There’s plenty to do this weekend at the inaugural Outside Festival, a celebration of Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle, industry and economic impact. The challenge is deciding which experiences fall into the do-not-miss category.

We’ve got some suggestions, but before we get to them, let’s review what this thing is all about. It was organized by Outside Interactive Inc., an outdoors digital media giant based in Boulder, along with the state’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Office and Visit Denver. It’s bringing together athletes, brands, speakers and films for two days of fun, good times and great outdoors inspiration at Civic Center Park. Outside Inc. chief executive Robin Thurston, an entrepreneur who grew up in Denver dreaming of becoming a professional cyclist, envisions it becoming a “South by Southwest-style” event with national clout.

“This event aims to bring the industry to Colorado through a vibrant offering of music, film, speakers, gear demos, catering to general consumers and core outdoor enthusiasts while fostering important business-to-business connections,” Thurston wrote recently in an open letter to the outdoors community.

So that’s the idea and the dream. But what’s your plan? Here’s what we suggest:

Cap Hill Invitational climbing competition: Presented by The North Face, this event will feature eight elite climbers, paired in coed teams, attacking bouldering routes. Plus, first-timers and kids can try out top-rope and bouldering at the climbing venue.
The Incredible Dog Experience: Here you’ll see tricks and aerial moves demonstrating canine speed, agility and jumping ability. And besides, who doesn’t want to hang out with incredible dogs?
Take a dip in a cold plunge: The Wellness Experience features yoga classes, mobility sessions and introductory tai-chi practices, but we’re all about the cold plunge from Redwood Outdoors. Changing rooms and suits will be available, although you might want to BYOBS (bring your own bathing suit).
Get in gear:  The Big Gear Show and (e)Revolution Show (which showcases e-bikes) debuted in Denver last June and have been incorporated into this festival. More than 80 outdoor brands will display new products bound for outdoor retailers in the coming months. But if you’re looking to sell gear, check out the Out&Back Outdoor website. Describe the gear you want to sell and receive an offer. If the offer is acceptable, you can drop it off at the Out&Back tent and get paid.
 Speakers worth hearing: Find out what’s next for three-time Olympic gold medal snowboarder Shaun White, or listen to endurance swimmer Diana Nyad talking about “never, ever” giving up. Nyad gained fame by swimming around Manhattan in 1975 and from the The Bahamas to Florida in 1979. They and a host of other outdoors personalities will be speaking at the Denver Art Museum.
Fascinating film festival: Like the speakers, films will be shown at the art museum and some look extremely interesting. There is no admission charge for festival ticket holders to see films or speakers, but you are strongly advised to reserve a seat through the Outside Festival mobile app.

In addition, there will be lots of music and more than a dozen food trucks. For more information and the full schedule of events, check out the Outside Festival website.