The third annual Rox Fest is scheduled to take place from November 7 to 9, 2025, bringing together a diverse coalition of climbers, activists, and community leaders at the renowned Stone Fort bouldering area in Tennessee. Supported by an empowerment grant from Protect Our Winters (POW), the three-day event serves as a critical intersection of outdoor recreation, social advocacy, and community fundraising. This year’s gathering is particularly significant as it is dedicated to the memory of Jarmond Johnson, a pivotal figure at Memphis Rox whose life and work embodied the mission of the organization.
The festival, which has quickly become a cornerstone of the Southeastern climbing calendar, combines high-level bouldering with a comprehensive cultural program. Attendees can expect a multi-faceted experience featuring camping, live music, art installations, and a vendor village. A central feature of the programming is the "Rox Talks" series—ten-minute, TED-style presentations delivered by professional athletes, community organizers, and industry innovators. These talks are designed to bridge the gap between technical climbing expertise and broader social and environmental issues, reflecting the holistic approach to the sport championed by Memphis Rox.
The Evolution of Rox Fest: From Concept to Community Staple
The origins of Rox Fest can be traced back to 2022, during a reflective conversation between professional climber Sam Elias and Jon Hawk, the Director of Operations and Partnerships for Memphis Rox. While attending Joe’s Valley Fest in Utah, the pair identified a need for a similar large-scale event in the Southeast that specifically mirrored the unique ethos of Memphis Rox. Their vision was to create a "premium climbing experience without the premium price tag," ensuring that the barriers often associated with outdoor festivals—namely cost and exclusivity—were systematically dismantled.
Since its inception, the festival has grown in both scope and influence. Memphis Rox itself was founded as a non-profit climbing gym in the Soulsville neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee, with a revolutionary "pay-what-you-can" model. This philosophy has been seamlessly integrated into Rox Fest. Rather than adhering to a rigid ticketing structure, the festival organizers maintain an open-door policy for those facing financial constraints. According to Jon Hawk, the registration process for those needing assistance is "not an application, but a conversation," emphasizing a commitment to dignity and inclusion.
Chronology of the 2025 Event and Strategic Partnerships
The 2025 iteration of Rox Fest represents a sophisticated logistical undertaking, involving coordination between local land managers, national non-profits, and corporate sponsors. The timeline for the event begins with the opening of the vendor village and basecamp on Friday, November 7, followed by a dense schedule of clinics and bouldering sessions through the weekend.
The involvement of Protect Our Winters (POW) through an empowerment grant highlights the increasing overlap between the climbing community and climate advocacy. POW, an organization traditionally focused on the snowsports industry, has expanded its reach to include the "trail and rock" communities, recognizing that the protection of outdoor spaces requires a broad and inclusive base of advocates. The grant provides the financial infrastructure necessary to keep ticket prices low while funding the diverse array of speakers and artists who define the Rox Fest experience.
Honoring the Legacy of Jarmond Johnson
The emotional core of the 2025 festival is the tribute to Jarmond Johnson. Johnson, a beloved employee of Memphis Rox, was regarded by many as the "soul" of the gym. His role extended far beyond traditional staff duties; he served as a mentor to local youth and a bridge between the sport of climbing and the South Memphis community. His sudden passing left a profound impact on the organization, and the decision to dedicate the third annual Rox Fest to him was a unanimous one among leadership.
"He is the reason why this place exists," stated Jon Hawk. "He is the mission. This year’s festival is for him. It’s our way of carrying the torch." By centering the event around Johnson’s legacy, organizers aim to remind participants that climbing is a tool for human connection and social progress, rather than merely an athletic pursuit.
Geographic and Technical Context: Stone Fort (Little Rock City)
Stone Fort, historically known as Little Rock City, provides the physical backdrop for the festival. Located on the grounds of the Montlake Golf Course just outside Chattanooga, Tennessee, Stone Fort is widely considered one of the premier bouldering destinations in the United States. The site is famous for its highly textured, weather-resistant sandstone boulders, which offer hundreds of established routes ranging from beginner-friendly "V-easy" problems to elite-level challenges.
The technical quality of the rock is a significant draw for the festival. Professional climber and POW Board Member Conrad Anker described the location as "world-class," noting that the "stellar" rock and "tranquil forest setting" create an ideal environment for both performance and community building. The timing of the festival in early November is strategic, as the cooler autumn temperatures provide the optimal "friction" required for difficult bouldering, attracting high-profile athletes like Anker and Phil Henderson.
Supporting Data: The Impact of Inclusive Outdoor Spaces
The mission of Rox Fest and Memphis Rox is supported by a growing body of data regarding the benefits of inclusive outdoor recreation. According to the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), while outdoor participation has reached record highs in recent years, significant disparities remain regarding race and socioeconomic status. Events like Rox Fest are designed to address these gaps directly.
- Economic Accessibility: By implementing a flexible pricing model, Rox Fest allows individuals from lower-income brackets to access gear, professional instruction, and community networks that are typically cost-prohibitive.
- Community Health: Research indicates that access to green spaces and physical activity like climbing significantly improves mental health outcomes in urban populations. Memphis Rox serves a neighborhood where such access was historically limited.
- Environmental Stewardship: Data from POW suggests that individuals who engage in outdoor recreation are more likely to support conservation policies. By bringing urban climbers to Stone Fort, Rox Fest cultivates a new generation of environmental advocates.
Official Responses and Industry Implications
The response from the climbing industry and community leaders has been overwhelmingly positive. Phil Henderson, the Executive Director of Full Circle Expeditions and a POW Board Member, emphasized the broader significance of the event. "Rox Fest represents a strong, inclusive group of climbers from around the country," Henderson noted. "Climbing brings people together. Memphis Rox plays a big role in that."
Industry analysts suggest that the "Memphis Rox model"—which prioritizes social impact over profit—is beginning to influence how other climbing gyms and outdoor festivals operate. The success of Rox Fest demonstrates that there is a high demand for events that offer more than just physical activity, providing a space for difficult conversations about equity, access, and representation.
The festival also serves as a platform for the documentary "Memphis to Mountains," currently streaming on Hulu. The film chronicles the journey of Memphis Rox members as they transition from the gym to high-altitude mountaineering, further cementing the gym’s reputation as a transformative force in the outdoor world.
Future Outlook and Broader Impact
As Rox Fest 2025 approaches, the implications for the Southeastern climbing community are clear. The event is no longer just a fundraiser; it is a proof-of-concept for a more equitable outdoor industry. By integrating high-level athleticism with grassroots social work, Memphis Rox has created a blueprint that challenges the traditional narratives of the sport.
The long-term impact of the festival will likely be measured not just in the funds raised for the gym, but in the enduring connections made between disparate groups of people. As climbers from across the country gather at Stone Fort this November, they will be participating in an experiment that asks a fundamental question: Can a sport historically defined by its barriers become a primary vehicle for breaking them down?
For the organizers, the answer lies in the continued participation of the community and the preservation of the values championed by Jarmond Johnson. As the "Rox Talks" begin and the first climbers head into the boulder field, the festival will stand as a testament to the power of a "whiskey on a rock" idea that has grown into a national movement for inclusion. Through the support of POW and the dedication of the Memphis Rox team, Rox Fest 2025 is poised to be a landmark event in the ongoing evolution of American climbing culture.