highline Schedule above Elmwood Amphitheater
Where to Watch:
- Oct 13th: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 13th: 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 14th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 15th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
Storytime and field trip with Clean Valley Council
Come learn more about litter and how you can keep it off our streets and out of our Roanoke River!
Take a short mini-field trip with us to find the closest storm drain.
Lumberjack Show presented by Member One
Captivating audiences for the past 25 years, Timberwork’s Lumberjack Shows provides images of man against the impossible, competing in a sport derived out of a nation’s heritage. Come watch the axes fly, chainsaws roar, and some super-human Lumberjack feats that’ll have you jumping out of your seats!
Be sure to stop by the Member One FCU tent and give them a high five for bringing the lumberjack show to GO Fest.
Magic Beans
Free music on the Elmwood Stage, presented in partnership with 5 Points Music Sanctuary!
Magic Beans have a passion for music that is as infectious as their songs, both of which have gained them national notoriety in a short time. The band honors the wide diaspora of American music by incorporating the flavors of funk, R’n’B, rock, soul, and even some country influence into a complete package that is noticeably their own. Their latest release, Unzipped, is an all instrumental tribute to lo-fi recording techniques, hip hop beat tapes, and 90’s neo-soul. Previous studio releases like, Slice of Life, showcase the bands’ depth of songwriting and composition as well as their knack for catchy lyrics. The Beans have extensively toured their analog dance music and neo-jam across the whole country, earning them an expansive fanbase.
Seamlessly combining the familiar tones and accessible sounds of the past with a modern spin makes the band a hit with music fans of any generation. Their soulful songs and entrancing dance grooves will fill your cup and leave you wanting more. Intended to move your body and your heart, the band draws you in with their music and their wonderful fanbase, Team Bean, makes sure you stick around. With an impressive repertoire of 100+ songs and resume of 1000+ shows in their wake as a young group, Magic Beans are sure to be one of those bands you’ll keep your ear on for a long time.
Freedom First Highline Slackline Show above Elmwood Amphitheater
Turn your eyes to the sky for a highline performance that only the GO Outside Festival can bring you!
The Trickline Collective is a group of slackliners passionate about balance, performance, and the outdoors. They travel the world to deliver slackline entertainment at the highest level and tell the stories of our sport. Highlining is just slacklining, but higher. Highlines can be anywhere from 20 to 400 feet above the ground, with athletes walking and performing tricks on a narrow 1-inch wide piece of webbing.
Throughout the weekend, these highline stunt performers will be balancing and bouncing high above the Elmwood Amphitheater and Holton Plaza on Franklin Road. You won’t want to miss it!
Special thanks to Freedom First for helping make this happen.
See Highline Schedule above Holton Plaza/Franklin Road
Where to Watch:
- Oct 13th: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 13th: 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 14th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 15th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
The Werks
The main event, The Werks, hit the GO Outside Festival Mainstage, Saturday at 9pm.
On their latest LP Magic , melodic visionaries The Werks transcend their funk rock roots while never losing their identity. Poignant songwriting and engaging improvisation come together on a record that showcases their maturation as a multidimensional group of uniquely creative musicians.
The virtuosic rhythm junkies of The Werks have released four highly acclaimed studio albums over the past ten years – Synapse (2009), The Werks (2012), Mr. Smalls Sessions (2014), and Inside a
Dream (2015) – performed well over one thousand shows (including launching their own multi-day music festival The Werk Out), and released countless live recordings including last year’s Live at the
Werk Out 2016 live album. In that time they’ve earned a devoted fan base across the world and reputation as one of the most energetic, compelling, and downright entertaining live acts in the business. They’ve developed a hard won confidence, and a willingness to fearlessly chart new sonic territory on Magic.
“This is our first truly multi-genre album” says Chris Houser. “Each track has its own unique vibe and sound. We didn’t write these songs to please people, we wrote them because this is what we hear when we turn off the outside and let the creativity flow.”
GO Fest Music presented in partnership with 5 Points Music Sanctuary.
Details
Tickets: Free Entry thanks to Anthem
Rules: No outside food or beverage. No weapons or drugs. Blankets and stadium seats are ok – but you’ll want to be dancing anyway.
Hustle/Haven Yoga Flow
60 minute vinyasa (breath to movement) flow to stretch and strengthen your body and connect your mind to your breath and movements. Followed by a free potion toast!
Greenway Bike Celebration & Parade
Ride your favorite bike to Vic Thomas Park for an all-ages & all-bicycles celebration of cycling on the Roanoke River Greenway!
***you’re welcome to join for SOME OR ALL of the activities***
9am: We’ll be handing out FREE COFFEE & DONUTS at Vic Thomas Park – between Memorial Bridge and Wasena Park, next to Black Dog Salvage – while the kiddos (and kids-at-heart!) ride their striders or pedal bikes around the awesome new bike skills loop!
9:30am: We’ll send off a conversational-paced group bike cruise toward the Salem end of the Roanoke River Greenway, enjoying the wonderful new section that was just completed. It’s ~9 miles round-trip if you ride the whole section out and back. Mostly flat and you can’t get lost!
