Try something new at Everything Outdoor Fest
October 7, 2024
What you need to know for weekend fest Nov. 2-3
Everything Outdoor Fest, a two-day showcase of the Southeast’s most popular outdoor activities, invites the community outside Saturday, Nov. 2, and Sunday, Nov. 3, to discover and connect with the outdoors in the natural beauty of Historic Hopkins Farm in Simpsonville.
How did the festival begin?
Founder Jacqui McGuinness, CEO of boat show management company JBM & Associates, created the one-of-a-kind event in 2022 after being awe-struck by the surge of people participating in outdoor recreational activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. “I kept sane by walking for miles every day and appreciating the beautiful natural resources we have here in the Upstate,” said McGuinness.
The Fest envisions a community where people are connected to nature, inspired by adventure, and committed to wellness. Its mission is to showcase the beauty and diversity of South Carolina’s natural resources and to promote health and wellness through recreation and education.
“As a nonprofit entity, Everything Outdoor Fest has the potential to make a difference in so many lives,” said McGuinness. “Every day, we learn of new, cool outdoor activities and ways to ensure the outdoors are accessible to everyone. We want people to come to the event, try something new, and get hooked on life outside of four walls.”
What to expect
Outdoor enthusiasts can talk to industry experts, demo outdoor equipment, and learn about services with more than 70 vendors. Expert-led experiences for people of all ages and skill levels will be presented.
Here are some of the exciting things to look forward to and experience:
- Adaptive sports including cycling, golf and yoga, presented by Prisma Health Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital,
- Mountain biking, kayaking, SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding), archery and rock climbing,
- Camping, outdoor skills, birdwatching, nutrition and cooking clinics,
- Fun run with Run In/HOKA,
Try Something New at Everything Outdoor Fest
- Guided bike ride with Rocket Revolution,
- Fishing competitions and clinics with Bass Pro and Clemson Bass Fishing Team, and
- Kids activities, including games, hay rides, pumpkin art, and river rock painting.
A talented lineup of local and regional musicians will perform led by fan-favorite Darby Wilcox. Other musicians include Clay Johnson and The Hard Promises, Hurt and Skip, Motherwell Drive, Taylor Corum, Swamp Rabbit Bluegrass, and Admiral Radio. The Music Stage is presented by Greenville Water.
One of the signature events spanning both days is the Skyhoundz Classic disc dog tournament, where world class competitors will battle for spots in the 2025 Skyhoundz World Championship.
Well-behaved dogs on a leash are welcome. The show will go on rain or shine. Visit the festival website at everythingoutdoorfest.com for the schedule of activities and entertainment.
Parking and Tickets
Parking is free and will be located across the street from Hopkins Farm located at 3717 Fork Shoals Rd. in Simpsonville. Golfcart shuttles and handicap parking will be available. South Carolina based nonprofit, Waymaker, will have a limited number of off-road wheelchairs available to assist handicapped individuals, who want to enjoy the show. Tickets can be purchased in advance online and at the gate. Single-day tickets are $12, adult weekend passes $20, children ages 4-12 are $6 (kids 3 and under are free) with special military pricing of $10 with ID.
Sponsors/Friends of the Fest
Everything Outdoor Fest would not be possible without the support of generous sponsors, including Prisma Health Roger C. Peace Rehabilitation Hospital, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, BF Goodrich Tires, Builders FirstSource, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Greenville Water, Winnebago, Community Journals, Ember Glow Outdoor Resort, Indexx Printing, Kentwool, Mast General Store, Run In/HOKA, Salty Frye’s Golf Carts, Seamon Whiteside, South Carolina Federal Credit Union, South State, Subaru of Spartanburg, Torque Wheels, Webb Development, YellaWood, and TCC Verizon.
Volunteers
There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at the event, including activity helpers, box office, golf cart driver, information services, and traffic marshal. After their shift is complete, volunteers will be able to enjoy the event. To volunteer, sign up here for Everything Outdoor Fest 2024 on signupgenuis.com.
Everything Outdoor Fest is a production of JBM & Associates, producers of many of the Southeast region’s largest and most popular consumer boat shows, including The Charleston Boat Show, Savannah Boat Show, Columbia Boat Show, and Wilmington Boat Show. For information, visit JBMshows.com.
