Oak Ridge plans Outdoor Festival to be held June 22
The Oak Ridge Recreation and Parks Department and Explore Oak Ridge will host the first-ever Oak Ridge Outdoor Festival from 9 a.m. until noon June 22.
The free event will be a day of fun activities at various Oak Ridge parks.
Events will include disc golf, pickleball, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking and plein-air art.
The festival will offer two sessions, which will allow attendees to participate in different activities. The first will be from 9 to 10:15 a.m. and the second will be from 10:45 a.m. to noon.
To sign up to participate and get more details, visit oakridgetn.gov/outdoorfestival.
“All activities are geared for beginners and are free with the exception of kayak rental,” Recreation and Parks Director Jon Hetrick said in a news release.
“The sessions will be hosted by various volunteer groups that provide recreation opportunities in Oak Ridge.”
The Outdoor Festival is designed to introduce new outdoor activities to anyone who has ever wanted to try them.
It will allow participants to try something new in a fun, low-pressure atmosphere, the release stated.
The festival includes introductions to the following activities: mountain biking for both kids and adults, disc golf, plein air art, pickleball, kayaking, hiking with furry friends and, for those not interested in dogs, hiking with no dogs allowed at the University of Tennessee Arboretum.
Following the second festival session, participants can bring their proof of participation to The Greens Oak Ridge or Crafter’s Brew to see if they’re among the first to show up and receive a commemorative Oak Ridge Outdoor Festival pint glass, courtesy of Explore Oak Ridge.
“We really hope people come out, enjoy food and drink specials, play some mini golf at The Greens Oak Ridge or socialize and relax at Crafter’s Brew after,” Explore Oak Ridge President Katy Watt said in the release.
Dogs on leashes are welcomed at both after-activity locations, although not at the UT Arboretum.