10:30am: Bicycle Parade Departure! We’ll have a speaker blasting tunes as we ride to GO Fest from Vic Thomas, highlighting the amazing bike/ped connectivity we have – and emphasizing the need to keep building more! We’ll aim to roll into Elmwood Park as the Sunday morning concert gets underway.
All Levels Yoga with Uttara Yoga Studio
Get up, get going, and get outside! Join Uttara Yoga Studio for an all-levels class that emphasizes proper alignment and movement linked with breath. Experience intelligent, mindful sequencing of poses that build internal heat and focus in preparation for a relaxing cool down. All levels welcome! Some mats will be available but please bring your own if you have one.
Saturday 11:30am – 12:30pm with Laura
Sunday 9:30am – 10:30am with Dawnbee
Demo Pool presented by the Department of Wildlife Resources
The Demo Pool presented by the Department of Wildlife Resources is your opportunity to try out kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddleboards from several different vendors. Always a GO Fest favorite! Be sure to bring a towel.
We’ll have boats from Verus Kayaks, Mountain 2 Island, and Roanoke Outfitting and Adventures. Shout out to Roanoke Outfitting and Adventures and Buffalo Mountain Adventures for helping us manage the demo pool!
Trek Bicycle Demo
Got your eye on a brand-new steed? Try it before you buy it at our GO Fest demo event! Have some fun cruising around on our latest and greatest models and find the perfect one for you.
We will have ebikes, mountain bikes, and so much more available
All riders will need to complete our waiver and provide a valid ID
Helmets are provided
Mountain Bike and eMountain Bike Demos with Cardinal Bicycle and Specialized
Cardinal Bicycle and Specialized will have a fleet of full suspension mountain bikes for you to try out on the trails. Choose from a Specialized Stumpjumper EVO or try an electric mountain bike with a Specialized Levo. We will have a full range of sizes available.
Wear your riding clothes and appropriate shoes and bring a hydration pack or water bottle. Bring your own helmet and pedals, or we will have helmets and flat pedals you can use for your ride.
A state or federal identification card will be required to demo a bicycle.
Colby T. Helms & The Virginia Creepers
Free music on the Elmwood Stage, presented in partnership with 5 Points Music Sanctuary!
At the bottom of the Southwest Virginia foothills, in Franklin County, south of Roanoke, about a half-mile from the nearest neighbor, Colby T. Helms resides in an underground house built by his late father. He chops wood daily for the stove, hunts, and takes care of his mom. He also pens raw and real storytelling music that cuts to the bone. Colby suffered the loss of his dad to cancer when he was only 12 years old. Beset by sadness and loneliness, he turned to music. He taught himself guitar, banjo, and mandolin by watching local performers and videos. He amassed a growing record collection, combing through the stacks at flea markets and browsing online. He began to perform countless gigs around the area with his band, The Virginia Creepers. He also shared a series of performance videos on YouTube. Colby’s honest songwriting, raw vocals and talented guitar licks began turning heads, and with a debut album on the not-too-distant horizon, it won’t be long before the music world takes notice of Colby T. Helms.
Road Run sponsored by Altra
Meet at the Fleet Feet tents to get your demo shoes. The Altra rep and Coach Pat will be there to get you all set up with shoes and route directions. They will join you on the run/walk. You can walk or run the planned route (there will be turn by turn directions). Once you return you’ll give the demo shoes back and have a chance to share your thoughts on the shoes! Stick around for an Athletic Brewing Co. beer and to score some giveaways.
Cardinal Bicycle M&M Mountain Bike Ride
This is a fun and welcoming intermediate mountain bike ride starting from the Cardinal GO Fest Booth.
eBike demos from Cardinal Bicycle and Specialized are available for demo on a first-come, first-served basis. Please arrive early to allow time to get your demo set up and ready to ride. We cannot guarantee your bike of choice bike will be available for the ride.
Foam Rolling Clinic
Join Bryan Swann, a certified Personal Trainer, for a foam rolling clinic!
Using a foam roller is a good way to loosen up before a workout and reduce muscle soreness afterwards.
What is foam rolling?
Considered a self-myofascial release (SMR) technique, foam rolling is when you use a foam tube to alleviate muscle tightness, soreness and inflammation. It can also help improve your range of motion.
By using a foam roller, you can apply pressure and massage the area by rolling the tool back and forth. This can be helpful before you start a workout.
What are the benefits of foam rolling?
Even if you don’t exercise, foam rolling can be helpful for people who sit at a desk or stand all day. Foam roller benefits include:
- Ease muscle pain and soreness.
- Reduce muscle inflammation.
- Increase range of motion.
- Increase blood flow to muscles.
- Aid in muscle recovery.
- Aid in relaxation.
Amber Wendler, Ph.D. Candidate in Biological Sciences at Virginia Tech
Amber Wendler kicks off the day sharing her passion for making science and the outdoors more inclusive. Wendler has a breadth of outdoor experiences from field research, outdoor education, volunteer work, and recreation that has taken her across the U.S. and Latin America. As a co-editor of the book Been Outside: Adventures of Black Women, Nonbinary, and Gender Nonconforming People in Nature, and as a runner; backpacker; birdwatcher; and kayaker, Wendler offers her perspective on storytelling in the outdoors and amplifying voices that have been silenced and excluded.
