The Extravaganza Gravity Festival at Keppoch

The Extravaganza Gravity Festival brings two days of downhill mountain bike racing to Keppoch Mountain outside Antigonish on October 10–11, 2026 — Thanksgiving weekend on the Northumberland Shore. Saturday is the Skyline DH and Granite Whip-Off; Sunday is The Enduro. Racing starts at 10:00 a.m. both days, with racers asked to be on site for 9:00 a.m. It is a community race at heart: $25 entry per DH category, with shuttle passes sold separately at the lodge for riders who are not season pass holders.

Keppoch Mountain is a non-profit, four-seasons recreation area covering more than 500 acres and 45-plus trails around a 45-kilometre network, with an elevation-based mix of flowing singletrack and technical descents — riders can preview the terrain in our cycling guide. The mountain sits about 15 minutes from downtown Antigonish, whose own events calendar we cover from Highland Games to the jazz festival. Registration and schedule details are on the Keppoch's official site; the lodge handles shuttle passes and day-of sign-up.

Spectating is free and the whip-off format — riders hit one feature and throw their best trick — is built for watching. October on the Northumberland Shore is shoulder-season quiet: bring layers, expect crisp air, and make a weekend of it with the Northumberland Shore guide and the town's Antigonish guide. The festival is one of the last rideable weekends of the season before the mountain transitions to winter operations.

Make the most of your time in Northumberland Shore - pair The Extravaganza Gravity Festival at Keppoch with our Sable Island guide, Best Day Trips from Halifax, and Family Travel Guide. They're each packed with itinerary ideas, local tips, and everything you need to extend your stay.