The Refuge Outdoor Festival is set to return for its 7th at King County’s Tolt-MacDonald Park & Campground from August 16 to August 18. This event aims to expand participation and access to outdoor recreation for “black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) and their allies.”
A highlight of the 2024 event is the introduction of the festival’s first-ever youth summit. This new addition will showcase a mix of community- and youth-led workshops, activities, and discussions specifically tailored for attendees between the ages of 15 and 19.
“Even before I joined the team that produces Refuge Outdoor Festival, it was an event I looked forward to attending every summer,” Festival Director Martin Tran said in a press release. “Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or someone who’s unfamiliar with camping, there’s something for everyone. More than anything, to be in community with BIPOC and allies is an incredible feeling as we connect with nature, one another, and ourselves. It’s a literal breath of fresh air.”
The festival promises an expanded program, featuring multiple sessions of biking, healing, birding, and stargazing. For overnight attendees, the festival offers a range of camping options. Participants can choose from field camping, private car camping, RV or campervan, REI pre-set 2-person camping, and yurts.
“Tolt-MacDonald Park & Campground is a unique park in our system in that it offers camping opportunities, and we’re thrilled that Refuge Outdoor Festival attendees will be able to experience such a beautiful setting,” King County Parks Director Warren Jimenez said.
Recognizing that equipment can be a challenge for outdoor participation, event organizers partnered with the Washington Trails Association and Feathered Friends to offer a gear bank.
Full-access festival passes are also offered on a sliding scale, with limited scholarship tickets available.
According to a press release, Golden Bricks Events, the company behind the Refuge Outdoor Festival, is dedicated to addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the outdoor recreation sector.
For more information about King County Parks, visit kingcounty.gov.
