2025 Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit Returns to Inspire, Educate, and Unite People in Outdoor Recreation
The Gateway Outdoor Summit kicks off the Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit 2025, a weekend celebration designed to inspire, educate, and unite people of all backgrounds in outdoor recreation. While the Summit focuses on industry stakeholders and leaders, the Expo will open to the public November 15th and 16th with 165+ exhibitors, hands-on activities, live entertainment, and presentations in the Basecamp area on the show floor.
What You Should Know
Event is FREE (entry & parking) & family friendly
8th year for the Expo
Highlights for 2025 include:
GEAR GALORE – Browse and test the latest equipment from local and national outdoor brands, including high-performance apparel, tents, tools, and tech.
BASECAMP PRESENTATIONS – Hear from community experts in seminars on topics ranging from backcountry trekking to land stewardship to accessibility and equity in the outdoors.
HANDS ON ACTIVITIES – Take part in thrilling attractions such as Adventure Scavenger Hunt, mountain biking, rock climbing, fly-fishing demos, and more.
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS – Meet fellow adventurers, join clubs and initiatives, sign up for events and races, and swap stories with others who live for trailheads and treetops.
GREAT GEAR GIVEAWAY - Win outdoor gear for wherever your next journey takes you. Prize packages are worth more than $1,000, with donated funds supporting the nonprofit efforts of River City Outdoors.
CANOE WITH CLAUS - Get your photo taken with Santa Claus from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Canoe with Claus booth. Hosted by Big Muddy Adventures.
PHOTO CONTEST GALLERY - For the second year, the winners of the annual Terrain Magazine Photo Contest will have their images displayed at the Expo. Hosted by Terrain Magazine.
SUMMIT: The Summit’s keynote speaker will be Eddy Harris, acclaimed author, lecturer, filmmaker, traveler, and St. Louis native. Harris’ books, including the seminal Mississippi Solo: A River Quest, blend memoir and reportage, weaving adventure with themes of race, identity, and belonging. In addition to the keynote, attendees will hear from a range of experts during breakout sessions, including:
Recreation with Intention: Building Purpose Through Outdoor Experiences — How physically and mentally demanding activities like backpacking, climbing, and paddling help youth discover leadership and meaning.
Natural Value: Tourism Audits for Outdoor Recreation Economies — Tools to assess local assets, balance growth with preservation, and translate audits into actionable strategies.
Equity on the Trail: Expanding Access to Leadership and Prosperity — Addressing barriers and solutions for including marginalized youth in outdoor leadership.
Beyond the Finish Line: How Race Events Fuel Outdoor Economies — A panel on the lasting economic and cultural impact of outdoor race events.
MICRO-GRANTS FOR ALL AWARDS - River City Outdoors will be awarding its Outdoors for All Micro-Grants
150+ exhibitor booths including Off-Road, Road & Track, Health & Wellness, Water, Adventure & Advocacy
Over 6,000 attendees expected
Those interested in exhibiting or sponsoring the event can contact Jarrid Snyder at jarrid@terrain-mag.com.
about the Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit
The Gateway Outdoor Expo + Summit is the region’s largest outdoor recreation show, drawing thousands of attendees annually for a weekend of adventure, education, and community. The event showcases the best in gear, resources, and organizations working to strengthen the Midwest’s vibrant outdoor ecosystem. gatewayoutdoorexpo.com