ROANOKE, Va. – It is the time of year to embrace outdoor recreation and take in all the beauty that Southwest Virginia has to offer because this weekend is GO Fest.
Downtown Roanoke is being transformed into an endless array of outdoor activities. You can test drive a bike, demo a stand-up paddleboard, learn to fly cast and join in on races.
A film from the Banff Mountain Film Festival will be playing that allows you to explore the world of outdoor sports.
This is also an opportunity to interact with a community of outdoor enthusiasts and find a new passion.
Kat Andrews, volunteer coordinator for GO Fest says, “I hope that they really see all of what Roanoke has to offer. We are right here on the Appalachian Trail. Mill Mountain is technically within our downtown city limits, and we just have so much to offer as far as biking and hiking and paddling and climbing in the nearby area.”
Some of the highlights for this year include the BMX Stunt Show, Adult Big Wheel Races, fishing demonstrations and Kayaking demos in the pool on Franklin Street.
New this year in the race category is Race Against the Clock. This is a time-trial event up Mill Mountain. You can race as fast as you can up the mountain and then join everyone back at the festival for some well-earned food and drink.
At GO Fest you can try local craft beer and enjoy food from area food trucks.
GO Fest is free to the public, but there are a couple of special activities you have to pay for.
GO Fest kicks off Friday starting at 5 p.m.