Updated September 14th, 2022
The region’s premier outdoor adventure festival returns to Eastwood MetroPark
Heads up! This article was last updated 2 years ago.
MetroParks Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience is Oct. 1 and Oct. 2
Explore the active side of Dayton with the return of the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience, a Five Rivers MetroParks event featuring two days of outdoor adventure that celebrates Dayton as the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest. The festival is held at Eastwood MetroPark (park side), 1385 Harshman Rd. in Dayton, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 2. Admission and parking are free.
The Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience, presented by Huffy had been paused for the past two years due to COVID-19. Typically, more than 25,000 festivalgoers attend to enjoy numerous outdoor activities, live entertainment, competitions and more.
“We’re incredibly happy to bring back the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience this year,” said Angela York, MetroParks special events coordinator. “During the pandemic, so many people found safe ways to stay active and work on their wellbeing. We want to help people keep that connection going by celebrating health, happiness and adventure in the great outdoors.”
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 (flat and whitewater)
- Cycling
Watch Outdoor Adventure Demos
Festivalgoers can view freestyle kayakers and stand up paddleboarders on the Mad River Run. Watch riders take BMX tricks to new heights with two ramps. Slackliners reach new heights and balance while performing tricks in the air.
Compete in the Great Outdoors
Attendees also can enter competitions, including the Ohio River Road Runners Club’s 12-hour endurance run and:
- Dock dogs competition
- Kayak Cross competition
- SUP Cross competition
- National Association of Professional River Anglers Super Wade Fishing Tournament
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 the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation. Exhibitors will close at 8 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.
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 water bottles. Food will be served using compostable serviceware.
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.
Take your involvement a step further by volunteering at the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience. More than 300 volunteers are needed to help facilitate this annual event. Volunteer opportunities are available beginning Sept. 26 through Oct. 5. Learn more and sign up to volunteer at www.outdoorx.metroparks.org/volunteer/.
For a map and schedule of all festival activities, visit metroparks.org/outdoorx.