Create your own eco-friendly re-usable tote bag with Grateful Gypsy
Join Grateful Gypsy to create and take home your own eco-friendly reusable market tote bag. We’ll supply the materials and inspiration, be sure to bring your creativity and imagination! Register now for the event time/date that best meets your Roanoke GO Outside Festival visit schedule!
Registration via Grateful Gypsy’s website is required to participate and each member in your party must be registered in order to participate; 1 ticket purchase is required for each member of your party that wishes to participate. Your registration assists us in knowing the number of materials/staff needed for the weekend.
Our event is designed for ages 6+. Youth participants must have parental or guardianship supervision for the duration of the event.
A portion of the registration fee will be donated to the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue.
Be sure that you are selecting the date/time for the activity that best meets your Roanoke GO Outside Festival visit schedule; if you miss your scheduled registration time, we are not able to move you to a new date/time and refunds will not be given.
Leave No Trace Activity: Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces – Surface Hopscotch
Join Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Team members Becca & Luke for a fun, educational, and interactive game of hopscotch to learn what makes a surface durable or not and how to move through natural areas while protecting the land, vegetation and fragile resources.
Highline Slackline Show above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
Turn your eyes to the sky for a highline performance that only the GO Outside Festival can bring you!
The Trickline Collective is a group of slackliners passionate about balance, performance, and the outdoors. They travel the world to deliver slackline entertainment at the highest level and tell the stories of our sport. Highlining is just slacklining, but higher. Highlines can be anywhere from 20 to 400 feet above the ground, with athletes walking and performing tricks on a narrow 1-inch wide piece of webbing.
Throughout the weekend, these highline stunt performers will be balancing and bouncing high above the Elmwood Amphitheater and Holton Plaza on Franklin Road. You won’t want to miss it!
See Highline Schedule above Elmwood Amphitheater
Where to Watch:
- Oct 13th: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 13th: 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 14th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 15th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
Lumberjack Show presented by Member One
Captivating audiences for the past 25 years, Timberwork’s Lumberjack Shows provides images of man against the impossible, competing in a sport derived out of a nation’s heritage. Come watch the axes fly, chainsaws roar, and some super-human Lumberjack feats that’ll have you jumping out of your seats!
Be sure to stop by the Member One FCU tent and give them a high five for bringing the lumberjack show to GO Fest.
World’s Slowest Bicycle Race
Test your bicycle skills as you balance, bob, and weave your way through an obstacle course where the winner is the SLOWEST!
Complete the course, as slowly as you can, without putting your foot down to win a $20 gift card to Trek Bicycle Roanoke and bragging rights for an entire year.
Fun for the whole family, the World’s Slowest Bicycle Race is designed for riders of all skill levels, so grab your friends (and their friends, friends) and we’ll see you on the course!
Laney Jones
Free music on the Elmwood Stage, presented in partnership with 5 Points Music Sanctuary!
Press play on Jones’ mesmerizing new album, Stories Up High, and you’ll find yourself transported there, too. Recorded at East Nashville’s famed Bomb Shelter studio with producer Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Langhorne Slim), the collection is lush and immersive, with rich, elegant arrangements that ebb and flow beneath Jones’ velveteen vocals. The performances here are graceful and timeless, evoking a faded, old Hollywood glamour full of longing and melancholy, but dig a bit beneath the surface and you’ll find that Jones is actually an optimist at heart, a believer in the relentless beauty of this mixed-up world. She wrote the album in what she describes as a “flow state,” surrendering herself to the creative process the way a monk might approach meditation, and the result is a captivating, cinematic work that’s equal parts stream-of-consciousness and careful introspection, an honest, intuitive record that hints at everything from Angel Olsen and Judy Garland to Brandi Carlile and Andy Shauf as it reckons with growth, change, and the very fabric of life itself.
Outdoor Skills: Knot Tying
Knot tying is an important skill for anyone enjoying and exploring the outdoors. Learn about many different knots and their uses from the most simple knot to the most complex knot! Then practice your new skills with a relay race against your friends and family.
Stop by anytime during the session!
ProTown BMX Stunt Show presented by Gentry Locke
Our top pros are always with us so don’t be surprised if you have seen them on ESPN’s X-Games, AST Dew Tour or some other t.v. or media coverage. We are teamed up with and support N.G.A, Next Generation Alliance, and F.C.A. Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
The team always brings top notch tricks and positive messages to any crowds we come in contact with.
Our motto is, “Dream BIG” because we believe everyone can be living their dreams too!!!
Special thanks to Gentry Locke Attorneys for bringing ProTown BMX to GO Fest.
Storytime and field trip with Clean Valley Council
Come learn more about litter and how you can keep it off our streets and out of our Roanoke River!
Take a short mini-field trip with us to find the closest storm drain.
Highline Slackline Show above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
Turn your eyes to the sky for a highline performance that only the GO Outside Festival can bring you!
