Calling all outdoor climbing and mountain enthusiasts! From Aug. 23 to 25, the Squamish area will once again turn into an epic outdoor adventure hub of interactive daytime programming and engaging evening programming, centred in climbing and mountain activities for all ages, in an event hosted by Arc'teryx Climb Academy.
Pavilion Park is the nucleus for a wide range of outdoor free offerings, while the Brackendale Art Gallery holds the ticketed live Music Series and Educational Series, with proceeds from the Educational Series going to community organizations.
"We’re excited to bring the community together for two days of free programming at Pavilion Park," says Savannah Nathaus, senior specialist, brand experience at Arc'teryx. "Each year we do our best to provide something for everyone to make them feel a part of the event."
Here are four ways to connect with the community and celebrate the local mountain culture.
1. Exploring the vendor village
Pavilion Park transforms into a vibrant downtown vendor village from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring community partner activations, games, live music, youth climbing opportunities and more.
Visit the booths of Arc'teryx event partners such as GORETEX and check out the rain room, where you'll learn more about GORETEX and how to care for it.
Stop by the Arc’teryx footwear booth and explore their footwear offering. Learn about Arc’teryx footwear to elevate your next mission, and connect with product guides, athletes and designers.
If you're looking for some TLC for your Arc’teryx gear, seek out the Arc’teryx ReBIRD booth, for on-site repairs as well as an opportunity to shop hidden treasures and receive 30% trade-in value on your eligible products.
"It's important to know how to care for your gear to increase longevity and keep it out of landfills," explains Nathaus. "Learn more about our entire circularity platform ReBIRD, how you can purchase used gear, and how to keep your gear in play."
2. Participating in interactive activities
Have your kids bring their can-do attitude to The Hive Youth Climb Day on Aug. 23. Young climbers aged 4-14 are invited to experience The Hive's portable climbing wall, with bouldering and youth-friendly climbs.
"The wall is set up to provide a wide array of opportunities for youth, whether it's their first time or they are a bit more experienced," says Nathaus. "We’re really looking forward to getting youth into climbing."
The Hive Dyno Comp on Aug. 24 will test your dynamic moves and provide some friendly competition among qualifiers.
To learn more about the history of Squamish, join Tsawaysia Spukwus Dominique Nahanee of the Squamish Nation on Aug. 23 and 24 for a one-hour guided stewardship walk at 1 p.m., sharing stories and songs about the land.
From 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., embrace Yoga in the Park led by Annie, a seasoned yoga therapist. Annie will offer flowing sequences, gentle somatic movements and restorative yin yoga tailored for climbers and runners.
Take a seat at the Educational Series and experience dedicated time with world-class Arc'teryx athletes and community partners; learn skills and hear stories about personal running and climbing journeys; various, nominal fees.
Strengthen the sense of community at 2SLGBTQIA+ Happy Hour, a social event supporting Pride Squamish and Project Pride at Howe Sound Brew Pub on Aug. 24, welcoming friends, allies, and pets.
3. Viewing captivating film premieres
"We have an incredible lineup of films, with filmmakers and athletes in attendance so folks can hear firsthand the work and dedication that went into these films," reveals Nathaus.
The powerful experience-driven films include, Passion: follow world-class climber Jonathan Siegrist's intense journey in his latest ode to rock climbing.
Witness Amity Warme's bold attempt to climb El Niño in Ground Up, showcasing technical and adventurous climbing. View the journey of professional climber Nina Caprez and photographer Jeremy Bernard through sport and art in Andrea, and gain insight into pioneering alpinist Jamie Logan in Jamie, a ground-breaking transition story, who at age 69, began a new life as a woman.
"The films showcase the heart and soul of some of our athletes and their dedication to what they do and how they do it," Nathaus adds.
4. Experiencing iconic live bands and DJ sets
Don't miss Squamish's own psych-surf sensation SURF HAT, who blend modern guitar with harmonized vocals, on Aug. 23, and a soulful show from Grammy nominated Hannah Cottrell, with LOBOZ, on Aug. 24; both are free performances at Pavilion Park.
"We're excited to have the community come out and join us for films and live music, but we do want to remind people that we have a limited capacity so we recommend everyone come early to ensure you gain entry to the park,” advises Nathaus. “Once we reach capacity, we're going to be facilitating one in, one our protocols."
The ticketed evening Academy Music Series at the Brackendale Art Gallery include, El Papachango, an Argentinian DJ sensation known for his soulful beats with a global bass flavour. Chrome Wolves, a versatile music producer and DJ merging hip-hop production with forward-thinking electronic music. Felix Cartel, a Canadian DJ delivering electrifying EDM tunes igniting dance floors with joy, and Donna Dada, a Trinidadian-Nigerian heritage DJ creating dynamic fusions of UK dance culture across genres. Tickets now on sale.
Mark your calendars to immerse yourself in this fun-loving community of mountain and climbing culture, gain knowledge and create authentic connections and indulge in an exciting experience amid the beauty of Squamish.
Road Closures: To facilitate the event, there will be road closures in effect on Cleveland Avenue between Main Street and Victoria Avenue from Aug. 21 to Aug. 25.
For more information, visit squamish.arcteryxacademy.com or on Instagram, @arcteryxacademy.
