Refuge Outdoor Festival returns to King County’s Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground, elevating BIPOC youth leadership in the outdoors

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King County Parks welcomes the Refuge Outdoor Festival back to Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground in Carnation for its eighth year Aug 22-24, offering a weekend of workshops, outdoor recreation, art, music and community in nature designed by and for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.

In a climate of shrinking public investment in outdoor recreation, organizers view the festival’s continued presence as a reflection of deep community resilience.

“We’re proud to continue hosting the Refuge Outdoor Festival at Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground and to support events that reflect the diversity and strength of our communities,” said King County Parks Director Warren Jimenez. “It’s especially inspiring to see young leaders at the center of this work, shaping the future of the outdoors.”

Festival information and tickets are available at the event website.

“Honestly, what I’m most excited for this year is that we’re still here,” said Martin Tran, Director of Refuge Outdoor Festival. “With the very real threats to our public lands, a shrinking outdoor recreation industry, and everyone rightfully afraid to say ‘diversity, equity, and inclusion,’ I’m glad the festival still stands as a space for BIPOC to take refuge in nature — and with one another.”

RefugeFest: Youth Summit will again be a centerpiece of the festival, with BIPOC youth not only participating but leading the majority of workshops. From discussions on environmental justice to skills-building sessions in outdoor leadership, the Summit highlights the energy and vision of the next generation of outdoors leaders.

King County Parks has hosted Refuge Outdoor Festival at Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground since 2018, contributing to an ongoing effort to make the outdoors more inclusive and welcoming. The 574-acre regional park is a signature King County Parks site, offering riverside access, trails, open meadows, and forested campgrounds.

The event’s producers were recently awarded a King County Community Climate Resilience grant for their work with frontline communities disproportionally impacted by climate change.

King County is also partnering with festival organizers to provide accessible rides through Metro’s Community Van program. Shuttles will depart from Seattle, Shoreline, and Skyway.

Golden Bricks Events is a company addressing belonging in the outdoors and conservation by producing outdoor-focused experiences for BIPOC communities designed for emotional and physical safety, accessibility, connection, joy, and belonging. Their work includes producing multi-day festivals, community events, and campouts, as well as providing consulting and onsite event support to organizations looking to make their spaces more welcoming, safe, and affirming for everyone.

Chevon Powell, founder of Golden Bricks Events, is a recipient of the 2025 King County Green Globe Award for Leader in Outdoor Recreation for their work in promoting equitable access to parks, trails, and open space.

Resources

• Refuge Outdoor Festival
• Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground

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