The Trickline Collective is a group of slackliners passionate about balance, performance, and the outdoors. They travel the world to deliver slackline entertainment at the highest level and tell the stories of our sport. Highlining is just slacklining, but higher. Highlines can be anywhere from 20 to 400 feet above the ground, with athletes walking and performing tricks on a narrow 1-inch wide piece of webbing.
Throughout the weekend, these highline stunt performers will be balancing and bouncing high above the Elmwood Amphitheater and Holton Plaza on Franklin Road. You won’t want to miss it!
See Highline Schedule above Elmwood Amphitheater
Where to Watch:
- Oct 13th: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 13th: 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 14th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 15th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
Lapidary, The art of carving and polishing stones
Mark Morgan will set up his polishing wheels to show how the process works! He will let folks try a hand at it while teaching about the technique from start to finish.
Create your own eco-friendly re-usable tote bag with Grateful Gypsy
Join Grateful Gypsy to create and take home your own eco-friendly reusable market tote bag. We’ll supply the materials and inspiration, be sure to bring your creativity and imagination! Register now for the event time/date that best meets your Roanoke GO Outside Festival visit schedule!
Registration via Grateful Gypsy’s website is required to participate and each member in your party must be registered in order to participate; 1 ticket purchase is required for each member of your party that wishes to participate. Your registration assists us in knowing the number of materials/staff needed for the weekend.
Our event is designed for ages 6+. Youth participants must have parental or guardianship supervision for the duration of the event.
A portion of the registration fee will be donated to the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue.
Be sure that you are selecting the date/time for the activity that best meets your Roanoke GO Outside Festival visit schedule; if you miss your scheduled registration time, we are not able to move you to a new date/time and refunds will not be given.
Virginia Electric
Free music on the Elmwood Stage, presented in partnership with 5 Points Music Sanctuary!
Lumberjack Show presented by Member One
Captivating audiences for the past 25 years, Timberwork’s Lumberjack Shows provides images of man against the impossible, competing in a sport derived out of a nation’s heritage. Come watch the axes fly, chainsaws roar, and some super-human Lumberjack feats that’ll have you jumping out of your seats!
Be sure to stop by the Member One FCU tent and give them a high five for bringing the lumberjack show to GO Fest.
Tic-Tac-Toe Triple Crown Trivia
Trivia with a twist! Test your knowledge of the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crown Trail and the Continental Divide Trail.
The Objective is to win the game of tic-tac-toe, but in order to do so
you must answer the trivia questions correctly.
Players will be given a question with a specific set of possible answers. Players must answer question correctly within a twenty second period to claim a square. If question is answered correctly player gets a chance to throw a beanbag on the board to claim their X or O square. If answered incorrectly you cannot mark a spot on the grid. The next question goes to player 2. If they answer correctly, they get a chance to throw a beanbag on the board. If they don’t answer correctly, they don’t put anything on the board. Go back and forth between players until one gets 3 X’s or 3 O’s in a line. The participant who gets 3 in a row on the board wins a pair of socks.
Bike Rodeo
A bike rodeo is a skills and knowledge clinic for young bike riders, typically age 4-12. During this time the traffic garden that is available throughout GO Fest will have a volunteer on-hand to demonstrate skills and answer questions.
Highline Slackline Show above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
Turn your eyes to the sky for a highline performance that only the GO Outside Festival can bring you!
The Trickline Collective is a group of slackliners passionate about balance, performance, and the outdoors. They travel the world to deliver slackline entertainment at the highest level and tell the stories of our sport. Highlining is just slacklining, but higher. Highlines can be anywhere from 20 to 400 feet above the ground, with athletes walking and performing tricks on a narrow 1-inch wide piece of webbing.
Throughout the weekend, these highline stunt performers will be balancing and bouncing high above the Elmwood Amphitheater and Holton Plaza on Franklin Road. You won’t want to miss it!
See Highline Schedule above Elmwood Amphitheater
Where to Watch:
- Oct 13th: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 13th: 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 14th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 15th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
Storytime and field trip with Clean Valley Council
Come learn more about litter and how you can keep it off our streets and out of our Roanoke River!
Take a short mini-field trip with us to find the closest storm drain.
Litter Cleanup Scavenger Hunt
Join Eco Maniac Company for a scavenger hunt for litter! You will have 20 minutes to collect as much litter as possible around the event area and then report back to the Eco Maniac Company tent to add up your points. The top three point collectors will win prizes compliments of Eco Maniac Company and Clean Virginia Waterways.
Meet at the Eco Maniac Company tent to pick up your Scavenger Hunt points list. Pick up as much trash as you can in 20 minutes and keep track of what you collect as you go. Report back to Eco Maniac Company by the time specified to turn in your points. The winners will receive eco-friendly prizes!
Outside Magazine Get Outside Tour: Essentials for Outdoor Living
The Get Outside Tour by Outside Magazine presents on the essentials to outdoor life. After hearing from speakers on the cultivation of the outdoors through communities, public lands, and an outdoor-focused business climate, attendees will be ready to get outside and start growing their own outdoor groups. They will hear from experts on the nuts and bolts of going on outings and may even walk away with some free gear.
Led Zeppelin 2
Free music on the Elmwood Stage, presented in partnership with 5 Points Music Sanctuary!
