WILMINGTON — The Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival is gearing up for its highly anticipated seventh year, promising an exhilarating three-day event filled with biking, community engagement, and outdoor adventure from August 30 to September 1 at Wilmington Recreation Park.
The festival caters to mountain biking enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. This year’s highlights include on-site camping, live musical performances, local food and beverages, group trail rides, shuttles, and a special kids’ mountain bike race. With over 25 miles of single-track trails, participants will have ample opportunity to experience the region’s stunning landscapes while engaging in a diverse range of activities.
Attendees can look forward to group trail rides across Wilmington, Lake Placid, and Keene, with options tailored to novice, intermediate, and advanced riders, including dedicated rides for youth and women. Festival admission tickets are also available for purchase on-site.
The festivities commence with a pig roast and Zero Gravity beer tasting at the nearby Twisted Raven, formerly known as Pourman’s Taphouse. Festival participants and volunteers can enjoy exclusive pricing by presenting their festival wristbands, included in their registration packets.
Saturday’s lineup features live performances from two bands on the festival grounds. Spring Street will take the stage from 4 to 7 p.m., delivering a blend of rock, blues, and harmonious vocals. Following them, St. Vith will perform from 7 to 10 p.m., offering an eclectic mix of psychedelic jam, art rock, and classic American styles. Attendees can also enjoy lawn games and snacks from Waffle Cabin, with Island Vybz and Two Jerks BBQ providing dinner options.
On Sunday, festival activities shift to the East Branch Community Trails in Keene, a short drive from Wilmington. BETA’s newest trail system offers diverse riding options, including the Downriver trail featuring berms, rollers, and jumps. The trailhead’s large field is perfect for relaxing between laps, with the Monday Tuesday Grill serving food and drinks nearby.
The Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival is a key fundraiser for the Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA), with all proceeds dedicated to maintaining and developing local trails. This community-centered event provides a unique opportunity to explore the area’s natural beauty while supporting a vital cause.
“We’re thrilled to host an event that brings together bike enthusiasts, new riders, and the local community,” said BETA Executive Director Glenn Glover. “Beyond the mountain biking, the festival’s bands, food trucks, and vendors ensure a lively celebration for everyone.”
BETA is committed to building, maintaining, and advocating for a network of community and backcountry trails throughout the High Peaks region of the Adirondack Park. Managing over 125 miles of trails on state-owned Forest Preserve, municipal, and private lands, BETA’s trails are designed for mountain biking and ski touring but are also open to other non-motorized activities. The organization works in collaboration with public agencies, environmental groups, and private landowners to support its mission.
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