Before diving in, the first thing every parent should know about GO Fest is that it’s not your average festival. Prepare for a weekend full of adventure, awe-inspiring performances, and countless opportunities to get active and try new things–for all ages! Don’t be surprised if your family discovers a brand new love of the outdoors…and a fun hobby or two. After all, GO Fest is frequently voted “Best Family-Friendly Festival” in The Roanoker Magazine and Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine for a reason!
WATCH IT
One of the best ways to kick off your weekend at GO Fest is to catch a performance from the professionals!
BMX STUNT SHOW: A GO Fest classic, the ProTown team will amaze you as they fly high over festival crowds, performing incredible stunts. Performances are scheduled Friday through Sunday at the Festival Basecamp (Elmwood Park).- LUMBERJACKS: Axe throwing, speed climbing, chain-sawing, log rolling, and more. These pro lumberjacks are always entertaining! Performances are scheduled Friday through Sunday at the Festival Basecamp (Elmwood Park).
- SLACKLINE: The highline performers joined the festival in 2022, and this year they’ve got something truly special planned! The Speedline Grand Slam will pair competitors on two slacklines over Franklin Road to show off their best skills. The competition will run Friday and Saturday, with bonus performances and a chance to slackline with the pros (at the interactive slackline zone – on the ground!) on Sunday at the Festival Basecamp (Elmwood Park).
- AIR DOGS: The Ultimate Air Dogs show is a high-flying, doggone good time! Watch these talented pooches leap into the pool, showing off their impressive skills. Performances are scheduled Saturday and Sunday at the Adventure Outpost (Explore Park).
- MOUNTAINFILM FESTIVAL: We’re bringing a special selection of films from the Mountainfilm Festival to GO Fest! Playing on the big screen in Elmwood Park, these adventure-packed documentary short films will delight and inspire you. Grab dinner and a bag of kettle corn, then settle in for the show! Mountainfilm on Tour is held Friday evening at the Festival Basecamp (Elmwood Park Main Stage).
- MORE TO WATCH: Visit the Campfire Stage for talks and panel discussions on topics such as Outdoors Inspires Art, GO by Bike, Local Coordinates: Discovering the Region’s Best Adventure Spots, and more. Enjoy Live Music on the Main Stage all weekend long and dance like no one is watching!
TRY IT
Exploring the festival, you’ll quickly realize there are endless ways to try your hand at an outdoor activity.
- RIDE YOUR BIKE: If you like bikes, you’re going to LOVE all the opportunities to get on two wheels at GO Fest! Festival Basecamp’s Kid’s Bike Zone in Elmwood Park will be bigger and better this year, offering two unique courses. One area designed for push/strider bikes to enjoy, and a separate space for more confident and pedal bike riders. The kid’s bike zone will be open throughout the festival hours, and there will be Kid’s Bike Races held on Saturday and Sunday morning! At the Adventure Outpost (Explore Park), you’ll find opportunities to join beginner mountain bike or greenway group rides (kids must be accompanies by a parent or guardian)! Plus, you’ll want to watch (or participate in) the wacky and wonderful Bike Box Derby where decorated bikes and riders compete on Saturday!
ROCK ON: The beginner-friendly Climbing Wall is a great way to introduce a new sport if you’ve never climbed before, and the more challenging Bouldering Wall is perfect for those who want to take the next step in their climbing adventure! Both are open to youth and adult climbers, and you can even test a pair of climbing shoes on the bouldering wall!- FIND BALANCE: Just beneath the Highline, you’ll find an Interactive Slackline Zone and be able to test your own abilities! Don’t miss your chance to slackline with the highlin competitors on Sunday!
- WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE: Get ready to splash around in the popular Demo Pool where you can try out a kayak or paddleboard! Helpful staff will assist you, and parents can join their kids if you’d like to go together. If the Lumberjack Show gets you inspired, we’re also offering a Log Rolling Challenge this year so you can test your own skills!
- CAMPING: Sleep under the stars for the full outdoor weekend experience! GO Fest Camping is available at Explore Park Friday evening through Sunday morning. A free shuttle runs between the Outpost and Basecamp every hour (10:30 AM – 5 PM Saturday and Sunday) so you won’t have to worry about transportation. (Psst…the shuttle is free for everyone, not just campers!)
- MORE TO TRY: With a Ninja Course to challenge yourself, Skate Sessions so you can shred, Yoga to recharge, Disc Golf and Hikes to get moving, and a Silent Disco to boogie down, there’s plenty to enjoy. Be sure to peruse all our wonderful vendors, nearly all of them offer free outdoor activities to complete your festival experience!
If you’ve made it this far, you’re now prepared for a fantastic fall weekend! Just remember, there’s far too much action in this 3-day festival to capture here – check out the full schedule (HINT: you can sort activities by “kids”)!
