King County’s Tolt-MacDonald Park & Campground in Carnation, WA
August 22-24, 2025
What is Refuge Outdoor Festival?
Refuge Outdoor Festival is a 3-day outdoor recreation and camping experience geared toward people of color.
Who is RefugeFest for?
This is for you if you:
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- Are a BIPOC person that wants to build community with other BIPOC and allies.
- Are a white person that respects, supports, and want to build community with BIPOC and other allies.
- Have an interest in the outdoors but don’t know where to start.
- Love the outdoors and are looking for a community to share it with.
What can you expect at RefugeFest?
This GBE signature event features a fun-filled weekend of informative workshops, crowd-rocking DJs, holistic activities, performances/ art, outdoor recreation, and so much more. We are excited to return to King County’s Tolt-MacDonald Park & Campground in Carnation, WA for our 7th year on August 16- 18, 2024.
Scroll to see what we have planned and get your tickets today! #RefugeFest #LetsMeetOutside
2024 Refuge Outdoor Festival Schedule
Tickets
Stay tuned for Early Bird ticket announcements in Spring of 2025!
Step 1: Select your festival pass.
Step 2: Select your lodging in the Add-ons section. (Options: Field Camping, Private Car Camping, RV or Campervan, REI Pre-set 2-person Camping, Yurt)
Step 3: Select payment. (If you would like to pay via alternative methods, please contact us at info@refugeoutdoorfestival.com)
Join us for our 8th annual festival!
Stay Tuned!Sustainer Festival Pass
$180 plus feesFestival Pass (Spring)
$125 plus feesFestival Pass (Summer)
$135 plus feesYouth Festival Pass
$45 plus feesKids Festival Pass
Free for 0-6 years w/ accompanying adultSingle-Day Pass
$55 plus feesPlan Ahead
We are committed to creating an accountable and transparent space and acknowledging the inherent lack of safety in our systems and institutions. These are our grounding practices:
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- We will center and uplift Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). We encourage folks that identify as BIPOC to take up space and invite white-identified folks to be intentional about the space they take at this BIPOC-centered event.
- We will share from personal experiences and not share the experiences of others.
- We acknowledge that we are all learning and we all make mistakes. We remain committed to accountability as we make those mistakes.
- We acknowledge the difference between intent vs. impact, and take responsibility for any harmful impact we may have on members of marginalized communities.
- Harassment or bullying will not be tolerated.
Read our Know Before You Go guide!
Already purchased your festival tickets and lodging? Wonderful! A great next step would be to read through our Know Before You Go — you go-to-guide for packing essentials, park & campground info, the festival map, our guiding principles, and more!
We provide a variety of lodging options to match different comfortability levels with camping. Options include field camping, private car camping, RV or campervan, REI pre-set 2-person camping sites, and yurts. But move quickly- some of our specialty lodging options sell out fast! Check out this video to see examples of the lodging options.
A communal camp kitchen will be available for use, including eight camp stoves and cookware (list of Kitchen Contents). You are also welcome to bring your own camp cooking equipment (including stoves and grills) and food items. Pressurized gas, propane (LP Gas) stoves, and fire pits are permitted. There is access to potable water and a greywater dump area near the camp kitchen. Greywater is old dishwater (and other contaminated water), which must be dumped in a specified area.
A limited assortment of pre-packaged meals will also be available for purchase from our Outpost, which will be located near the camp kitchen.
There will also be food for purchase onsite or nearby, so bring your cash and cards.
Due to King County regulations, you are not allowed to bring in outside adult beverages.
We are committed to continuing to make Refuge as accessible as possible, and welcome you to share accommodation requests in the event registration. Our event will be held at Tolt-MacDonald Park. Accessible parking spaces are available. The event area does consist of uneven terrain in some locations. We will have six portable bathrooms available at the event, two of which will be ADA accessible, with additional park facilities throughout the park. There will be loud music at this event and flashing lights. If other accommodations are needed, please email info@refugeoutdoorfestival.com.
GENERAL
Q: Who can come?
A: All are welcome! Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and allies. This event is meant to be a safer space for BIPOC outdoor enthusiasts and novices to celebrate and explore in one amazing weekend. We will center and uplift BIPOC folks.
Q: Can children come?
A: Yes. We are building an intergenerational event and community. Bring your kids and grandparents- all are welcome.
Q: Where is the event taking place?
A: This year’s festival will take place at King County’s Tolt-MacDonald Park & Campground in Carnation, WA.
Q: Can I volunteer?
A: Absolutely. We have loads of opportunities for people to get involved before and during the festivals. Both individuals and groups can participate! Volunteer Invitation opening soon.
Q: Are you still accepting sponsors?
A: Yes, we actively seek opportunities to collaborate with organizations and individuals whose missions, values, and work align with our own. Reach out to us at info@refugeoutdoorfestival.com.
Q: I can’t attend. How can I donate?
A: Thank you so much for donating to Refuge Outdoor Festival. Funds raised go toward supporting community access. Donations can be made via Paypal.
Q: I have another question/concern. Who can I reach out to?
A: Please review the entire FAQ first and our 2024 Know Before You Go . Feel free to reach out to info@refugeoutdoorfestival.com for further concerns.
SAFETY
Q: Do we have to be vaccinated to attend the festival in-person?
A: No. While we highly encourage people to get vaccinated, we understand and respect each individual’s right to make this decision.
Q: How are you addressing COVID risks during the campout?
A: We are continuing to monitor CDC and local guidelines. Closer to the event we will publish our COVID-19 Safety Plan here. Our plans will comply with the latest guidelines released by the Washington State Governor’s Office and Public Health, the City of Carnation & King County.
Q: What do you mean safer event?
A: Refuge Outdoor Festival is committed to creating an accountable and transparent space and acknowledging the inherent lack of safety in our systems and institutions. Please review our Community Agreements.
WORKSHOPS
Q: Do I need to reserve my spot in the workshops?
A: Reservations may be required on a workshop-by-workshop basis. Some facilitators request an attendance cap for a variety of reasons.
Q: Will workshops be recorded?
A: Unfortunately, at this time we will not be recording sessions.
Q: What is the Saturday Market?
A: The Saturday Market is an opportunity to meet with various organizations, artists, and vendors. This isn’t just a fun weekend, it’s about creating connections for ongoing engagement.
CAMPOUT
Q: Can I bring my dog?
A: Only service dogs and non-aggressive breeds are allowed at the campground during the festival.
Q: Will the event be canceled if it rains?
A: No, the festival will happen rain or shine.
Q: Are there bathrooms? Showers?
A: There will be a number of portable and permanent restrooms at the campground. Unfortunately, there will not be showers open during the event.
Q: Can I leave the festival grounds and re-enter?
A: Yes, re-entry is allowed.
Q: I would love to camp but I don’t have gear?
A: No problem. With the support of our partners and sponsors, we have gear that attendees can access for the weekend; including tents, sleeping bags, and more. If you have a gear request, please use THIS FORM and make your request by Fri. August 9th.
Q: Will the gear be provided for activities?
A: Most activities do not require gear. We are encouraging you to bring your own gear onsite, such as bikes and water activity items.
Q: What should I bring?
A: There are a number of lodging and activity options to choose from for your festival experience. You will need to bring your own camping supplies (unless requested via our Gear Bank) based on your lodging selection and food needs. Dress and plan according to the activities you would like to participate in and the weather.
Q: How do I get there?
A: We recommend carpooling with people in your household. Need transportation? Shuttles will depart from Seattle, Shoreline, and Skyway. Please reference the Event Info page in our Know Before You Go guide!