From the outdoor curious to the seasoned enthusiast, the free Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience, presented by Huffy, offers two days of outdoor activities, live entertainment, competitions and more. This dynamic event, hosted by Five Rivers MetroParks, takes place on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 at Eastwood MetroPark. The extraordinary festival, celebrated as the ultimate outdoor adventure extravaganza in the Midwest, originated in 2005 and has since flourished into an annual gathering that brings over 20,000 outdoor enthusiasts to the heart of Dayton, Ohio—the "Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest." The event cultivates a deep connection between individuals and the great outdoors, plunging them into the exhilarating realm of outdoor adventure. What makes this experience even more remarkable is that it's not only FREE, but also designed to be family-friendly, even extending a warm welcome to your furry four-legged companions.
What to Expect:
1. Try it Activities
On both Saturday and Sunday, the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience has something thrilling in store for you - dive headfirst into a world of adventure with "try it" activities. Whether you've dreamt of scaling towering cliffs, cruising along scenic cycling trails, mastering the art of disc golf, casting your line into pristine waters, or embarking on a serene paddling excursion, this is your chance to give it a shot. These action-packed hours are your ticket to experience the exhilaration of climbing, cycling, disc golfing, fishing, paddling, slacklining and ziplining. In previous years, an increasing number of dog owners began to bring their beloved canine companions along, so by saying, "there's something for everyone", that includes your furry friends, too! Visit Pooch Island Off-Leash Dog Park and Swim Area for playtime.
2. Watch & Learn Workshops
Prepare to be inspired and educated by some of the finest professional instructors! These unique and informative sessions promise to enrich your outdoor experience, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to fully immerse yourself in the natural world. Check out the full event schedule for topics and times!
3. Find the Perfect Gear for Your Adventures
Step into the heart of the action at the Exhibitor Village, where retailers, manufacturers, clubs, and organizations converge to ignite your outdoor passion. Here, you'll be immersed into a world of cutting-edge gear, from innovative gadgets to top-notch equipment. Not ready to fully invest? The Used Gear Area provides a great place for adventurers to pick up some lightly used outdoor recreation-related equipment or consign items to get gear back in action with a new owner. Drop off your items to be managed/sold with consignment fees going back to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation. By implementing these practices, a significant step toward reducing waste in landfills is taken.
4. Eat, Drink & Sleep Right at the Event!
Experience the ease of living, and the freedom of camping without any cost at the Subaru of America Campground. Nestled along the serene banks of the Eastwood Lagoon, and sheltered beneath a majestic canopy of sycamore trees, this campground offers a tranquil oasis right on the event's doorstep. You can complete your registration to camp at the information tent, conveniently situated inside the main entrance gateway. Camping registration begins at noon on Friday. Public camping ends Sunday at 5 p.m.
Among the many highlights of the event, you can look forward to great food, drinks and music. The Great Lakes, 50 West & Lagunitas Beer Garden is back and better than ever, featuring fine craft brews exclusively from Great Lakes Brewing Company, 50 West Brewing Company and Lagunitas Brewing Co. on Saturday and Sunday. Enhance your drink with a delectable snack or meal from one of the festivals food vendors. Some of the food trucks anticipated are Chicago Gyros and Dogs, El Meson, Fifty Five Rivers BARge, McNasty's Food Truck, Nou Street Food and City of Dayton Water. Dayton/Montgomery County also boasts an abundance of exceptionally delicious restaurants if you want to explore. Organizers of the event have also partnered with 91.3 WYSO to bring some of the best and most talented musicians to the stage for a weekend to remember!
Ready to Attend?
Let your spirit of exploration soar and experience the magic of the great outdoors in Dayton, Ohio. The FREE Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience, October 4 and 5, can be your gateway to adventure, camaraderie, and a deeper connection with nature. With a host of "try it" activities, hands-on clinics, and inspiring workshops, this event promises to ignite your passion for adventure while providing the opportunity to learn essential outdoor tips & tricks. Whether you're a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of adventure, you'll have a blast.
For more information on how to go, the full event schedule and FAQs, visit the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience website.
