Enthusiasts can explore an abundance of options at the first Everything Outdoor Fest at Hopkins Farm in Simpsonville.
Off-roaders, daring explorers, and avid anglers are responding to the call of the wild. It’s luring them to Simpsonville and the Everything Outdoor Fest, November 4-6. The inaugural event is an action-packed three days, showcasing outdoor activities from mountain biking and trail runs to competitive archery and campfire cooking.
“This is going to be one of the coolest shows our region has ever seen,” shares Jacqui McGuinness, JBM & Associates owner, who created the event. “People come to the Upstate because of our beautiful, natural resources, and this festival meets them in nature and captures their lifestyle needs. Once you discover the outdoors, you can’t go back inside.”
Wanderlust Begins at Hopkins Farm
Two years in the making, the festival features thirty-five hands-on demonstrations and participatory clinics. Stand-up paddleboarding? Check. Intro to fly-casting? Check. Kayak bass fishing? Hooked that too. In its first year, organizers expect more than 10,000 people to ignite their wanderlust at Historic Hopkins Farm. Activity villages centered around dirt, water, and road sports will canvas the property, connected by running, bike, and pup-walk trails. Music and food trucks line the venue, alongside a Zen Zone for yoga and a recreation area with disc golf, crossnet, volleyball, and soccer. “It’s an experiential show,” says McGuinness, who likes to power-walk. “We’ve brought experts in from every field, who will work alongside participants and show them how to take the next step with their outdoor passions. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or expert, you’ll gain new skills while experimenting with the latest gear and accessories.”
McGuinness admits she doesn’t know how to pitch a tent . . . but she wants to learn. During COVID-19, she found herself drifting to nature, time and again, to maintain her sanity. That’s when the “a ha” moment struck to start the Everything Outdoor Fest. “I’ve been doing events for more than thirty years,” she reveals. “This one is by far the most unique. I can’t believe no one’s done this before. There’s nothing like it in the Southeast. Over the past two years, so many people participated in outdoor recreation because it was the only place to gather safely. Now, we want to extend that connection between outdoor enthusiasts and outdoor pros.”
Organizers joke that it doesn’t matter if you’re in the camp of the curious, the brave, or the explorer: EOF will boost your confidence while centering your soul. “It’s a way of life,” McGuinness says. “Immersing yourself in the outdoors is a way to settle your mind and breathe. Head into nature and take it all in. The Upstate has so much to offer.”
Tickets for Everything Outdoor Fest start at $5 for kids, $8 for seniors/military and $10 for adults. Weekend passes run $10-$25. For more on the Nov 4–6 festival, visit EverythingOutdoorFest.com.
Photography courtesy of Everything Outdoor Fest.
