Outside Days 2026: Denver's Premier Outdoor Culture Festival
Outside Days presented by Capital One x REI Co-op represents a landmark gathering celebrating outdoor culture in all its forms. Taking place May 29-31, 2026, at Denver's historic Auraria Campus, this festival brings together the outdoor community for three days of music, learning, gear exploration, and shared experiences. Now in its third year and produced by Outside Inc. (with event company Groundswell), the festival was rebranded from “Outside Festival” to “Outside Days” for 2026 and relocated to the Auraria Campus from Civic Center Park, which is undergoing a multi-year renovation. It drew more than 40,000 attendees, with a 2026 music lineup headlined by Death Cab for Cutie, The Flaming Lips, My Morning Jacket, Tash Sultana, and Cage the Elephant, alongside Japanese Breakfast, Goth Babe, Grouplove, and Denver’s own Wildermiss.
Hosted in partnership with the State of Colorado and Visit Denver, Outside Days is rooted in a foundational mission: "to get everyone outside." This philosophy extends beyond entertainment into genuine community building and industry advancement. The festival serves multiple audiences, from casual outdoor enthusiasts to seasoned professionals shaping the outdoor, travel, and endurance markets.
Festival Programming
The festival experience encompasses multiple dimensions. Music programming features live performances on the main stage, including headliner acts and local artists. Simultaneously, the grounds host the latest outdoor gear displays and hands-on demonstrations, allowing attendees to experience equipment directly. Indoor venues feature films, speaker presentations, and panel discussions exploring themes relevant to outdoor culture and lifestyle.
Capital One cardholders enjoy exclusive benefits including early bird pricing, dedicated lounge access, and express entry. Outside+ members gain ticket deals, express entry privileges, and lounge access, while family-focused amenities include free entry for children 12 and under and a dedicated nursing tent for parents.
Industry Conference Integration
Preceding the festival, May 28-29 hosts the Outside Days Industry Conference, an intensive networking event for outdoor professionals. The conference includes The Summit (thought leadership and networking), Outside Ignite (startup pitch competition), Attract (travel industry professionals), and Endure (race directors and event organizers). Industry pass holders receive Friday festival access including main stage performances and full grounds access.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Outside Days prioritizes accessibility. Wheelchair-navigable pathways connect throughout the venue, including parking, entrances, stages, viewing areas, and vendor spaces. The venue sits adjacent to RTD light rail (E and W routes) and multiple bus routes (1, 15L, 20, 43, 6). Accessibility Services provides companion wristbands, sign language interpretation, captioning, and other accommodations. Service animals are welcomed with registration requirements.
A dedicated Kids and Family Area serves younger attendees, with Tag-Your-Kid program registration enabling family reunification if needed. Nursing facilities provide comfortable spaces for parents caring for infants.
Logistics and Admission
Ticketing operates through Front Gate Tickets with box office locations at East and West Entrances. Purchasers choose between General Admission (digital tickets) and VIP options (wristbands). Single-day passes are available. Re-entry is permitted up to twice daily with wristband scanning. The festival accepts credit and debit cards only at on-site purchases. Wristbands are non-transferable and must remain secured on the wrist throughout attendance.
Outside Days welcomes all ages for the festival. Children 12 and under receive free entry and VIP area admission with an adult VIP ticket holder. The industry conference maintains an 18+ age requirement.
Denver Location Advantages
Auraria Campus provides a central urban location with excellent transit connectivity. The West Entrance sits just two blocks from the Auraria West Campus Station, accessible via light rail. Multiple RTD bus routes serve the area, making attendance feasible without personal vehicles. The venue emphasizes public transportation accessibility.
