Denver’s festival season is kicking off in a big way with the return of Outside Days, a multi-day celebration of music, adventure, film, outdoor recreation, and community culture happening May 29–31, 2026.
Formerly known as the Outside Festival & Summit, the newly expanded Outside Days event is returning for its third year with a larger footprint, a new downtown venue, and an impressive lineup of musicians, athletes, storytellers, filmmakers, and outdoor brands.
For tickets, schedules, and festival updates, visit Outside Days Official Website.
What Is Outside Days?
Produced by Outside Interactive Inc., Outside Days blends live music, outdoor experiences, adventure films, speakers, wellness programming, and gear showcases into one immersive weekend festival experience.
The event has quickly become one of Denver’s most talked-about festivals, earning comparisons to “SXSW of the outdoors” thanks to its mix of entertainment, culture, and outdoor industry innovation.
The festival is presented in partnership with the State of Colorado, Capital One, REI Co-op, and Visit Denver, all helping position Colorado as a national hub for outdoor recreation and adventure culture.
Outside Days 2026 Location and Dates
The 2026 festival will take place May 29–31, 2026 at the Auraria Campus in downtown Denver. The move to Auraria Campus gives the festival additional room to expand programming and accommodate larger crowds.
Festival organizers expect tens of thousands of attendees throughout the weekend as Denver becomes a gathering place for outdoor enthusiasts, music fans, creatives, and adventure seekers from around the country.
Outside Days 2026 Music Lineup
One of the biggest draws of Outside Days is its music lineup, and 2026 features a strong mix of indie rock, alternative, psychedelic, folk, and genre-bending artists performing across three days.
Friday, May 29
- Death Cab for Cutie
- Goth Babe
- Japanese Breakfast
- Wildermiss
Saturday, May 30
- My Morning Jacket
- The Flaming Lips
- Dawes
- Eggy
- Karina Rykman
Sunday, May 31
- Cage The Elephant
- Tash Sultana
- Grouplove
- Girl Tones
- N3ptune
More Than a Music Festival
Outside Days is designed to be more than a traditional music festival. Throughout the weekend, attendees can explore:
- Adventure film screenings
- Outdoor gear showcases
- Athlete and explorer talks
- Wellness experiences
- Live podcast recordings
- Interactive outdoor activities
- Brand activations and workshops
The festival will also feature more than 40 speakers, including world-renowned athletes, climbers, adventurers, storytellers, and outdoor industry leaders.
Why Outside Days Fits Denver Perfectly
Denver has long been known as a gateway to outdoor adventure, and Outside Days reflects the city’s active, creative, and community-focused culture.
With easy access to the mountains, a thriving music scene, and a nationally recognized outdoor recreation economy, Denver provides the ideal backdrop for a festival centered around connection, exploration, and live experiences.
The event also continues to boost Denver’s reputation as a destination for large-scale cultural festivals that combine entertainment with lifestyle and community engagement.
Planning Your Visit to Outside Days 2026
If you’re looking for things to do in Denver this spring, Outside Days offers one of the city’s most unique festival experiences.
Outside Days 2026 Details
- Dates: May 29–31, 2026
- Location: Auraria Campus
- Festival Features: Live music, films, speakers, outdoor experiences, wellness programming, and gear showcases
- Tickets: Weekend and single-day passes available online
