LGBTQ Outdoors began as an Instagram account in June 2019 and grew into a national nonprofit in September 2021, after our founder, Justin Yoder, recognized the need for a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQIA+ people to connect with nature. That same year, the idea for a multi-day gathering was born — a space where people from across the country could come together for outdoor workshops, activities, and authentic community.

The very first LGBTQ Outdoorfest brought 26 people together. It may have been small, but it was powerful — friendships were formed, tears were shed, and everyone left changed for the better. In 2022, we hosted LGBTQ Outdoorfest twice, once in the spring and again in the fall at our first Colorado gathering in September. We quickly learned the event was too big to hold twice a year without a larger staff, and in 2023 we focused on one annual LGBTQ Outdoorfest.

In 2024, we expanded to four adventure packed days and introduced Pride Night — a celebration filled with fashion, music, and joy that was an instant hit and quickly became a highlight of the weekend.

Since then, LGBTQ Outdoorfest has grown each year bringing more people, greater impact, and unforgettable memories. Our most recent festival in the Catskill Mountains of New York was our biggest and best yet. In 2026, we’re thrilled to return to Colorado! Registration is open and we are excited to welcome you.