(July 16, 2018) Subaru of America has announced its continued partnership with REI and involvement in the outdoor leader’s adventure-themed, experiential events and activities across the country. Both widely known for their love of the great outdoors, the automaker and retailer previously partnered around REI’s #OptOutside initiative and are teaming up once again to make enjoying the outdoors as accessible as possible through Outessa, road trip and campouts.

In addition, the all-new 2019 Subaru Ascent will be on display throughout the events, retreats and festivals, where attendees will have the chance to enter to win an Ascent of their own.

As an automaker that believes in promoting adventure for all, Subaru continues its support of REI Outessa. These outdoor events designed to grow and strengthen the community of women in the outdoors are part of REI’s "Force of Nature" effort. Subaru will once again have a presence at all three-day REI Outessa retreats this summer.

Subaru returns to Waterville Valley Resort, New Hampshire. for the second consecutive year, Sept. 13 – 16, and is joining the co-op’s immersive weekend at Squaw Valley Resort, Calif., Aug. 2 – 5. Each retreat will feature guided workshops in iconic locations to empower women to experience nature in a meaningful way.

New this year, Subaru will have a presence at REI’s Outessafest music festivals in celebration of women, music and the outdoors. The two one-day festivals are open to everyone and will and take place on Sept. 29th in Patuxent River Park, Md., and Oct. 20 in Shakori Hills, N.C.

The events will include inspirational speakers like Ambreen Tariq (Brown People Camping) and Jenny Bruso (Unlikely Hikers) and female-led performances, including headliners Mavis Staples and PVRIS. Participants can also join a wide array of adventures with REI Outdoor School instructors such as yoga, rock climbing, paddling, and running. Subaru will also offer engaging activities like trivia-style scavenger hunts inside the Ascent, aura photography, key chain making with Subaru-branded key tags and VIP parking for Subaru owners.

For more information on REI’s Outessa series, including the music talent lineup at the fests, visit www.outessa.com.

“At Subaru, we are constantly inspired by our drivers’ appetite for exploration and honored to be part of the adventure,” said Alan Bethke, senior vice president of marketing, Subaru of America, Inc. “We are proud to continue our relationship with REI to help encourage people from all walks of life to bond with fellow outdoor enthusiasts and create lasting memories in the great outdoors.”

“Subaru continues to be a valued partner as we grow the Outessa series and campouts this year,” said Sally Johnson, senior manager, events marketing at REI. “We look forward to having this like-minded partner join the co-op’s broader efforts to make the outdoors more accessible and enjoyable for all.”

Subaru will hit the road this summer, visiting 12 REI retail stores across the country as part of the automaker’s road trip series. Kicking off in Seattle on July 20, the 2019 Subaru Ascent and other vehicles in the Subaru fleet will be available on-site for REI customers to explore first-hand, while enjoying camping-themed giveaways. For instance, customers who buy any reusable cup will receive complimentary roadside refreshment from the Subaru “camp host.” Subaru owners will receive a limited-edition camp cup and REI members will receive something special too, all while supplies last.

Visitors to participating REI stores during the road trip are also encouraged to enter for a chance to win their own Ascent, packed with REI camping gear, perfect for any family’s next adventure on the open road.

Subaru Road Trip at REI

    July 20–22: Seattle, WA
    July 27–29: Mountain View, CA
    August 3–5: San Diego, CA
    August 10–12: Austin, TX
    August 17–19: Denver, CO
    August 24–26: Bloomington, MN
    August 17–19: Jacksonville, FL
    August 24–26: Memphis, TN
    August 31 – September 1: Cary, NC
    September 7-9: Washington, DC
    September 28-30: Vernon Hills, IL
    November 9–11: Kalispell, MT