Published September 18, 2024
The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience returns Oct. 5 and 6
The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience – a Five Rivers MetroParks event – invites visitors to explore the active side of Dayton with two days of outdoor adventure that celebrates Dayton as the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest. The free festival is held at Eastwood MetroPark (park side), 1385 Harshman Rd. in Dayton, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6. Admission and parking are free.
More than 14,000 festivalgoers attend to enjoy numerous outdoor activities and recreation-focused expo; used gear area; live entertainment; competitions; and more.
“Fostering a love of spending time in nature can translate into spending more time in outdoors and in your Five Rivers MetroParks, which we know helps support people’s physical, emotional and mental health,” said MetroParks special events coordinator Chris Buck. “We hope the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience is a springboard for people to discover or reengage with the outdoors in a new way. Whether folks are curious about trying a new outdoor activity or are seasoned adventurers, they will find something fun to try, learn or experience at the event.”
Try an Outdoor Adventure
Try your hand at new outdoor activities, open to all ages and skill levels, in various experience areas throughout Eastwood MetroPark. Participants, parents and/or guardians must sign a waiver to participate in most activities, which can be downloaded ahead of time. Activities include:
- Climbing
- Mountain biking
- Disc golf
- Fishing
- Slacklining
- Paddling
- Cycling
- Pump Track
- Ziplining
Outdoor School for all ages
Local adventurers and organizations host talks for youth and adults covering topics from knot tying to backpacking nutrition. Find a full schedule of speakers at metroparks.org/outdoorx.
Watch Outdoor Adventure Demos
Watch riders take BMX tricks to new heights with two ramps. Check out Dock Dogs make a splash and then head to the Mad River to watch whitewater kayak races.
Compete in the Great Outdoors
Attendees also can enter competitions, including new kayaking competitions:
- Dock Dogs high jump and distance
- Kayak cross and slalom
- National Association of Professional River Anglers Wade Fishing and Kiddie Pole Challenge
Exhibitors, Contests, Music and More
Exhibitors will offer new outdoor gear and accessories for purchase, and local clubs will link festivalgoers will resources to help get them outside. A used gear area will be managed by Arrow Adventures for those who wish to consign their old gear. A portion of the consignment fees will support Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation. Exhibitors will close at 7 p.m. on Saturday, but the event continues until 10 p.m. so event participants can enjoy live music, food and more at the festival and the Great Lakes and Fifty West Beer Garden with proceeds benefitting the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation.
The music lineup, selected by 91.3-FM WYSO, features regional acts from multiple genres. Fill up with offerings from a wide selection of different food trucks. Free water will be available, and guests should bring their own non-glass cup or purchase a steel cup at the event to help Five Rivers MetroParks keep the festival waste-free.
Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience vendors commit to the event’s waste-free initiative and will not be selling plastic single-use bottles. Food and drinks will be served using compostable service ware. Waste-free partners include The Foodbank, Waste-Free Dayton, Alcor Supply and Master Recyclers.
Bring a tent and camp for the weekend on the banks of the Eastwood Lagoon. Campsites are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Limited space will be available for small campers and vehicle camping.
Volunteers needed
Take your involvement a step further by volunteering at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience. Volunteer shifts are two to three hours and volunteers receive volunteer parking and hospitality. New this year, volunteers who cover two or more shifts can receive a steel event pint. More than 300 volunteers are needed to help facilitate this annual event. Volunteer opportunities are available beginning Sept. 30 through Oct. 8. Learn more and sign up to volunteer at metroparks.org/volunteer.
For a map and schedule of all festival activities, visit metroparks.org/outdoorx.
The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience is presented by Huffy. Additional support is provided by Great Lakes Brewing Co., Fifty West Brewing Company, Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission’s Rideshare Program, Subaru of America, Best Breed, Care Center, DaylightBrand, Kayak Coffee, Perrigo Nutritionals, City Barbeque, Key-Ads and WYSO.
