Want to Participate in a Race at GO Fest? Register Early

While admission and most of the activities at the Anthem GO Outside Festival are free, there are some races and special events that come with registration. (But they are definitely worth the price.)

We’ve put together a list of everything you want to register for now so you don’t miss it on GO Fest weekend – Oct. 18-20. There are races, challenges, camping, and an oyster roast (that’s brand new for 2019).

• Walkabout Outfitter Wild Gear Chase: From water bottles and hats to bikes and kayaks, and everything in between, everyone walks away with a piece of gear in this unique “treasure hunt” ($30, registration required).
• Hometrust Bank Superhero Race: This family and dog-friendly event captures the spirit of what GO Fest is all about. You don’t have to be a professional athlete or even a serious runner to have a fun day outside; 5K runners will having timing chips, but walkers, dogs, strollers, wheelchairs, and kids are all welcome. There’s also a fun run for Little Heroes (ages up to 10) that has them leaping tall buildings and dodging kryptonite! ($25, registration required)
• King and Queen of the Mountain Trail Run Challenge: From midnight on Oct. 13 until 3 p.m. on Oct. 19 to post your best Strava time on the assigned segment up Mill Mountain to take top honors and win swag (free, but you have to join the Strava groups).
• King and Queen of the Mountain Bike Challenge: From midnight on Oct. 13 until 3 p.m. on Oct. 19 to post your best Strava time on the assigned segment up Mill Mountain to take top honors and win swag (free, but you have to join the Strava groups).
• Parkway Brewing Beer Relay Presented by Fleet Feet: Run four laps with your team with a beer between laps. Bonus awards will be given for the best costumes inspired by the characters of Parkway Brewing! Must be 21 or older to enter ($35 per team, registration required).
• Oyster Roast: This tasty fundraiser features delicious Rappahannock Oysters. Each bucket (~18 oysters) will be expertly prepared by chef Aaron Deal of River and Rail Restaurant. Pair oysters with two 4oz. tastings from Deschutes Brewery ($40, register to select a pick-up time).
• Raffle: It’s not an event per se, but a new GO Fest element to help keep the festival free. Buy a raffle ticket to win some amazing outdoor prizes. All raffle-entry proceeds go towards growing and maintaining the GO Fest you have come to love and enjoy year after year ($10 for 100 entries).
• Merch: Show your love for GO Fest all year with official festival merchandise. Shirts, hats, socks, and more on presale now and will be available for pickup at the festival (starting at $12).
• Onsite Camping: Bring your own gear; camping at GO Fest is fun and easy, but there are a few hoops you have to jump through (registration required).
• Hassle-Free Camping (only 4 left): All you have to do is show up and everything will be move-in ready on Friday at 6 p.m. Includes a 4-person tent, 2 camping cots, 2 camp chairs, 2 sleeping bags, lantern with batteries, and a $299 Otterbox cooler that you get to keep ($300).
• Creature from Carvins Cove: The Creature has slithered out of the depths of Carvins Cove once again and is back with a vengeance. The USA Cycling XCM Virginia State Championship features a long, hard, 42-mile XXC (XC Marathon) racing on the course deemed “The Creature” will be grueling, hideous, and wonderful ($40/$50 registration required).
• Air Dogs: Dogs (with their human partners) compete in events such as distance jumping, “catch it” where they have to catch a toy of their choice in mid-air, and “fetch it” where a soft bumper is suspended in mid-air and dogs must knock the bumper off its holder while jumping the furthest distance possible ($20, registration required for practice or competition).

And that’s just a small taste of the things you’ll find at GO Fest this year. Learn about some of the new things happening here, and visit the full schedule and flag things you don’t want to miss.