Young riders take part in the Wilmington Bike Fest in 2019. (Provided photo — Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism)

WILMINGTON — Barkeater Trails Alliance’s Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival is returning for its eighth year, for a three-day celebration of biking, community and outdoor adventure. Taking place from Aug. 29 to 31 at the Wilmington Recreation Park, the festival is set to be a highlight of the season for mountain biking enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.

This year’s festival 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 region while enjoying a variety of activities.

The festival features group trail rides throughout Wilmington, Lake Placid and Keene, with options for novice, intermediate and advanced riders, as well as dedicated rides for youth and women.

The festival kicks off Friday afternoon with the Hardy Hour Group Ride from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., a self-guided social ride that culminates at the top of the All In trail. The evening continues with a welcome party featuring food, music and a bonfire. Dinners must be purchased in advance during online registration for $25 each. Meals will be prepared by Cadence Lodge, with music provided by local DJ Ben Sitts.

Saturday’s programming features guided rides in the morning and afternoon, including a women’s ride and a family ride designed to encourage riders of all abilities. Additional activities include shuttled rides for those looking to enjoy longer descents without the climb.

Saturday evening brings the famous “Dangertown” bonfire and two live bands on the festival grounds. Registration for Bike Fest isn’t required to join the party, which is free to the community. Spring Street kicks things off from 4 to 7 p.m. with their distinctive mix of old and new rock, blues and rich vocal harmonies. The Outcrops follow from 7 to 10 p.m., bringing their unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll, blues and soul from the woods of northern New Jersey. Food trucks and local craft beverages will be available throughout the evening.

Sunday brings morning group rides in Wilmington and the Hardy Kids MTB Race, which offers younger riders a chance to join. This race requires separate registration. Later in the day, festival activities move to BETA’s newest trail system, the East Branch Community Trails in Keene, a short 15-minute drive from Wilmington. The East Branch trails offer a variety of options for riders of all abilities, including two new trails completed since last year’s event. Riders can relax between laps in the large field at the trailhead. There they can sit in lawn chairs and play games, while the nearby Monday Tuesday Grill serves food and drinks.

To view the complete event schedule at wilmingtonmtbfestival.com. Participants may also purchase their festival admission tickets on-site.

The Wilmington Mountain Bike Festival is a fundraiser for the BETA, with all proceeds supporting the maintenance and development of local trails. This community-driven event offers an opportunity to explore the region while supporting a cause.

“This event is all about bringing people together — whether you’re new to mountain biking, a lifelong rider or just curious about the sport,” said Glenn Glover, executive director of BETA. “We’ve worked hard to make sure there’s something for everyone in the community, not just the biking crowd. From live music and food trucks to local vendors and family-friendly activities, it’s a chance for the entire community to come out and celebrate together.”

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 Forest Preserve, municipal and private lands in the eastern High Peaks region of the Adirondack Park. 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, the Adirondack Park Agency, not-for-profit environmental groups, towns, villages and private landowners.