Blk Out Fest 2025

Blk Out Fest is a retreat-style bouldering festival produced by First Outdoor Company in partnership with Lookout Mountain Conservancy & WeClimb Chattanooga, focused on celebrating and cultivating Black excellence in climbing. Held on the ancestral and stolen lands of the ᏣᎳᎫᏪᏘᏱ Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), S’atsoyaha (Yuchi) Indigenous Tribes in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this festival features:

• A networking welcome party & mixer

• Games and guided activities

• Wellness and bouldering experiences

• A unique fellowship dinner celebrating Black climbers

🎟 Festival Ticket Includes

• Shared lodging (based on selected ticket type)

• Access to all festival events

• Climbing workshops and outdoor experiences

• Saturday dinner

• Breakfast on Saturday & Sunday

• Group shuttle to Offsite Festival Activities: Crag Kickback & The Downclimb Afterparty

• *Sunday lunch/snacks for conservation project participants

  
  

Important Note: You must be 18+ to attend and all attendees will need to sign our waiver & release form. Click HERE to preview the waiver. 

🧗🏾‍♀️ What to Expect

Blk Out Fest is a safe, educational, and eco-conscious gathering created for climbers of the African diaspora. It welcomes newer climbers transitioning to outdoor climbing by offering guidance from experienced peers, while centering community, conservation, and joy..

🗓 Schedule & Check-In

Check-in begins Friday, October 31 at 3:00 PM.

Check-out is Monday, November 3 at 11:00 AM.

Please visit the Schedule page for the latest updates. All registered participants will receive a full digital program via email.

🛌 Lodging Options

The primary festival site is private and gated and the location for our primary lodging option. The address will be sent upon registration and the gate code will be emailed 48 hours before the festival begins. Choose one of the following options at registration:

Bunkhouse (Shared Lodging)

• 8 beds per lodge (bring your own sheets, sleeping bag & pillow)

• Some lodges are accessible with ramps and attached toilet rooms

The Crash Pad (Private Rooms)

• Ideal for couples or small groups

• We’ve reserved the entire 2nd floor

• Private room registration closes Sunday, September 14 at 11:59 AM EST

Offsite / Local

• For Chattanoogans or those booking alternative accommodations

• Very limited availability

  
  

Questions about lodging? Contact us before registering.

🌱 Meals & Food Storage

All meals provided by Blk Out Fest are plant-based in alignment with our sustainability goals.

• Guests may bring their own snacks and beverages

• Shared kitchen access, refrigerator space, grill, and utensils provided

• Please clean up after use of kitchen space, including removing unused groceries

• Food trucks will offer vegan and non-vegan options

• Those participating in the conservation project on Sunday will receive a complimentary lunch

✈️ Getting There

Flying?

• Most affordable: Fly into Atlanta Airport (ATL) and use Groome Transportation Shuttle to Chattanooga or rent a car

• Closest: Fly into Chattanooga Airport (CHA) (15 minute drive to/from festival site)

  
  

Visit our Transportation page for more info.

🚗 Parking & Carpooling

• Free on-site parking for ticket holders

• You will be able to join our new Telegram channel to arrange carpools and coordinate rides after registering

🐾 Pets

• No pets allowed due to shared lodging

• Service animals are welcome — please note this in your registration

♿ Accessibility

For complete details, visit our Accessibility page. Have specific needs? Reach out — we’re happy to support your access.

💸 Financial Support

Need help attending? Fill out our financial assistance request form. While full coverage isn’t guaranteed, we’ll do our best to support those in need. Want to help someone else attend? Donate to our PayPal. Payment plans available!

🛑 Refund Policy

Tickets are non-refundable, but are transferable. If you can no longer attend, contact us to transfer your ticket or be connected with someone on the waitlist.

🌧 Weather / Rain Policy

Blk Out Fest is rain or shine! Activities may be adjusted for weather conditions.