Step into a world where diversity flourishes and nature embraces us all at the 7th annual Refuge Outdoor Festival, a sanctuary of inclusivity set in the serene Tolt-MacDonald Park & Campground in Carnation, WA. This festival isn't just an event; it's a movement towards redefining outdoor experiences to be genuinely inclusive, immersive, and invigorating. Over 3-days and 2-nights, embark on a journey of connection, exploration, and rejuvenation that promises to leave you inspired, connected, and more in tune with the natural world.

Outdoor equity funds ensure everyone can access clean water, air, parks, and open spaces, especially underserved communities. This means everyone, regardless of income, location, race, or age, should experience the outdoors. These funds support initiatives that break down barriers and promote inclusivity in outdoor recreation.

Mark your calendars for the 1st Black Developers PNW Conference happening August 8th & 9th at Evergreen College Tacoma! This groundbreaking event is designed to empower and connect black developers from across the Pacific Northwest. Expect:

• Meaningful discussions on critical topics within the tech industry.

• Actionable plans to strengthen and uplift the Black developer community.

• Opportunities to network with peers and industry leaders.

Key Tech Labs is excited to announce the third edition of the Burien Solar Punk Festival. This event celebrates culture, technology, and sustainability, showcasing the best of Burien. It will feature business expos, job fairs, and entertainment, all focused on business, arts, and culture.

Key Tech Labs is seeking vendors who align with the festival’s themes of community, technology, and environment. Local, sustainable companies or BIPOC-led businesses are especially welcome to join the Pop-up Farmers Market.

The Solar Punk Festival envisions a future where sustainability, community, and technology coexist. Vendors who share this vision are encouraged to sign up and be part of this innovative event.

For more information and to sign up as a vendor, please fill out the Vendor Sign-up Form. Key Tech Labs looks forward to seeing everyone at the festival.

There were several Big Tent Board members at the event including Ted Jackson, Reco Bembry, Rob Sendak, Conor Marshall, (and ex-officio members) Andrea Martin, Brock Milliern, Owen Rowe and Joel Sisolak. We felt this was very productive time and value the opportunity to convene to learn about the challenges and opportunities ahead for outdoor recreation and equity.

The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) released a groundbreaking report, "Recreation Funding in America: Current Results and Future Insights.” This comprehensive study, conducted by Southwick Associates, Inc. on behalf of ORR, aggregated and analyzed current federal funding streams for outdoor recreation and identified potential future threats to these funding sources. These threats include changing energy demands, evolving participation, inflation, weather events and climate change, and stagnant appropriation trends.

Today, Alison had the pleasure of meeting Geordan Newbill, president of the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle, and taking her first horseback riding lesson with Jerome Young, a Black rancher and owner of Legends Ranch. During her visit, Alison discovered the often-overlooked history of Black riders and learned how the Buffalo Soldiers of Seattle are inspiring the next generation of riders.

In this feature from Mountaineer magazine, read about the Mother's Day tradition, taking fabulously-dressed climbers to summits around the PNW. One of the Pacific Northwest’s grand traditions - a right of passage for many aspiring mountaineers - is climbing Mt. St. Helens, in a dress, on Mother’s Day. Inspired by the famous 1987 red dress of Kathy Phibbs, photographed and featured on the cover of the Seattle Times, thousands of aspiring summiteers flock to the flanks of Helens each May, donning their Sunday best. But as the tradition has grown and permits have become more restricted, many are taking their dress-game elsewhere.