Create your own eco-friendly re-usable tote bag with Grateful Gypsy
Join Grateful Gypsy to create and take home your own eco-friendly reusable market tote bag. We’ll supply the materials and inspiration, be sure to bring your creativity and imagination! Register now for the event time/date that best meets your Roanoke GO Outside Festival visit schedule!
Registration via Grateful Gypsy’s website is required to participate and each member in your party must be registered in order to participate; 1 ticket purchase is required for each member of your party that wishes to participate. Your registration assists us in knowing the number of materials/staff needed for the weekend.
Our event is designed for ages 6+. Youth participants must have parental or guardianship supervision for the duration of the event.
A portion of the registration fee will be donated to the Virginia German Shepherd Rescue.
Be sure that you are selecting the date/time for the activity that best meets your Roanoke GO Outside Festival visit schedule; if you miss your scheduled registration time, we are not able to move you to a new date/time and refunds will not be given.
ProTown BMX Stunt Show presented by Gentry Locke
Our top pros are always with us so don’t be surprised if you have seen them on ESPN’s X-Games, AST Dew Tour or some other t.v. or media coverage. We are teamed up with and support N.G.A, Next Generation Alliance, and F.C.A. Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
The team always brings top notch tricks and positive messages to any crowds we come in contact with.
Our motto is, “Dream BIG” because we believe everyone can be living their dreams too!!!
Special thanks to Gentry Locke Attorneys for bringing ProTown BMX to GO Fest.
Storytime and field trip with Clean Valley Council
Come learn more about litter and how you can keep it off our streets and out of our Roanoke River!
Take a short mini-field trip with us to find the closest storm drain.
Highline Slackline Show above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
Turn your eyes to the sky for a highline performance that only the GO Outside Festival can bring you!
The Trickline Collective is a group of slackliners passionate about balance, performance, and the outdoors. They travel the world to deliver slackline entertainment at the highest level and tell the stories of our sport. Highlining is just slacklining, but higher. Highlines can be anywhere from 20 to 400 feet above the ground, with athletes walking and performing tricks on a narrow 1-inch wide piece of webbing.
Throughout the weekend, these highline stunt performers will be balancing and bouncing high above the Elmwood Amphitheater and Holton Plaza on Franklin Road. You won’t want to miss it!
See Highline Schedule above Elmwood Amphitheater
Where to Watch:
- Oct 13th: 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 13th: 9:00 pm – 9:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 14th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 11:30 am – 12:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 14th: 8:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Above Elmwood Amphitheater
- Oct 15th: 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
- Oct 15th: 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm – Above Holton Plaza/Franklin Rd
Earth Ball
Play a game. Pick a category. Catch the Earth Ball as you shout out answers about our environment. You never know what category you are going to get when you spin the wheel!
Soil Erosion Prevention with Clean Valley Council
Predict. Test. Learn.
Explore and learn the best way to keep topsoil from washing away!
Little Planets
Come check us out! We’ll have whimsical, nature-inspired, eco-friendly, multi-sensory, and open-ended outdoor pop-up young children’s play areas and baby care spaces.
SUP Inflation Races
The Wild Way will have stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) on display next to the Demo Pool. Come join us for some SUP inflation race! The fastest to inflate a paddleboard will win a prize!
2023 GO’LYMPICS
Join Virginia Outside, Roanoke Mountain Adventures, and Wilderness Adventure for a fun and activity packed challenge at GOFest! Pick up a GO’LYMPICS checklist form from our booths at the festival, complete any 6 of the 10 activities, and return your completed checklist form to our booths for a chance to win a prize!
Beats Per Mile Shuttle to Explore Park
Travel back and forth between Explore Park and Elmwood Park!
This free shuttle will leave hourly. This a great way to get the full metro-mountain experience. Wander the festival in Elmwood, hop on the shuttle and take a shourt 15-minute ride out to Explore Park where you will find miles of trails, river access, disc golf, an aerial adventure course, and its own brewery! The shuttle will start and end everyday at Explore Park.
When you’re finished exploring, hop back on the shuttle and ride back into the festival to demo gear, watch pro-athlete shows, catch some live music and more. See below for the hours.
FRIDAY, OCT. 13 | 4:30 PM-10:00 PM
Starting at 4:30 PM, the shuttle will leave Explore Park on the half hour, every hour, and Elmwood Park on the hour, every hour. The final bus will leave Elmwood at 10 PM.
SATURDAY, OCT. 14 | 10:30 AM- 11:00 PM (with a break from 2 PM -3 PM)
Starting at 10:30 AM, the shuttle will leave Explore Park on the half hour, every hour, and Elmwood Park on the hour, every hour. The final shuttle will depart Elmwood at 11 PM.
SUNDAY, Oct. 15 | 10:30 AM-5 PM
Starting at 10:30 AM, the shuttle will leave Explore Park on the half hour, every hour, and Elmwood Park on the hour, every hour. The final shuttle will depart Elmwood at 5 PM.
Climbing Wall
Thanks to our partnership with The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center, you can come try out your climbing skills on the GO Fest climbing wall. Race you to the top!
