Blk Out Boulderfest 2022

First Outdoor Company is a Black and woman-owned outdoor bouldering adventure and education business designed to create safe, educational and sustainable climbing experiences.

Blk Out Fest is a bouldering festival focused on celebrating and cultivating Black excellence in climbing. Held on the grounds of the Crash Pad in Chattanooga, Tennessee, this festival features a networking welcome party & mixer, games and activities, Black-owned art vendors, film screenings and workshops for creatives, athletes and entrepreneurs.

Festival Ticket includes:

• Access to festival activities Friday & Saturday (films, activities & workshops)
• Dinner on Saturday 
• Gift Bag
• 1 Raffle Ticket
• Free shuttle to/from Wauhatchie Boulders

Important Note: You will be required to sign a video/image release & event waiver upon entering the festival grounds. Must be 18+ to attend. 

WHAT TO EXPECT

Attendees can expect a safe and educational space for new climbers who are inspired experienced Black climbers. There will be intentional community discussions, Black-owned business vendors and films & guest speakers centering the Black climber experience.

WHERE TO STAY

If you are not able or interested in the retreat and staying at the Crash Pad, there are plenty of hotels and airbnbs in the Downtown Chattanooga area. A few hotels in walking distance to the Crash Pad include: Chattanooga Cho Cho, The Chattanoogan Hotel & Kinley Chattanooga Southside. 

PARKING & TRANSPORTATION

There is free street parking in the area after 6pm. There is paid hourly parking directly in front of the Crash Pad. The area is walkable and there are bike share stations and we encourage attendees staying in the downtown area to walk, bike or use car sharing.   

WHAT TO BRING

Just your fabulous self. Outside food and drinks are welcome! For those climbing at Wauhatchie boulders..we will only be supplying Crash Pads to participants of the retreat. 

MENTORSHIP DAY

On Sunday from 10am-2pm, we will be hosting a Boulder Buddy mentorship Trail Day with WeClimb Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain Conservancy and Southeastern Climbers Coalition. Mentors will be paired up with WeClimb mentees as we service the Wauhatchie Boulders. Use the event registration to sign up to be a mentor. Space is very limited. 

REFUND POLICY

There are no refunds! If you are no longer able to attend, you can transfer your ticket to another individual or try to sell it on our Blk Out Fest group.

ANIMALS

Pets are welcome on the outdoor festival grounds of the Crash Pad but not inside of the building. Services animals welcome in all spaces.

RAINOUT

This event is rain or shine. In the event of rain, festival activities will be held at Synergy Climbing + Ninja. *schedule subject to change. 

ACCESSBILITY INFORMATION

All festival activities will occur in the pavilion area of the Crash Pad. The grounds are grassy with paved pathways (smaller gravel may get caught in wheelchairs) There are no stairs at this festival. There are ADA restrooms inside of the Crash Pad (first floor) but the doors are not automatic. There is an attendant at the front desk who can assist with opening doors. We will not provide interpreters but anyone bringing an aide or support will not need to purchase additional tickets. We will do our best to work with all filmmakers to ensure there are captions for all films. Festival agenda will be provided digitally in advance and optimized for those with visual impairments.  

We strive to host an inclusive, accessible event that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, we ask that you please refrain from wearing strong fragrances. To request an accommodation or for additional inquiries about accessibility, please email blkoutboulderfest@gmail.com.