April 02, 2026 4 min read

This year, HESTIVAL is for Public Lands.

Through HEST’s 1 % for the Planet  commitment, HESTIVAL is dedicated to public lands in  partnership with The Conservation Alliance and Western Slope Conservation Center, HESTIVAL 2026 is dedicated to protecting the landscapes that bring us together -  from the Western Slope of Colorado, home to HESTIVAL, to all the wild places across the country. The goal? Keep the spirit of the weekend what it’s always been -  fun, community-driven, and rooted in getting outside -  while using our platform to inspire action, awareness, and long-term stewardship.

From Gathering to Impact

Throughout the weekend, HESTIVAL becomes more than a “festival” -  it becomes a space to engage with the real issues shaping public lands today. From local challenges on the Western Slope to national conversations around access, conservation, and policy, attendees will have the opportunity to learn, participate, and take action in ways that feel approachable and meaningful. Here’s the many way how: The Conservation Alliance (TCA) is HEST’s 1% for the Planet partner and the national nonprofit partner for HESTIVAL. For decades, TCA has united outdoor brands to fund grassroots organizations defending public lands, wildlife habitat, and outdoor access. HEST is also proud to be a TCA Brands for Public Lands member, a commitment that reflects our belief that public lands are essential for clean water, healthy ecosystems, recreation, and community well-being. Supporting these places is a core value that guides how we design products and choose partners.

Public Lands Headquarters

In the Heart of HESTIVAL Basecamp

At the center of it all is Public Lands HQ, anchored in HESTIVAL Basecamp. Connect directly with leaders from The Conservation Alliance and Western Slope Conservation Center. Learn about critical issues like the GORP Act, The Roadless Rule, land management decisions, and efforts to keep public lands in public hands. Then take action on the spot - whether that’s signing a petition, writing a postcard to lawmakers, or adding your voice to a community art wall answering one simple question: 


Why do you love public lands?


Public Lands Power Hour

CONSERVATION + COFFEE

Saturday morning from 9:15-10am on the Main Courtyard Truck Stage, we bring together a group of voices who are shaping the future of public lands-  across media, policy, conservation, and the outdoor industry. 

Grab a cup of Bivouac Coffee and join us.

Featuring:

  • Hannah Stevens — Western Slope Conservation Center 
    A leader with over 30 years of experience across conservation science, policy, and nonprofit leadership, Hannah brings a deeply rooted perspective on local collaboration and long-term stewardship in the West. 
  • Chris Keyes — Re:Public Magazine
    Former editor-in-chief of Outside and founder of Re:Public Lands Media, Chris offers a national lens on how public lands are perceived, valued, and protected — and how that narrative is evolving. 
  • Lindsey Davis — SITKA Gear
    As Director of Conservation at SITKA and a board member across multiple national organizations, Lindsey represents the powerful role that hunters, anglers, and outdoor brands play in advancing conservation. 
  • Jake Thomas — Pact Outdoors
    Co-founder of Pact Outdoors, Jake brings a fresh perspective on innovation, systems thinking, and how brands and communities can collaborate to solve real challenges in the outdoors. 

Moderated by:

  • Rebecca Gillis — The Conservation Alliance
    Leading government affairs and advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., Rebecca connects policy to people — helping translate complex issues into tangible ways to get involved. Together, this group will explore everything from local land use issues to national policy, public sentiment, and the future of conservation across the West.

Step Outside: Guided Public Lands Experiences

HESTIVAL isn’t just about talking about public lands — it’s about experiencing them.  

Join a guided hike led by The Conservation Alliance and Western Slope Conservation Center and step directly into the landscapes we’re working to protect on Saturday, May 2nd at 10:45am.

Take Action, Your Way

We’ve built moments throughout the weekend that make it easy and fun to participate: 

  • Public Lands Bingo Card → Complete activities across the festival (attend a talk, sign a petition, go on a hike) to earn raffle entries. You’ll receive this card at check-in!  
  • Community Art Wall → Share why public lands matter to you 
  • Adopt-a-Landscape → Support specific places through direct contributions

Drinkware for a Cause

Join us at the Public Lands HQ Happy Hour, from 4-5pm Friday and Saturday and grab a limited-edition HESTIVAL x MiiR mug, with proceeds supporting conservation efforts.

Public Lands Mega Gear Raffle

We’ve partnered with an incredible group of brands to build a gear raffle worth rallying around. 

Win gear from: Peak Designs, SITKA, Jetboil, Alpacka Rafts, Grayl, Benchmade Knives, Travoca, Kuhl, Noc Provisions, Topo Designs, Napier, Best Day Brewing, GU, Trash Panda, Goodlight, Ignik, Klean Freak, Tailwind Nutrition, Wilderdog, Rollercam, WrovenDen & of course HEST!  

Every ticket supports conservation initiatives through The Conservation Alliance and Western Slope Conservation Center — turning stoke into real support for public lands.

Music for Public Lands

On Saturday night, after we enjoy a performance from the Coffis Brothers and before the headlining set from John Craigie, we’ll hear from Conor Hall of Colorado’s Office of Outdoor Recreation. All ticket proceeds from Saturday’s ticketed show will go towards TCA.

A Weekend That Means Something

HESTIVAL has always been about bringing people together around a shared love for the outdoors. 

This year, it’s about taking that love one step further. 

 It’s about recognizing that these places need our support — and that when we come together, we can actually make a difference. 

Come for the weekend.
Leave with a deeper connection- and a reason to protect it. 

Join us May 1–3, 2026 @ Big B’s Delicious Orchards

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