Gear Exchange Booth
Since the beginning of this event the Blue Ridge Mountains Council has provided the personnel to operate this booth at the event to help anyone who would like to buy, sell or trade sporting type items to do so at whatever price they wish to ask. The Boy Scouts simply help the two parties to connect and do not receive any commissions in this process.
If your items do not sell and you think our Scouts or camp could use this for future activities, donate your gear to the Scouts. Please be aware that we have moved to much smaller offices and we have very limited ability to receive donations in this same manner.
Custom Footbeds for Your Cycling Shoes While You Wait
Proper foot support is key to improving comfort, reducing injuries, and improving power on your bike. Our custom footbeds stabilize your feet and knees through your pedal stroke, thereby improving alignment for power transfer and improving comfort.
Our trained fitters will begin by taking a mold of your feet. After the mold is created, they will heat and mold a footbed to the contours of your foot, and then trim and fit the footbed to fit your shoe. The entire process takes about 30 minutes, and the result is a cycling shoe that feels like it was made for no one else but you.
Special GO Fest Pricing: $75 (Regular price is $150)
Please book in advance–limited spaces are available.
Cardinal Bicycle Tire Changing Competition
Stop by and show us how fast you are at changing a flat. We will have both mountain road tires for you to use and show us your skills. Come by any time during the weekend. The fastest time will win a set of tires. Winners will be announced Sunday at 3:00.
GO Fest Pop-up Traffic Garden
GO Fest Bike Valet Parking
Free Bike Helmets
Brain Injury Solutions (formerly Brain Injury Services of Southwest Virginia), a nonprofit serving survivors of brain injury, will be passing out FREE bike and multisport helmets! We will have a limited supply each day.
Bike Demos from Roanoke Mountain Adventures
Our staff will get you fitted and answer any questions about any of our available bikes to demo. Demos will be available on a first come first serve basis and all participants will need to fill out a waiver and wear a helmet.
Kids Bikes Available to Demo:
Marin Donky Jr.(16″,18″,20″ & 24″): The Donky Jr. is perfect for a growing rider who is able to get out for the ride to school, to the park or out on your first proper trails.
Strider Style Balance bikes will also be available.
E- Bikes:
RadRunner2: “Best Affordable Electric Utility Bike”
Marin Sausalito and Stinson: lively pedal assist to flatten hills and get you from A to B with a fresh smile, as well as clean clothes and a smart look.
Velotric Go: A compact utility e-bike made to spark joy in your everyday errands. Velotric T1: Sleek, lightweight & powerful.
Kid’s Nature Journals
Make your own small nature journal. Bring the kids to our booth and they can learn how make their own while out hiking, camping or adventuring. We will have supplies and examples available.
Appalachian Trail Trivia
Test your knowledge about the Appalachian Trail. Participants will play a trivia game on a large-scale map of the trail where they have to answer AT based questions to move up each section the trail. Complete the full trail to win a prize!
Nature Scavenger Hunt and Pollinator Crafts
Come join our Nature Scavenger hunt to get families and individuals engaged with nature. We will also have children’s projects, including a pollinator (bee or butterfly) mask for Halloween, and a bee finger puppet that can gather artificial pollen from our booth to take with them to pollinate wherever they go!
YMCA Ninja Course
Let’s get active! We will have a ninja course for kids to play on. Check it out at our tent along with information about what the YMCA of Virgina’s Blue Ridge offers here in the community.
Backyard Bass
Learn to cast or sharpen your skills with Backyard Bass! Virginia Outside will have rods set up at our booth where kids can target fish to practice casting skills and learn how to catch the big one!
Camping at Explore Park
Festival camping is available at Explore Park
Thanks to our friends at Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism!
Stay at Explore Park during GO Fest! In addition to the offerings of Don’s Cab-Inns, registration for primitive camping is now open for GO Fest attendees. This is a great way to experience the metro-mountain lifestyle we love so much.
For those spending part of their GO Fest weekend at Explore Park, we’re offering a free, courtesy shuttle to transport attendees back and forth between Elmwood Park and Explore Park. The shuttle will run hourly from GO Fest to Explore Park from Friday to Sunday.
River Rock Painting
The Camp Bethel Outdoors booth will offer “River Rock Painting” (using rocks to create paint – not painting on rocks) as an activity for visitors to enjoy. At Camp, one of our camper’s favorite activities is creek exploration. Campers love finding out you can turn river rocks into paint with just a little bit of water and some friction and emerge from head to toe adorned with the colors of the creek. We will bring a selection of rocks straight from Camp Bethel and a shallow water bin to produce different colors so that visitors can learn to rock paint!
Vermicomposting Demonstration
“Do you want to see my worms?” This year we will not only explain about the importance of composting by showing off our worm bin, but we will also have a demonstration of how to make your very own worm bin at home using simple materials you can find at Walmart or the Dollar General.
We always offer handouts and we will also have a display board with the information.
DICK’S Sporting Goods Scavenger Hunt
At DICK’S we believe sports matter and getting outside (or even staying inside) to play sports helps build character and a healthy lifestyle. During the festival, attendees can seek out 5 sports balls hidden throughout the festival site. Take a selfie with the five sports balls and return to the DICK’S tent located next to Elmwood Park to receive a special prize and enter for a chance to win a daily Grand Prize to include a Kayak, Camping Package or Tailgate grill/cooler package. Visit our tent location for more details!
