Sandstone Climbers Festival

Sandstone Climbers Fest is back!

SAVE THE DATE! October 16th through the 18th, 2026.

In the tradition of the previous Save/Saved Sandstone events, the Sandstone Climbers Festival is the biggest, funnest outdoor rock climbing event of the year. This event is held annually to continue to build our community, relationships and do a little fundraising for the MCA - and have a great weekend of climbing and camping. There will be free discrete camping throughout Robinson Quarry Park, a Saturday night raffle, a ginormous bonfire, and, of course, climbing and tons of fun. At the end of the day Sunday, stick around and help clean up our beloved crag and park like the good stewards we are.

This event is great for folks new to Minnesotan climbing! Come get on the rock with us!

The 2026 Sandstone Climbers Festival
October 16, 17, 18

On the slate:

CLIMB + BOULDER
Spend the weekend exploring Sandstone's climbing and bouldering areas, find new projects, and meet new climbing partners and friends.

PADDLE ACROSS THE KETTLE
Float to the climbs!
Lake State Mountaineering will be bringing kayaks and a couple canoes to demo on the Kettle River, giving festival-goers a fun way to access the Eldon Bouldering Area.
Bring your crash pads!

CAMPING
Make a weekend of it!
Free camping in the park, courtesy of the city of Sandstone, will be available for festival attendees. First come, first dibs. Please be discrete.

SAUNA BY THE RIVER
North Shore Sauna will be setting up a couple sauna tents right along the mighty Kettle River. Warm up in the sauna and, if you’re feeling brave, cool off with a plunge into the river afterward!
North Shore Sauna is also donating a 2-person sauna tent to our fundraising raffle, giving one lucky winner the chance to take one home!

EXPLORE VENDOR VILLAGE
Meet outdoor brands, local organizations, and businesses that support Minnesota climbing. Check out gear, and connect with others in the outdoor community.

GEAR RAFFLE
We’re working hard to put together an awesome lineup of raffle gear from our festival partners and supporters. Stay tuned as we reveal what will be up for grabs! All raffle proceeds directly support the Minnesota Climbers Association 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and our continued work to protect, maintain, and support climbing throughout Minnesota.
Thank you!

COMMUNITY BONFIRE
When the climbing winds down, gather around the massive bonfire, swap stories, make new friends, and spend the evening with climbers from across Minnesota and the Midwest.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Friday, October 16
Come start the weekend early with free camping and a chill night with friends.
Join us at Sandrocks (421 Commercial Ave.) for a refreshing evening beverage.

Saturday, October 17
All day:
Open climbing, fun
River paddles
Sauna
Evening:
Community dinner - bring your own everything
Huge Raffle to support the mission of the MCA
Bonfire hangs

Sunday, October 18
All day:
Open climbing, have fun
Clean-up, leave Robinson Park pure and pristine

PARKING IN PARKING LOTS ONLY!

Save the date and invite your crew!

Stay tuned for updates!
More surprises TBA

Please say “Thank you” to the city of Sandstone and shop at local businesses!
Gas, groceries, refreshments? Grab them in town!

Cheers,
The Minnesota Climbers Association

2026 Sandstone Climber Festival Sponsors
Please support the brands that support our community
Thank you!