Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels are invited to be part of the first Everything Outdoor Fest held Nov. 4-6 at Historic Hopkins Farm in Simpsonville, S.C. The three-day festival will showcase and celebrate the Southeast’s most popular outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, camping and much more.

Event creator Jacqui McGuinness received her inspiration during the pandemic from spending more time doing many of the outside activities being showcased at the festival. And thus sparked the idea for Everything Outdoor Fest: a one-stop-shop for beginners and experts alike to gain new knowledge, demo the latest products, and connect with others who share similar interests.  

“I realized the beauty of spending more time with friends and family connecting in a safe environment,” said McGuinness, president and owner of JBM & Associates, one of the country’s most experienced consumer show producers. “There are other outdoor type shows and other locations, but this is in such a cool environment and has a large pond, trails and flat fields, so we have amazing space to work with.”

Everything Outdoor Fest will feature industry experts teaching attendees about the outdoor activities that interest them most. Educational clinics will have an open format so participants are comfortable asking any question.

“You can demo your favorite bike or paddleboard and enjoy music and food in an incredible outdoor setting on a family-owned farm,” said McGuinness. “We like to say Everything Outdoor Fest is for the curious, the brave and the explorer. We want everyone to be energized about outdoor adventure.”

Festival sponsors Boyd Cycling and Rocket Revolution, both based in Greenville, S.C., will provide bike enthusiasts with product and training advice. 

Boyd Cycling owner Nicole Johnson and her husband Boyd have enjoyed successful professional cycling careers, yet even the casual rider can benefit from their immense knowledge of the sport. The self-professed “wheel junkies” will be on hand for a wheel building clinic and to demonstrate their high-quality crafted wheels that are made locally and shipped to cyclists all over the world. 

Professional cyclist Andrew Blackstone, performance and wellness coach for Rocket Revolution, will present several clinics from bike maintenance to choosing the right equipment for road and gravel rides. Rocket Revolution specializes in group or individual coaching for athletes and wellness clients of all ages and stages of training.

The action-packed schedule of instructional sessions also includes fly fishing by the Mountain Bridge chapter of Trout Unlimited, archery by Upstate Archery, standup paddleboard yoga and boating safety, to name a few. Group yoga classes are planned each morning of the festival and a complete lineup of activities, live music and food trucks will be available on the festival website.

Everything Outdoor Fest has something for the whole family. Kids can learn the basics of fishing with Captain Don Dingman, host of the “Hook the Future” TV show, and receive a free rod and reel. A special Kids Zone will feature activities like creating a nature journal, making your own trail mix, compass reading, knot tying, packing a backpack and a Girl Scouts scavenger hunt with a custom patch for the first 100 kids to complete the challenge. Dogs are also welcome and can participate in a natural habitat pup walk and talk. 

One of the signature events spanning all three days is DockDogs, the world’s premier canine aquatics competition where dogs compete in the disciplines of Big Air, Extreme Vertical and Speed Retrieve.

“We are fortunate to have so many quality places to enjoy the great outdoors in the Southeast region, especially in Western North Carolina, Upstate South Carolina and Northeast Georgia,” McGuiness said. “Outdoor recreation and open spaces are essential for healthy communities and contribute to a high quality of life. They also help attract and sustain businesses and families. We believe that’s worth celebrating!”

Everything Outdoor Fest tickets will be pre-sold online only. Single day tickets are $10 for adults and weekend passes are $25 with discounted rates for seniors, military and children. Visit the festival website at everythingoutdoorfest.com for event details, the latest schedule of activities and to purchase tickets.

Check out Everything Outdoor Fest video here!

Blue Ridge Outdoors is your guide to fly fishing, the Appalachian Trail, biking, travel, and more in the Blue Ridge and beyond.