The Inaugural Blk Out Fest was held from November 4 - 6th, a festival designed to celebrate, educate, and uplift black people in rock climbing and outdoor recreation. The weekend was packed with events, each focusing on different aspects of improving participant’s mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing through the sport of climbing. The Blk Out Fest called on prominent members of the community to lead clinics providing valuable lessons through a unique BIPOC lens, including a healing circle, photography classes, and outdoor bouldering lessons teaching climbing skills, sustainability tips, and more.
The atmosphere of the festival buzzed with excitement and comradery, with community led karaoke sessions, delicious food from local black owned businesses, and film screenings from talented members of the community keeping the good vibes rolling. With C4C Clifbar Leadership Grant recipient Tiffany Blount at the helm of this festival, the Blk Out Fest is on its way to becoming a staple event that provides a platform for the black community to shine bright in the outdoors.
Climbing for Change proudly sponsored the Blk Out Fest through the Clifbar Leadership Grant, an opportunity dedicated to supporting BIPOC leaders in the outdoor industry.
Event Photographer: Kayln Jacobs
Video by: L. Renee