The Northwest Automotive Press Association’s Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year competition, better known as Mudfest, is set for May 5–7, 2026.
We're looking forward to your participation!
Please read the following information carefully before registering.
There are significant changes this year, but by popular demand, we’re returning to Washington’s scenic Kitsap Peninsula and The Ridge Motorsports Park for both on- and off-road evaluations. Accommodations remain at the idyllic Alderbrook Resort & Spa on Hood Canal.
NWAPA has negotiated reduced lodging rates of $259 per night for premium courtyard-facing rooms. Booking details are below. Event meals and snacks are included.
The vehicle entry fee remains $2,200 per vehicle. Mudfest offers a terrific opportunity to connect and ride along with our members — many of whom produce for high-profile outlets, including three NACTOY jurists. All NWAPA attendees are required to drive and score each vehicle. Our organization actively encourages content creation at NWAPA events, and our new website includes a dedicated section that makes it easy to gather links to member coverage.
We have dramatically reduced sponsorship costs.
Many sponsorship packages now include a dedicated vehicle walkaround with NWAPA members to help maximize value.
NWAPA is non-profit. We channel our inner Scrooge McDuck — minus the swimming pool of gold coins — to keep costs as low as possible. However, Mudfest is expensive to stage, and vehicle entry fees alone do not cover expenses. Your sponsorship support helps ensure the future and continued quality of this event.
Sponsorships are available on a first-come, first-served basis so sign up early… and often.
Registration
This new website should make registration payment much simpler. It allows for credit card payment and billing by invoice. The system has been tested, but as with any new platform, if something goes sideways, contact me ASAP.
Please remember to submit your membership dues as well.
Have questions? Tom Voelk is your guy.
Email: nwapa.president.tv@gmail.com
Phone: 206-931-5793
Location details and a tentative schedule are below. See you at Mudfest 2026!
Sincerely, Tom Voelk
NWAPA President
nwapa.president.tv@gmail.com
206-931-5793
Lodging
Alderbrook Resort & Spa
7101 E State Route 106
Union, WA 98592
(360) 898-2200
Alderbrookresort.com
Booking Your Room at Alderbrook Resort
- Click the “Book Now” button in the upper right corner.
- Enter arrival and departure dates: May 5–May 7.
- Click the drop-down arrow under “Add Special Code.”
- Under “Group,” enter code 40Y9X9 (note: the second character is a zero), then click “Apply.”
- All available contracted room types will display with the inclusive nightly rate (group rate plus resort fee).
- Click “Show Rates” and “Unit Details” for a breakdown of the inclusive nightly rate.
- Guests arriving earlier or departing later than the contracted dates must call Alderbrook Reservations directly at (360) 898-2145.
Tentative Agenda
Tuesday, May 5
- Please arrive by 3:00 p.m.
- Executive Meeting — 3:30 p.m.
- Membership Meeting — 4:30 p.m.
- Cocktails — 5:30 p.m.
- Dinner — 7:00 p.m. at Alderbrook Resort
Wednesday, May 6
- Group breakfast at Alderbrook Resort — 7:00–8:00 a.m.
- On-pavement testing at The Ridge Motorsports Park
- Lunch at The Ridge
- Continued on-pavement testing, open evaluation, and content creation
- Complete Day One ballot before returning to Alderbrook
- Cocktails and dinner at Alderbrook Resort
Thursday, May 7
- Group breakfast at Alderbrook Resort — 7:00–8:00 a.m.
- Off-road testing at The Ridge Motorsports Park
- Hotel checkout (bags may be left with the Bell Desk if needed)
- Lunch at The Ridge
- Continued off-road testing
- Complete Day Two ballot prior to individual departures
Mudfest allows NWAPA member journalists to evaluate vehicles on closed courses in controlled environments. Ultimately, Mudfest is a competition: following testing, journalists vote to determine category winners and select the overall NWAPA Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year.
Event photography will be provided to participating journalists and manufacturers.
Additional logistical information and schedule updates will be shared as needed.
