2nd Annual Memphis Outdoor Festival

2nd Annual Memphis Outdoor Festival

This weekend (October 17 - 18, 2015) is the second annual Memphis Outdoor Festival. Held at Shelby Farms, this two day event features mountain bike and trail races, live music and beer, food trucks, yoga, dock dogs, kids' activities, and more.

Prices for activities range from $10 for yoga up to $65 for the "MOFMAN" challenge. I recommend buying your beer tickets ahead of time - $30 gets you five beers during the festival, as opposed to buying them $7 per beer on the day of the event.

You can see a list of events and prices here.

Memphis Outdoor Festival logo 2015 Photo via Memphis Outdoor Festival on Facebook.

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Ed. Note: Below is a re-post of last year's interview with festival founder Patrick Culligan, Jr.

I interviewed Patrick Culligan, Jr., avid cyclist, outdoor enthusiast, "Facilitator of Fun", and founder of the festival. Here's what he shared with me.

Holly: How did the Memphis Outdoor Festival get started?
Patrick: The mission has always been bring the Tour de Wolf trail back to what I remember riding and racing on when I was 10, 11, 12 years old. It's a very sore subject among the people who have been riding mountain bikes in the Mid-South long enough to remember when Shelby Farms was a regional destination for mountain biking and how much work it now needs.

If I didn't love mountain biking so much and want to see racing return to one of my favorite trails that is benefiting from this, it wouldn't happen. The support an encouragement from the biking community has been incredible.

Holly: If you aren't a runner, or a mountain bike rider, or you have kids, should you go to the festival?
Patrick: Kid friendly/non-racing activities include cheering on mom or dad in the races, watching dock dogs, listening to the live music, and eating delicious food. Those 21+ will also be able to drink the beer we have on-site.

Holly: Can you tell me just a little about the Tour de Wolf trail?
Patrick: Tour de Wolf trail is a 10K trail that is in serious need of repair. It is where I first raced a mountain bike and I plan on bringing it back to what it deserves to be.

patrick-culligan
Photo via Patrick Culligan, Jr.

Holly: Are you seeing some people from nearby regions/other parts of the country coming to participate?
Patrick: We expect that we will have some people from neighboring cities. Our goal is to turn this into a regional festival and a major draw for Memphis, showcasing one of the best parks in the nation.

Holly:  What will the proceeds go to/benefit?
Patrick: The Festival proceeds benefit Shelby Farms. A portion of every ticket also goes to the Park conservancy, a non-profit.

Holly: How much does it cost?
Patrick: The Festival is $5 to enter but the races and other activities range in price.

Go There:

Memphis Outdoor Festival 2015
October 17 - 18, 2015
Shelby Farms Park
8 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

memphisoutdoorfestival.com

Follow Memphis Outdoor Festival on Facebook

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2nd Annual Mem…
[…] Holly: How did the Memphis Outdoor Festival get started?Patrick: The mission has always been bring the Tour de Wolf trail back to what I remember riding and racing on when I was 10, 11, 12 years old. It’s a very sore subject among the people who have been riding mountain bikes in the Mid-South long enough to remember when Shelby …read more […]
October 14, 2015 8:28pm