Outside Days brings big names to Denver
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The renamed Outside Days is reaching new heights in its third year, with a larger venue, major musical headliners, exclusive films and outdoor industry celebrities.
Why it matters: Hosted by Boulder-based Outside Interactive, the festival highlights Colorado's growing influence in the outdoor economy.
State of play: This year's event kicked off today with an industry summit and a headlining performance by Death Cab for Cutie at downtown's Auraria Campus.
- The fun continues through Sunday with 26 musical acts, 11 outdoor films and 130 speakers, including big names like climber Alex Honnold, snowboarder Travis Rice, chef José Andrés and Olympic gold medalist Jessie Diggins.
- Other activities range from a Jeep off-road course to a North Face climbing wall and kids' activities.
The vibes: Outside Days is looking to cement itself as the outdoor version of the South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) in Austin, Texas, Outside chief brand officer Christopher Jerard says. "We want them to take that inspiration for the rest of the year ... and be reminded to get themselves outdoors as much as possible," he adds.
- About 40,000 people are expected to attend the four-day event.
If you go: Don't miss these sessions.
- 🎥 Films: "Surfilmusic" from director Emmet Malloy. The documentary follows Jack Johnson's journey from surfer to filmmaker to musician.
- 💡 Ideas: "Climbing Gold" podcast taping at 5:30pm Sunday, featuring Honnold, climber Fitz Cahall and ski mountaineer Jim Morrison, who just completed the first ski descent of Mount Everest's Hornbein Couloir.
- 🎶 Music: Top acts include My Morning Jacket, Cage the Elephant, Goth Babe, The Flaming Lips, Japanese Breakfast, Dawes and the Mañanas.
- 🧗 Experiences: The Ultimate Basecamp includes Jeep rides, skill workshops and presentations from top athletes.