Bikers take part in the Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival in 2019. (Provided photo — ROOST)

WILMINGTON — The Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival is returning for its seventh year — promising an exciting three-day celebration of biking, community and outdoor adventure — from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 at the Wilmington Recreation Park.

The festival is designed for mountain biking enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.

This year’s event will feature on-site camping, live music, local food and beverages, group trail rides, shuttles and a kids’ mountain bike race. With over 25 miles of single-track riding, participants can explore the natural beauty of the region while enjoying a variety of activities.

The festival features group trail rides throughout Wilmington, Lake Placid and Keene, including options for novice, intermediate and advanced riders, and specific rides for youth and women. Those wishing to take part can register at a discounted rate and view the complete event schedule at wilmingtonmtbfestival.com/registration. Participants may also purchase their festival admission tickets on-site.

The festival kicks off at the nearby Twisted Raven, formerly Pourman’s Taphouse, with a pig roast and Zero Gravity beer tasting. Bike festival participants and volunteers can enjoy special pricing by presenting their festival wristband, which is included in their registration packet.

Saturday’s entertainment features two bands performing live on the festival grounds. Spring Street will play from 4 to 7 p.m., followed by St. Vith from 7 to 10 p.m. Spring Street offers a distinctive mix of old and new rock, blues, and strong vocal harmonies, ensuring a diverse musical experience for attendees. St. Vith is an eclectic indie rock band based in the Finger Lakes region, bringing a unique blend of psychedelic jam, art rock and time-honored American styles. Attendees can enjoy lawn games and snacks from the Waffle Cabin in the afternoon, with Island Vybz and Two Jerks BBQ providing evening meals.

On Sunday, the festival activities move to BETA’s newest trail system, the East Branch Community Trails in Keene, a 15-minute drive from Wilmington. The East Branch trails offer a variety of options for riders of all abilities, including the featured Downriver trail with its berms, rollers and jumps. Participants can relax between laps in the large field at the trailhead, perfect for lawn chairs and games. The nearby Monday Tuesday Grill will be serving food and drinks.

The Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival is a major fundraiser for the Barkeater Trails Alliance, with all proceeds supporting the maintenance and development of local trails. This community-driven event offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty while supporting a great cause.

“We’re excited to once again offer an event with so many opportunities for involvement of bike enthusiasts, new riders, seasoned experts and anyone interested in mountain biking,” BETA Executive Director Glenn Glover said. “But beyond just mountain bikers, we also wanted to ensure that it’s a celebration that the local community can take part in. The bands, food trucks, vendors, and other activities will appeal to anyone wanting to join a fun community celebration.”

BETA builds, maintains and advocates for a system of community and backcountry trails throughout the greater High Peaks region of the Adirondack Park. BETA maintains more than 125 miles of trails on state-owned Forest Preserve, municipal and private lands. Most of the trails are purpose-built for mountain biking or ski touring but also accommodate other human-powered activities. The organization collaborates with public agencies, including the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Adirondack Park Agency, nonprofit environmental groups, towns, villages and private landowners.