DryFoxCo Hiker Packing Challenge
DryFoxCo will be hosting a packing challenge! Our mission is to create lightweight gear so you can adventure lighter & smarter. Participants will pack a DryFoxCo daypack full of the hiking essentials, choosing from a variety of gear items provided, with the goal of packing everything they need for a day hike. Participants will then be asked to guess the weight of their packs. The participant closest to the exact weight will win a DryFoxCo daypack and towel. All other participants will also win prizes. The goal of this activity is to encourage participants of all ages to learn the weights of different hiking gear and learn how to pack lighter.
Girl Scout information booth
Drop by the Girl Scout booth to learn more about the Girl Scout program (Outdoors, STEM, Entrepreneurship, & Life Skills), try Stick-It Archery and make tabletop s’mores!
Disc Golf
Learn the different type of Disc’s and Plastics. How each one feels and flies differently.
Try your hand at throwing the disc’s in the baskets.
Learn where in the Roanoke Valley you can play.
Stop by the Play it Again Sports tent.
Bouldering Wall
Back by popular demand, come try your hand at the Go Fest Bouldering Wall!
Earth Ball
Play a game. Pick a category. Catch the Earth Ball as you shout out answers about our environment. You never know what category you are going to get when you spin the wheel!
Soil Erosion Prevention with Clean Valley Council
Predict. Test. Learn.
Explore and learn the best way to keep topsoil from washing away!
Little Planets
Come check us out! We’ll have whimsical, nature-inspired, eco-friendly, multi-sensory, and open-ended outdoor pop-up young children’s play areas and baby care spaces.
SUP Inflation Races
The Wild Way will have stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) on display next to the Demo Pool. Come join us for some SUP inflation race! The fastest to inflate a paddleboard will win a prize!
2023 GO’LYMPICS
Join Virginia Outside, Roanoke Mountain Adventures, and Wilderness Adventure for a fun and activity packed challenge at GOFest! Pick up a GO’LYMPICS checklist form from our booths at the festival, complete any 6 of the 10 activities, and return your completed checklist form to our booths for a chance to win a prize!
Beats Per Mile Shuttle to Explore Park
Travel back and forth between Explore Park and Elmwood Park!
This free shuttle will leave hourly. This a great way to get the full metro-mountain experience. Wander the festival in Elmwood, hop on the shuttle and take a shourt 15-minute ride out to Explore Park where you will find miles of trails, river access, disc golf, an aerial adventure course, and its own brewery! The shuttle will start and end everyday at Explore Park.
When you’re finished exploring, hop back on the shuttle and ride back into the festival to demo gear, watch pro-athlete shows, catch some live music and more. See below for the hours.
FRIDAY, OCT. 13 | 4:30 PM-10:00 PM
Starting at 4:30 PM, the shuttle will leave Explore Park on the half hour, every hour, and Elmwood Park on the hour, every hour. The final bus will leave Elmwood at 10 PM.
SATURDAY, OCT. 14 | 10:30 AM- 11:00 PM (with a break from 2 PM -3 PM)
Starting at 10:30 AM, the shuttle will leave Explore Park on the half hour, every hour, and Elmwood Park on the hour, every hour. The final shuttle will depart Elmwood at 11 PM.
SUNDAY, Oct. 15 | 10:30 AM-5 PM
Starting at 10:30 AM, the shuttle will leave Explore Park on the half hour, every hour, and Elmwood Park on the hour, every hour. The final shuttle will depart Elmwood at 5 PM.
Climbing Wall
Thanks to our partnership with The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center, you can come try out your climbing skills on the GO Fest climbing wall. Race you to the top!
Gear Exchange Booth
Since the beginning of this event the Blue Ridge Mountains Council has provided the personnel to operate this booth at the event to help anyone who would like to buy, sell or trade sporting type items to do so at whatever price they wish to ask. The Boy Scouts simply help the two parties to connect and do not receive any commissions in this process.
If your items do not sell and you think our Scouts or camp could use this for future activities, donate your gear to the Scouts. Please be aware that we have moved to much smaller offices and we have very limited ability to receive donations in this same manner.
Custom Footbeds for Your Cycling Shoes While You Wait
Proper foot support is key to improving comfort, reducing injuries, and improving power on your bike. Our custom footbeds stabilize your feet and knees through your pedal stroke, thereby improving alignment for power transfer and improving comfort.
Our trained fitters will begin by taking a mold of your feet. After the mold is created, they will heat and mold a footbed to the contours of your foot, and then trim and fit the footbed to fit your shoe. The entire process takes about 30 minutes, and the result is a cycling shoe that feels like it was made for no one else but you.
Special GO Fest Pricing: $75 (Regular price is $150)
Please book in advance–limited spaces are available.
Cardinal Bicycle Tire Changing Competition
Stop by and show us how fast you are at changing a flat. We will have both mountain road tires for you to use and show us your skills. Come by any time during the weekend. The fastest time will win a set of tires. Winners will be announced Sunday at 3:00.
