~ from Ijams Nature Center
With less than one month until the Outlandish Adventure Festival kicks off, adventure seekers, families, and nature fans should plan ahead for this celebration of Knoxville’s trails, rocks, rivers, and outdoor spirit at Ijams Nature Center.
The festival, running May 1-2, 2026, from morning to evening, turns the nature center into a hub of thrills, music, and community fun. Profits support local outdoor resources, making it a win for everyone.
Free Activities
Enjoy a range of free activities designed for all ages and skill levels:
● Extreme Spectacles: Watch pros tackle high slacklining over the quarry, bike whip-off stunts, rock climbing competitions, SUP sprints, and fire dancing.
● Hands-On Adventures: Join in paddleboarding, biking, hiking, trail running, meditation, and yoga sessions.
● Guided Nature Walks: Explore some of Knoxville’s beautiful trails with knowledgeable guides.
● Slackline Workshop: Try your hand at slacklining with support from experienced instructors.
● Bird Watching: Join organized birdwatching sessions to spot local species in their natural habitat.
● Family Activities: Engaging games and activities for the kids to enjoy throughout the festival. MUSE – STEM Activities, LIttle River Watershed Association (LRWA) Stream School, Primal Playground, Fort Building, Mud Kitchen, Rock Play, Storytelling
● Art Parade: Art Workshop with Cattywampus and Parade with Knox Honkers & Bangers
● Vendors and Makers: Browse tents with local artists, outdoor gear, sustainable crafts, and food trucks.
● Wellness: Slow flow yoga, SUP yoga, and the Spark! Meditative Dance Party
Registration Required Activities
Some activities require registration due to limited space and a few have a $10 fee:
● Paddleboard Yoga: Embrace tranquility on the water with guided yoga sessions.
● Kayaking and Biking: Experience water and trail and road adventures.
● Dirty Bird Outlandish 5k-ish: Winding through the trails at Ijams Nature Center near Mead’s Quarry, test your grit in this 5k “ish’ distance run.
Live Music
All-Day Performances: Enjoy a variety of musical genres on multiple stages, with local bands including: Evie and the Who Knows, Feral Kitty, Channel 865, French Toast, Julia. The Band, Veaux and more.
Parking is free at spots like Ijams Visitor Center, Mead’s Quarry, and more, with shuttles available from South Doyle High School. Bike in if you can, and note it’s rain or shine.
Event Details:
● Date: May 1 & 2, 2026
● Location: Ijams Nature Center, Knoxville, TN
● Cost: Free
● Website: www.outlandishaf.com
About the Festival:
The Outlandish Adventure Festival is a collaborative effort by Knoxville’s outdoor enthusiasts and organizations, including Visit Knoxville, Ijams Nature Center, Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, Appalachian Mountain Bike Club (AMBC), Knoxville Adventure Collective, River Sports Outfitters, The Tennessee Riverline, Two Bikes, The Maker City, and The City of Knoxville.
Together, they’ve created a weekend to inspire exploration, connection, adventure, and celebration of Knoxville’s natural beauty.
Supported by TVA, Loch & Key, Visit Knoxville, Smoke Signal Media, Tennessee River Line, Vick Dyer Realtor, Climbing Roots, Blank News, Earthadelic, Anderson Automotive, and ORNL FCU.
