Chesterfield Outdoor Fest returns with new races, activities, live music

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- The Chesterfield Outdoor Fest, hosted by Chesterfield County's Parks and Recreation, is returning for its second year.

The Second Annual Chesterfield Outdoor Fest will take place at the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 31 at noon.

According to the county, the festival will feature a special appearance by the county’s mascot, Cole, along with live musical performances and a beer garden.

The event will bring the region's first Canicross 5K race, which is a European sport that consists of a person running with a dog connected to a hands-free waist belt on a bungee line.

In addition, The Live Red Foundation will present two other races -- a one-mile run for kids and a dog-friendly 5k race. To register, click here.

Attendees can also register their dogs to participate in the Ultimate Air Dogs dock-jumping competition. All dog breeds and sizes are welcome, as long as the dogs are able to swim.

The county says additional entertainment and activities will include Metro Richmond Zoo animal encounters, a Kids Zone, BMX stunt shows, food trucks and live demonstrations like stand-up paddleboarding, fishing lessons, archery and plenty more.

Tidewater Volleyball Academy (TVA) has also moved its grass volleyball tournament, “The Digs,” to Chesterfield, where it will take place alongside Outdoor Fest, giving attendees a chance to participate.

Information about the musical lineup for this year's Outdoor Fest will be released in the upcoming weeks. To learn more about the festival, visit this website.