Outdoor Retailer Unveils Inaugural Urban Outdoor Experiences for 2026 Minneapolis Show, Aug. 20-21, 7-10AM daily
Attendees curate hiking, trail running, yoga, walking, birding and climbing activities minutes from the
Minneapolis Convention Center via enhanced app
MINNEAPOLIS (December 16, 2025) – Outdoor Retailer, the central gathering for North America’s outdoor community, will host its inaugural Urban Outdoor Experiences at the 2026 Minneapolis show, bringing curated outdoor activities into an urban setting. Taking place daily from 7:00 to 10:00 a.m. August 20-21, this curated program invites attendees to personalize their mornings with activities including hiking, trail running, yoga, biking, walking, birding and climbing. Organized through an enhanced Outdoor Retailer show app, these experiences leverage the stunning natural assets and adventure-ready parks minutes from the Minneapolis Convention Center. Hosted in partnership with The Loppet Foundation, this initiative celebrates community, connection, and the spirit of outdoor exploration and is a fundamental pillar of Outdoor Retailer’s program supporting industry and local non-profit organizations.
“Minneapolis is the perfect city for real urban outdoor experiences,” said Stephen Regenold, a native Minnesotan, founder of Gear Junkie and member of the Outdoor Retailer Leadership Village. “Starting each show day with trail runs, paddling, biking, and other outdoor adventures is energizing and reflects the spirit of our industry and community. It’s exciting to see Outdoor Retailer creating these opportunities for all of us to get outside together.”
Urban Outdoor Experiences will be centered primarily at Theodore Wirth Regional Park, one of the country’s most expansive and diverse urban park systems. It is considered the crown jewel of the Minneapolis park system, spanning over 740 acres just west of downtown and offers year-round recreation for every season. In fall, visitors can hike or bike the trails, spotting deer, foxes, and badgers. Spring brings blooms at Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and birdwatching, while summer features disc golf, archery, swimming at Wirth Lake Beach, and golf with skyline views. Specifically, The Loppet Foundation will support access, permitting, and logistics while assisting in identifying additional partner groups for biking and paddling inside the park.
“Theodore Wirth Park is one of the most unique urban outdoor environments in the country,” said Meghan Cosgrove, executive director of the Loppet Foundation. “It’s minutes from the Convention Center but feels like a true escape into nature. With trails, water, forests, and year-round recreation, there’s something for everyone, and we’re excited to help Outdoor Retailer bring attendees into this extraordinary outdoor playground.”
Urban Outdoor Experiences Lineup
Trail Run & Hike – Theodore Wirth Regional Park
A morning trail run and guided hike will take advantage of the park’s iconic wooded terrain and extensive trail network, delivering a high-quality, community-oriented experience.
Mountain Bike & Road Bike Rides – Theodore Wirth Regional Park
Featuring world-class singletrack, paved loops, and varied terrain, show attendees can participate in both mountain bike and road cycling experiences.
Paddling – Mississippi River and Theo Wirth Regional Park
A canoe experience will take place on the Mississippi River with Wilderness Inquiry, a Minneapolis‑based 501(c)(3) nonprofit connecting people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities to the natural world through inclusive, shared outdoor adventures, breaking down barriers to nature access and inspiring community, growth, and belonging.
Birding – Theodore Wirth Regional Park
The Urban Bird Collective, an organization working to create welcoming and inclusive space for all communities to explore birding and the outdoors, will host guided bird-watching sessions with expert guides and binoculars, ideal for beginners and seasoned birders.
Climbing & Yoga
Climbing and yoga offerings that celebrate movement, wellness, and the Minneapolis climbing community are being developed with logistics to be provided shortly.
About Outdoor Retailer
Outdoor Retailer, the leading U.S. business events for the outdoor and winter sports industry, brings together retailers, manufacturers, designers, distributors, industry advocates, journalists, and more to conduct the business of outdoor recreation through commerce, unique product experiences, dedicated media events, content, and web-based business solutions. Outdoor Retailer provides critical platforms for face-to-face commerce, product launches, networking, and focused industry education to enhance business and support the outdoor recreation economy. Visit outdoorretailer.com for more information.
Media Contact: Chris Goddard, CGPR, [email protected] (781) 640-8387 or [email protected]
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