A new adventure awaits as we meet again under the same tent!
August 28–29, 2026 – Maryville, TN
The free, two-day event will bring together both consumptive (e.g., hunting, fishing) and non-consumptive (e.g., hiking, birding) outdoor enthusiasts, promoting shared learning and appreciation for the natural world. Our goal is to build a community that values diverse outdoor activities, fosters understanding, and encourages conservation.
2026 Expo Registration
The mission of the Outdoor Enthusiast Expo is to deepen our commitment to natural resource stewardship and inspire participants to explore new outdoor activities while appreciating the shared benefits of conservation.
Dates:
August 28–29, 2026
Times:
6–10 PM Friday, August 28
9 AM–3:30 PM Saturday, August 29
Location:
Crawford House
Maryville College
713 Howee Avenue, Maryville, TN
Friday Night Social: Food, Fellowship, and Conservation
Kick off the weekend at the Friday Night Social — an evening dedicated to good food, great company, and celebrating the shared passion for the outdoors and conservation. Join fellow outdoor enthusiasts, conservation partners, students, families, and community members for a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere to connect, unwind, and enjoy the start of the Expo.
Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy food, beverages, live conversation, and outdoor fellowship while meeting individuals and organizations who are helping shape the future of outdoor recreation and conservation across Tennessee and beyond.
Whether you are a hunter, angler, hiker, paddler, wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone who enjoys spending time outdoors, the Friday Night Social is the perfect place to celebrate conservation, build connections, and enjoy an evening with the outdoor community before the weekend’s activities begin.
Friday Night Bat Hike: Exploring Tennessee’s Creatures of the Night
Immediately following the Friday Night Social, join us for a guided nighttime adventure exploring the fascinating world of bats and other nocturnal wildlife during the Friday Night Bat Hike. This unique outdoor experience gives participants the opportunity to explore local habitats after dark while learning about bat biology, behavior, conservation, and the important role bats play in healthy ecosystems.
Participants will hear from wildlife educators and conservation professionals about bat species found in Tennessee, how bats use echolocation to navigate and hunt insects, and the conservation challenges bats currently face including habitat loss and White-nose Syndrome. The hike may also include opportunities to observe bats in flight and use bat detection equipment to listen for echolocation activity in real time.
Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast, family looking for a unique outdoor experience, or simply curious about the creatures that emerge after dark, this educational outing offers a fun and engaging way to experience nature from a different perspective.
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable outdoor clothing and appropriate footwear for walking at night. Flashlights are recommended. Join us after the Friday Night Social at the for an unforgettable nighttime outdoor adventure.
Excursions
- Fly Fishing Excursion: Introduction to Fly Fishing and Fly Tying
- Deer Hunting Academy presented by Tennessee Wildlife Federation
- Waterfowl Hunting Polytech presented by Delta Waterfowl
- Gun Dog College: Hunting Dogs, Breed Demonstrations, and Hunt Test Experience
- Kayaking Adventure: Paddling, Safety, and Exploring the Outdoors
- Habitat Rx: Habitat Management and Conservation in Action
- Backcountry Hiking: Preparedness, Navigation, and Outdoor Skills
- Mountain Biking: Trails, Skills, and Outdoor Adventure
- Your Wild Network: Building Connections in the Outdoor Community
Excursions are hands-on educational experiences designed to help participants learn, explore, or enhance a variety of outdoor recreational skills. Whether you are interested in hunting, fishing, paddlesports, hiking, conservation, outdoor safety, or wildlife-related activities, these sessions provide opportunities to learn directly from experienced instructors, guides, and conservation professionals in an engaging outdoor environment.
Many excursions are beginner-friendly, while others are designed for individuals looking to build upon existing skills and knowledge. Some excursions may require pre-registration or have limited participant capacity due to equipment, transportation, or safety considerations.
Stay tuned as additional excursion details, schedules, locations, and registration information continue to be updated. Find full descriptions here.
Outings
- Wilderness Awareness: Outdoor Hazards, Survival, and Backcountry First Aid
- Conservation Conversations: Different Perspectives, Shared Outdoors
Outings are educational seminars, demonstrations, and discussion-based sessions designed to introduce participants to a wide range of outdoor recreation, conservation, and wildlife-related topics. These presentations provide opportunities to learn from outdoor professionals, conservation organizations, educators, guides, and experienced enthusiasts in a relaxed and engaging environment.
Topics may include hunting, fishing, conservation, outdoor skills, wildlife management, public lands, outdoor recreation opportunities, gear, safety, and current issues facing the outdoor community. Many outings will also include question-and-answer opportunities and audience participation.
Whether you are completely new to the outdoors or a lifelong enthusiast, outings are designed to encourage learning, conversation, and connection while helping participants discover new outdoor interests and perspectives. Find full descriptions here.
Other Activities
Adventure Basecamp: Family Fun Zone
Bring the whole family and experience hands-on outdoor fun at Adventure Basecamp — a kid-friendly activity area packed with interactive games, outdoor challenges, and educational experiences happening throughout the day.
Participants will have opportunities to enjoy activities such as 4-H Shooting Sports, archery, slingshots, fishing skills challenges, and exciting youth-focused activities and games hosted by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and partner organizations.
Designed for kids, parents, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, Adventure Basecamp offers a welcoming environment where families can learn new skills, enjoy friendly competition, and discover the many ways to get involved in outdoor recreation and conservation. Whether you stop by for a few minutes or spend the entire day exploring activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Youth Duck, Turkey & Owl Hooting Contest
Step up to the stage and showcase your outdoor skills at the Youth Duck, Turkey & Owl Hooting Calling Contest — a fun, family-friendly competition celebrating hunting heritage, wildlife communication, and the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts. Youth participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate their duck calling, turkey calling, and owl hooting abilities while competing alongside fellow young callers in an exciting and supportive environment.
Contestants will use traditional calling techniques to recreate realistic duck vocalizations, turkey sounds, and owl hoots commonly used by hunters and outdoor enthusiasts in the field. Experienced callers and outdoor mentors will be on hand to encourage participants, share knowledge, and help introduce newcomers to the traditions and culture surrounding calling competitions and wildlife communication.
Whether you are an experienced caller or trying it for the very first time, this event is designed to encourage confidence, sportsmanship, conservation awareness, and participation in outdoor traditions. Spectators are encouraged to attend, cheer on participants, and enjoy one of the most entertaining and interactive youth events.
Age divisions, contest times, and registration information will be announced as the event schedule is finalized.
Mountain Challenge Skills: Climb Higher, Reach New Summits
Test your limits and experience the excitement of climbing and ropes-based outdoor challenges at Mountain Challenge Skills. Throughout the day, participants will have opportunities to take part in ropes course elements and mountain climbing activities designed to build confidence, problem-solving, teamwork, and outdoor skills.
Whether you are trying climbing activities for the very first time or looking to challenge yourself in a new way, this interactive experience offers a fun and supportive environment for participants of all ages and experience levels. Trained staff and instructors will provide guidance and safety instruction as participants work their way through different climbing and challenge elements.
Ropes and climbing activities will be open periodically throughout the day, giving attendees multiple opportunities to step outside their comfort zone, challenge themselves both mentally and physically, and experience the excitement of reaching new heights in a safe and encouraging environment.
Main Sponsors:
Thank you for your interest in the Outdoor Enthusiast Expo! The celebration highlights how outdoor communities come together to protect ecosystems for future generations. Please consider making a gift to help make the expo a success.
