Pow, Cars, and Rock ‘n Roll: Rev Up for 2025 Subaru WinterFest

If you’re looking for a reliable vehicle (and a good time), Subaru has a party invitation for you.

The carmaker just announced six events for the 2025 WinterFest program, a partnership with lifestyle brand POWDR that started in 2014. Subaru just topped the charts for reliability in the 2024 Consumer Reports Auto Report Card, so the events may feel like a victory lap for a brand making more headway among outdoorsy Americans.

This annual, multistop mountain tour combines live music and outdoor activities with close looks at Subaru vehicles. With a half-dozen mountain destinations across the U.S. this winter, there’ll be plenty of activities for skiers, snowboarders, music lovers, and dog parents.

“WinterFest is one of our most highly anticipated events of the year,” Alan Bethke, senior vice president of marketing at Subaru of America, said in a press release. “For anyone seeking adventure, entertainment, and an opportunity to give back to charitable causes, WinterFest is the perfect combination.”

Subaru WinterFest: Dates & Activities

WinterFest offers a variety of activities, including live music.

Headlining the tour this year is Grace Potter, a powerhouse vocalist performing at the final tour event in Oregon in April. Other music groups include The National Parks, The Travelin’ McCourys, Ashes to Amber, Shadowgrass, and Into the Fog.

Attendees can also experience the Harman Kardon Warming Hut, where they can test Harman Kardon’s latest Bluetooth products. Also, expect plenty of gear demos from outdoor brands including Thule, Nordica, Mammut, and Wilderdog.

Visitors can refuel at the Wilderness Cafe with free Alpine Start coffee, hot cocoa, and Kate’s Real Food energy bars. Later, they can warm up by a fire in the Solo Stove Hangout Zone, complete with s’mores roasting.

Subaru continues its commitment to community support through partnerships with Operation Warm, SheJumps, and Wasatch Backcountry Rescue. For every completed lead form at WinterFest, Subaru will donate $5 to one of these organizations, up to $10,000 per charity.

Attendees can also enter daily giveaways and enjoy exclusive gifts. There are also special on-mountain experiences like intimate live music performances, VIP parking, and other rewards for Subaru owners, the brand said.

Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness & Solterra

This year’s event will spotlight the off-road-capable 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness as well as the electric 2024 Subaru Solterra. The Crosstrek Wilderness aims for sturdy off-road exploration, and Subaru ambassadors will be at the WinterFest events to showcase its features. That includes the Harman Kardon sound system.

In GearJunkie’s review of the 2024 Crosstrek, Paul Eisenstein wrote that “the automaker plays it safe in terms of styling, but there are still plenty of reasons to appreciate the third-generation SUV with its two powertrain options, some appealing new technology, and features that enhance its behavior, both on-road and off.”

The new Subaru Solterra, on the other hand, reflects Subaru’s push for greater sustainability, the brand said. Subaru says its upgraded charging system reduces fast-charge times to just 35 minutes for 10% to 80%, even in cold weather.

It’s also got a new version of Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. In his review of the 2023 Subaru Solterra, Eisenstein said the battery-electric vehicle “easily handled the well-worn trails and steep climbs” during a test drive on California’s Catalina Island.

Visit the carmaker’s website for more information and updates on Subaru WinterFest.

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