The third annual Rox Fest is scheduled to take place from November 7-9, 2025, at Stone Fort in Tennessee, marking a significant milestone for Memphis Rox and the broader climbing community in the Southeastern United States. Supported by an empowerment grant from Protect Our Winters (POW), the three-day gathering serves as a multifaceted intersection of outdoor recreation, community building, and social advocacy. The event, which transitions the inclusive philosophy of the Memphis Rox climbing gym from an urban setting to the wilderness, features a comprehensive itinerary including bouldering, camping, educational presentations, and artistic exhibitions.
The Evolution and Mission of Memphis Rox
To understand the significance of Rox Fest, one must examine the foundational principles of its host organization. Memphis Rox, located in the Soulsville neighborhood of Memphis, Tennessee, was established as a non-profit climbing gym with a mission to challenge the traditional barriers to entry in the outdoor industry. Founded by filmmaker Tom Shadyac, the facility operates on a "pay-what-you-can" model, ensuring that financial status does not dictate access to the sport.
The concept for Rox Fest originated in 2022 during a conversation between professional climber Sam Elias and Jon Hawk, the Director of Operations and Partnerships at Memphis Rox. While attending Joe’s Valley Fest in Utah, the pair envisioned an event that could replicate the high-energy atmosphere of national climbing festivals while maintaining the core values of inclusivity and community support central to the Memphis gym.
Since its inception, the festival has aimed to provide a "premium climbing experience without the premium price tag." This is achieved through a sliding-scale registration system and a direct outreach policy. Hawk emphasizes that the organization prioritizes participation over profit, stating that the process for those facing financial hurdles is not a formal application but a conversation aimed at ensuring everyone who wishes to attend can do so.
Commemorating the Legacy of Jarmond Johnson
The 2025 iteration of Rox Fest carries a profound emotional weight, as it is dedicated to the memory of Jarmond Johnson. A former employee and a cornerstone of the Memphis Rox community, Johnson was widely regarded as an embodiment of the gym’s mission. His influence extended beyond the climbing walls, acting as a mentor and "big brother" figure to many young climbers in the Memphis area.
According to Jon Hawk, Johnson’s presence was a primary reason for the gym’s success in reaching the local population. "He is the mission," Hawk noted, explaining that this year’s festival serves as a "love letter" and a means of carrying forward the torch of his leadership. The tribute highlights the festival’s shift from a standard sporting event to a cultural reunion that honors the human connections forged through physical activity.
Stone Fort: A Geological and Recreational Hub
The choice of Stone Fort, also known as Little Rock City, as the festival’s venue is strategically significant. Located on the outskirts of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Stone Fort is a premier bouldering destination globally recognized for its high-quality sandstone formations. The site is a key fixture in the Triple Crown Bouldering Series and offers hundreds of established "problems"—the climbing term for bouldering routes—ranging from beginner-friendly to elite-level difficulty.
The geography of Stone Fort is unique, as the boulder field is situated on the grounds of the Montlake Golf Course. This proximity creates a rare logistical setup where participants can camp in an environment that bridges manicured landscapes and rugged wilderness. Professional climber and POW Alliance member Conrad Anker, who has attended previous festivals, describes the setting as world-class, noting that the "stellar" rock and tranquil forest setting provide an ideal backdrop for community engagement.
The timing of the event in early November is also intentional. In the climbing world, cooler temperatures are preferred for better "friction" on the rock, and the autumnal climate of the Tennessee hills typically provides optimal conditions for bouldering.
Programming and Community Engagement
Rox Fest 2025 has expanded its programming to include a diverse array of activities designed to foster skill-sharing and environmental stewardship. A central feature of the event is "Rox Talks," a series of TED-style presentations. These 10-minute sessions feature professional athletes, artists, and community leaders who share insights on topics ranging from technical climbing expertise to social justice and environmental advocacy.
The "Vendor Village" serves as a hub for the event, featuring gear repair stations where attendees can have their outdoor apparel patched or mended. This initiative aligns with the sustainability goals of Protect Our Winters, encouraging the longevity of equipment rather than the consumption of new products. Additionally, the festival incorporates local art through flash tattoo events, live music, and communal meals, all included in the ticket price.
Phil Henderson, Executive Director of Full Circle Expeditions and a POW Board Member, serves as a featured speaker at the event. Henderson, who led the first all-Black team to attempt a summit of Mount Everest, views Rox Fest as a critical platform for representation. "Rox Fest represents a strong, inclusive group of climbers from around the country," Henderson stated, noting that the event plays a vital role in bringing disparate groups together under a shared passion.
Industry Context: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
The rise of Rox Fest occurs at a time when the outdoor industry is grappling with a lack of diversity. According to the Outdoor Industry Association’s 2023 Outdoor Participation Trends Report, while outdoor participation is at an all-time high, ethnic and socioeconomic diversity still lags behind national demographics.
Memphis Rox and Rox Fest represent a grassroots response to these disparities. By situating a major climbing event in the Southeast and actively recruiting participants from urban centers, the festival challenges the "adventure gap." The inclusion of figures like Henderson and Anker provides a bridge between the traditional elite climbing world and a new generation of diverse outdoor enthusiasts.
The involvement of Protect Our Winters further contextualizes the event within the global climate crisis. By receiving a POW empowerment grant, Rox Fest is recognized as a vehicle for mobilizing the outdoor community toward climate advocacy. The partnership suggests that an inclusive community is a more resilient and effective force for environmental protection.
Media and Global Visibility
The story of Memphis Rox has gained national attention through the documentary "Memphis to Mountains," currently streaming on Hulu. The film chronicles the gym’s journey and its impact on the youth of North Memphis, illustrating how exposure to the mountains can transform lives. This media coverage has elevated the profile of Rox Fest, drawing attendees from across the country who are interested in the "Memphis Rox model" of community building.
The documentary serves as a broader case study for how urban non-profits can successfully navigate the outdoor recreation space. By showcasing the transition from indoor bouldering in a repurposed grocery store to outdoor bouldering in the Tennessee wilderness, the film reinforces the festival’s narrative of expansion and accessibility.
Broader Impact and Future Implications
As the third annual Rox Fest concludes, its impact is expected to resonate beyond the weekend of November 7-9. The event serves as a blueprint for other climbing organizations seeking to integrate social missions with recreational events. The "conversation over application" model for financial aid, in particular, offers a radical departure from traditional scholarship programs in the outdoor sector.
Furthermore, the economic impact on the Chattanooga and Soddy-Daisy regions is notable. Outdoor tourism is a significant driver of the Tennessee economy, and events like Rox Fest contribute to the state’s reputation as a hub for human-powered recreation. However, unlike traditional competitions that focus on individual performance, Rox Fest prioritizes the "collective send"—a term used to describe the mutual support and encouragement given to all climbers regardless of their success on a specific route.
In conclusion, Rox Fest 2025 stands as more than a climbing festival; it is a manifestation of a shifting culture within the outdoor industry. By honoring the legacy of Jarmond Johnson and maintaining a steadfast commitment to inclusivity, Memphis Rox continues to redefine what it means to be a climber. Through the support of organizations like Protect Our Winters and the participation of industry icons, the event underscores the belief that the strength of the climbing community is found not in the height of the peaks scaled, but in the breadth of the community invited to the base of the rock.