Photo via Climb YEG
Rocktoberfest is coming up this September in Edmonton for four days full of all types of climbing challenges, camps, and competitions.
Climb YEG is known for its year-round dry tool climbing experiences in the city. If you aren’t familiar with the sport, dry tooling uses specialized ice tools and crampons on wooden walls and holds. According to Climb YEG, it actually operates Canada’s only outdoor dry tooling and sport climbing facility, right here in Edmonton.
This coming September, this facility is going to be bursting with energy for the annual Rocktoberfest festivities. Whether you’re climbing or cheering, this awesome community event is not one you’re going to want to miss. With music, food, beer and climbing activities all day long, there’s going to be no shortage of excitement at this festival.
This fest is going to take over four days, starting on Sept. 18 and ending Sept. 21. Throughout these days, there’s going to be a variety of different climbing workshops and competitions, not to mention things to explore for those coming to cheer the participants on.
In terms of the competition, the biggest event has got to be the Open LEAD Competition, or the Team Canada qualifier. For athletes looking to compete at the top level in Canada and qualify to compete for Ice Climbing Canada, you can pay $50 to enter, with the top eight men and women moving on to the finals.
All athletes competing in this will receive a welcome package and climb two routes in flash format for the qualification round.
Top Rope is another competition during the fest, which is targeted toward recreational dry tool climbers looking to compete for the first time. For $25, all athletes will climb two routes in flash format in the qualification round, with the top three men and women receiving prizing from Climb YEG.
There’s also an open competition for youth (ages 13 to 17), where $15 will get folks a chance at a prize.
If you’ve never tried dry climbing before, this is your chance to learn as well! There’s going to be a training camp held over the weekend, with pricing starting at $129. It’s designed for people of all experience levels looking to refine skills and technique while building strength. You’ll learn the fundamentals, but also build upon the skills you already know.
For exact times of the festival, as well as workshops and competitions, we’d suggest checking out Climb YEG’s website for those details. You’ll love this unique Edmonton festival’s energy.
When: Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, to Monday, Sept. 21, 2026
Time: Various times
Where: 9735 Grierson Hill NW, Edmonton, Alta.
Cost: Free
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