The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) is celebrating 60 years of inspiring leadership education, culminating in a community gathering in Lander, Wyoming, from September 25 to 27, 2025. Founded by Paul Petzoldt in 1965, the leading outdoor education school is still headquartered in Lander. To commemorate its six decades, it is inviting the community to gather and celebrate this milestone.
Registration is open until Friday, September 5, 2025. Most events are free and open to the public, with a few exceptions limited by capacity, so everyone is encouraged to register before the deadline. Each event will indicate the registration guidelines for participation.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Here are some daily highlights. Please visit the event webpage for the full details, schedule, and registration information.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
Pushroot Brewery Meetup
Pushroot Brewery | 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
The weekend will kick off at NOLSie-owned Pushroot Brewery! All are welcome to connect with old and new friends and enjoy a pint of the custom NOLS Legacy Brew craft beer.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26
From the Lumber Yard to Space: A NOLS/NASA Story – Dr. John Grunsfeld
Lander Community and Convention Center | 10:15 am
Astronaut, physicist, and former NASA Chief Scientist John Grunsfeld, and a NOLS graduate, will share how wilderness leadership training shaped his path to becoming a five‑time space shuttle veteran and Hubble repair specialist. Hear how lessons in teamwork, risk management, and preparation in the wild translated into missions to space and scientific leadership at NASA.
Trail Mix | Art-Gear-Community
Lander City Park | 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Trail Mix is a lively outdoor marketplace featuring gear brands, artists, makers, and NOLS programs with interactive booths, demos, and creative displays. From Black Diamond and Patagonia to local businesses and artists, there is something for everyone to explore and discover.
BBQ + Live Music
Lander City Park | 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Lander City Park will be bustling with energy at the community barbecue and live music with the Low Water String Band! Everyone is welcome to enjoy the great food, good company, and lively bluegrass. Registration is required if individuals would like to have food at the barbecue.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Climbing Legacies | Alex Honnold in Conversation with Peter Metcalf, founder and CEO of Black Diamond Equipment
Lander Community and Convention Center | 10:00 am
Honnold will share stories of mentorship, the surprising lessons of solo and collaborative expeditions, decision-making in the mountains, and how becoming a father has reshaped his perspective on life, leadership, and legacy with Peter Metcalf—NOLS graduate, founder and longtime CEO of Black Diamond Equipment, and influential voice in outdoor industry advocacy.
Wild Stories Film Fest
The Grand Theater – Lander | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
The film festival will celebrate six decades of wilderness, learning, and adventure. The films that will be showcased will trace the rich history of NOLS, explore wild journeys across Fremont County, and spotlight the creative work of NOLS alumni behind and in front of the camera. Some of the films will include Wild and Rattlesnakes, Dear Mother, Wild Life, and the NOLS classic, 30 Days to Survival.
Chadwick Stokes & The Pintos | Community Concert
Lander Community and Convention Center | 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Chadwick Stokes is an accomplished musician and songwriter who grew up on a small farm outside of Boston. He completed a NOLS Wilderness Horsepacking Course in 1993. A songwriter since early adolescence, his many projects have woven together music, art, history, and activism.
Interested in more information? Check out the 60th anniversary webpage with registration, full schedule, and event details: CLICK HERE
Paid for by the Wind River Visitors Council.
