Tourism Revelstoke showcases robust community with back-to-back festivities

Bikefest kicks off the festivities, hosted by Tourism Revelstoke, showcasing Revelstoke’s local biking community and regional trails.

“The best thing about the Revelstoke Bikefest is that there’s something for everyone,” Tourism Revelstoke’s Lydia Syme told the Revelstoke Mountaineer. 

Attendees can keep it low intensity and take in the screening of The Engine Inside, Sept. 6 at The Roxy Theatre, with proceeds going to the Revelstoke Cycling Association. 

Those looking for a chance to connect with local biking organizations to learn about regional offerings can attend Bikefest Expo, Sept. 8 at 1st Street and Regent parking lots. Agility competitions will be available for all skill levels and brand representatives will be on site to answer questions about the latest gear. Later, join in on the Mini Bike Showdown Kids Contest at 3 p.m. or the Mega Bike Showdown Adults Contest at 6 p.m., to show off your bike and costume.

Cheer on over 100 bikers at Revelstoke Women’s Enduro race, Saturday, Sept. 9 as they traverse over 25 kilometres of trails in and around Revelstoke. Audiences can keep an eye out for the official course map and find a spot along the route to shout encouragement to riders.

To try your hand at mountain biking, swing by The Stoke Hotel Saturday, Sept. 9 to catch a shuttle up to Boulder and Macpherson to test out mountain bikes provided by Mountain Biking BC. Whether it’s your first time attempting a trail or you’re looking to test out newer bikes, this free event will allow you to try it all on some of Revelstoke’s best trails.

Bikefest will wrap up with Revy 50, the endurance race that takes off from downtown Revelstoke and heads towards the Mt. Macpherson trail network for 50 kilometres of Enduro, cross-country and trail routes. Audiences are advised to head downtown to cheer on the start of the race and stick around for when racers return.

The following weekend partners up Garlic Festival and Timber Day for a weekend of live music, tasty treats, live demonstrations and more.

“We’re thankful for local food, connecting with community, relishing adventure and hopefully, fresh air,” Syme explained when asked about the link between the dual weekend events of Garlic Festival and Timber Day. 

The two festivals take place Sept. 16 and 17, touted as family-friendly fun highlighting how the Revelstoke community evolved from the lumber industry and continues to come together nowadays with farmers markets and local produce.

Timber Day celebrations will be located at the Revelstoke Interior Forestry Museum, showcasing chainsaw competitions, axe throwing and other logging sports. 

Head down to Queen Elizabeth Park Sunday, Sept. 17 for the Garlic Festival. Check out local produce vendors, artists and more while enjoying live music. Maybe even try your hand at the scavenger hunt or add your flair to the annual ‘peek-through’ interactive art piece at the festival.

“Although these two events seem odd at first glance, they are both family-friendly, grass roots events which celebrate the importance of community and connection,” Syme said.