GO Fest Pop-up Traffic Garden
GO Fest Bike Valet Parking
Free Bike Helmets
Brain Injury Solutions (formerly Brain Injury Services of Southwest Virginia), a nonprofit serving survivors of brain injury, will be passing out FREE bike and multisport helmets! We will have a limited supply each day.
Bike Demos from Roanoke Mountain Adventures
Our staff will get you fitted and answer any questions about any of our available bikes to demo. Demos will be available on a first come first serve basis and all participants will need to fill out a waiver and wear a helmet.
Kids Bikes Available to Demo:
Marin Donky Jr.(16″,18″,20″ & 24″): The Donky Jr. is perfect for a growing rider who is able to get out for the ride to school, to the park or out on your first proper trails.
Strider Style Balance bikes will also be available.
E- Bikes:
RadRunner2: “Best Affordable Electric Utility Bike”
Marin Sausalito and Stinson: lively pedal assist to flatten hills and get you from A to B with a fresh smile, as well as clean clothes and a smart look.
Velotric Go: A compact utility e-bike made to spark joy in your everyday errands. Velotric T1: Sleek, lightweight & powerful.
Kid’s Nature Journals
Make your own small nature journal. Bring the kids to our booth and they can learn how make their own while out hiking, camping or adventuring. We will have supplies and examples available.
Appalachian Trail Trivia
Test your knowledge about the Appalachian Trail. Participants will play a trivia game on a large-scale map of the trail where they have to answer AT based questions to move up each section the trail. Complete the full trail to win a prize!
Nature Scavenger Hunt and Pollinator Crafts
Come join our Nature Scavenger hunt to get families and individuals engaged with nature. We will also have children’s projects, including a pollinator (bee or butterfly) mask for Halloween, and a bee finger puppet that can gather artificial pollen from our booth to take with them to pollinate wherever they go!
YMCA Ninja Course
Let’s get active! We will have a ninja course for kids to play on. Check it out at our tent along with information about what the YMCA of Virgina’s Blue Ridge offers here in the community.
Backyard Bass
Learn to cast or sharpen your skills with Backyard Bass! Virginia Outside will have rods set up at our booth where kids can target fish to practice casting skills and learn how to catch the big one!
Camping at Explore Park
Festival camping is available at Explore Park
Thanks to our friends at Roanoke County Parks, Recreation and Tourism!
Stay at Explore Park during GO Fest! In addition to the offerings of Don’s Cab-Inns, registration for primitive camping is now open for GO Fest attendees. This is a great way to experience the metro-mountain lifestyle we love so much.
For those spending part of their GO Fest weekend at Explore Park, we’re offering a free, courtesy shuttle to transport attendees back and forth between Elmwood Park and Explore Park. The shuttle will run hourly from GO Fest to Explore Park from Friday to Sunday.
River Rock Painting
The Camp Bethel Outdoors booth will offer “River Rock Painting” (using rocks to create paint – not painting on rocks) as an activity for visitors to enjoy. At Camp, one of our camper’s favorite activities is creek exploration. Campers love finding out you can turn river rocks into paint with just a little bit of water and some friction and emerge from head to toe adorned with the colors of the creek. We will bring a selection of rocks straight from Camp Bethel and a shallow water bin to produce different colors so that visitors can learn to rock paint!
Vermicomposting Demonstration
“Do you want to see my worms?” This year we will not only explain about the importance of composting by showing off our worm bin, but we will also have a demonstration of how to make your very own worm bin at home using simple materials you can find at Walmart or the Dollar General.
We always offer handouts and we will also have a display board with the information.
DICK’S Sporting Goods Scavenger Hunt
At DICK’S we believe sports matter and getting outside (or even staying inside) to play sports helps build character and a healthy lifestyle. During the festival, attendees can seek out 5 sports balls hidden throughout the festival site. Take a selfie with the five sports balls and return to the DICK’S tent located next to Elmwood Park to receive a special prize and enter for a chance to win a daily Grand Prize to include a Kayak, Camping Package or Tailgate grill/cooler package. Visit our tent location for more details!
DryFoxCo Hiker Packing Challenge
DryFoxCo will be hosting a packing challenge! Our mission is to create lightweight gear so you can adventure lighter & smarter. Participants will pack a DryFoxCo daypack full of the hiking essentials, choosing from a variety of gear items provided, with the goal of packing everything they need for a day hike. Participants will then be asked to guess the weight of their packs. The participant closest to the exact weight will win a DryFoxCo daypack and towel. All other participants will also win prizes. The goal of this activity is to encourage participants of all ages to learn the weights of different hiking gear and learn how to pack lighter.
Girl Scout information booth
Drop by the Girl Scout booth to learn more about the Girl Scout program (Outdoors, STEM, Entrepreneurship, & Life Skills), try Stick-It Archery and make tabletop s’mores!
Disc Golf
Learn the different type of Disc’s and Plastics. How each one feels and flies differently.
Try your hand at throwing the disc’s in the baskets.
Learn where in the Roanoke Valley you can play.
Stop by the Play it Again Sports tent.
Bouldering Wall
Back by popular demand, come try your hand at the Go Fest Bouldering Wall!
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