If you are looking for some recreational outdoor fun this weekend then look no further, make plans to attend the Las Cruces Climbing Festival, September 25-28.
The festival kicks-off Wednesday at 5 p.m., as professional rock climbers Nick Duttle and Sam Davis share their techniques, experiences and demonstrate the latest in climbing gear. They will also show a slideshow of some of their climbing adventures. This event takes place at New Mexico State University’s student activity center located at 1600 Stewart Street.
Activities continue Thursday evening with an old-fashion street festival at the downtown mall. There will be several food vendors as well as art & crafts booths. There will be live musical entertainment beginning at 5 p.m., performing are Bourbon Legend, Damn Union and Highnooners. Also, festival goers can attend the showing of the Reel Rock Film Tour inside the Rio Grande Theatre, tickets are $5 and the show begins at 7 p.m.
The Aggie Shootout Climbing Competition begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Participants can register in one of five categories, Youth (under 14), Master’s (over 40), Recreation (VO-V2), Intermediate (V3-V4), and Advanced (V5 and up). The top three climbers in each category are awarded prizes.
Sunday includes free outdoor activities, such as a kids climbing clinic at the university, sports climbing at the Rough and Ready Hills with OMTRS. There is also Bouldering at Hueco Tanks with Sessions Climbing, LLC and Wagon Wheel Co-opt. There is also a free hike to the brand new Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument.
There is a $25 registration fee for the climbing competition. The event is sponsored by the New Mexico State University Outdoor Recreation Department. For more information, please call 575-646-4047.