A rock, a whiskey, and a dream. How Rox Fest is helping people climb their way to community.
Photos by Jennifer Hunt
When you walk into Memphis Rox, you can feel it before you see it: the hum of connection, laughter bouncing off bouldering mats, and the kind of grit that comes from people who climb not just to send, but to find their people.
This fall, that energy will spill out of the gym and into the open air from November 7-9 for the third annual Rox Fest, a three-day gathering at Stone Fort, Tennessee, supported by a POW empowerment grant, that blends climbing, camping, music, and art. Think camping on a golf course with old and new friends, hitting up gear repair stations to patch your puffer at the repair popup, and catching pro athletes on stage for TED-style “Rox Talks,” 10-minute insights from athletes, artists, and leaders working in and beyond the climbing world. Then wander the vendor village, dig into good food and music, maybe even get a new tattoo at the flash event, and ride the wave of infectious stoke all weekend long.
Plus, of course, climbing in a playground of perfectly sculpted sandstone boulders. It’s part fundraiser, part reunion, and this year, part love letter to the late Jarmond Johnson, a beloved friend, big brother, and Memphis Rox employee who embodied the soul of the gym.
“He’s the reason why this place exists,” said Memphis Rox’s Director of Operations, Jon Hawk. “He is the mission. This year’s festival is for him. It’s our way of carrying the torch.”
Read more about Jarmond’s life, legacy, and connection to Memphis Rox here.
It all started on a rock
The idea for Rox Fest was born, as many good ideas are, on a rock, with a whiskey in hand.
Back in 2022, pro climber Sam Elias and Director of Operations & Partnerships, Jon Hawk, were at Joe’s Valley Fest, reflecting after a long day of bouldering. Between laughs and stories, the idea surfaced: what if Memphis Rox hosted its own event? One that raised funds for the gym, yes, but more importantly, reflected its core values: inclusivity, community, and access without barriers.
From that conversation came the blueprint for Rox Fest: a premium climbing experience without the premium price tag.
Following the gym’s ethos, the festival also follows a model that makes access easier for folks who can’t justify the pricetag. Jon encourages everyone to come to him if you want to participate, but can’t fit it into your budget.
“It’s not an application. It’s a conversation,” he said. “Sometimes that means someone comes for free. Sometimes it means another guest pays it forward. Either way, everyone belongs here.”
It’s easy to see that this event is a rare opportunity to climb, connect, and participate in conversations that don’t typically happen out in the boulder field. Tickets include meals, camping, climbing access, and entry to talks and performances. But if cost becomes a barrier, Jon and the team want people just to reach out.
Climbing toward community
Stone Fort, also known as Little Rock City, nestled in the hills outside of Chattanooga, is one of the Southeast’s sought-after climbing spots. Part of the Triple Crown Boulder Series and home to hundreds of sandstone problems that attract both novice and experienced climbers.
Conrad Anker, professional climber, mountaineer, and POW Alliance & Board member, has climbed in the area and attended Rox Fest in years past.
“Stone Fort is world-class climbing. The rock is stellar and is enhanced by the tranquil forest setting. The temps are perfect at this time of year. Meet new friends, climb a variety of rock, and enjoy the other aspects of the event.”
Anker also highlighted the impact of the Memphis Rox mission. Many climbers begin in a gym setting, and that first experience can shape their relationship to the sport. Gyms like Memphis Rox create not just climbers, but community builders.
Phil Henderson, POW Board Member, Executive Director of Full Circle Expeditions, mentor, and featured speaker, summed it up simply: “Rox Fest represents a strong, inclusive group of climbers from around the country. Climbing brings people together. Memphis Rox plays a big role in that.”
Phil and Conrad’s words echo what Rox Fest is all about—not climbing harder, but climbing together. The weekend strips the sport back to its core: supporting your friends, laughing between burns, and building something that lasts longer than the send.
Join the action
If you want to get in on the action, there’s still time to buy tickets! Click below:
And don’t miss Memphis to Mountains, the new Hulu documentary highlighting the Memphis Rox story.
Author: Ollie Bowen
Raised in the Midwest but now proudly rooted in Vermont, Ollie has found home in the mountains, forests, and waterways of the Northeast. Whether climbing, camping, hiking, sailing, or snowboarding, they find joy and grounding in time spent outdoors. Before joining Protect Our Winters as Digital Marketing Coordinator, Ollie worked in Internal Communications at Burton […]
