Your Joe’s Valley Fest Questions Answered
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
To help you get the most out of this weekend of climbing and camaraderie, we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about Joe’s Valley Fest. We’ve grouped the questions in categories to help you find what you’re looking for.
Ticket Information
Q: How do I buy tickets?
A: Get your tickets on Eventbrite for the Fest and add-on events, including the climbing clinics and local artisan events and experiences. You’ll also find some free events that require registration, such as yoga and breathwork classes, and an intro to outdoor bouldering clinic.
Q: What’s included in a ticket?
A: We offer multiple ticket levels so you can customize your weekend, but even our lowest ticket level includes a Fest t-shirt, free food at local restaurants, free camping in town, coupons to the museum, aquatic center, and a hayride ghost tour as well as more in the swag bag. In 2023, our swag bag included free chalk, head bands, beef jerky, coffee, climbing tape, and more! On top of that, our schedule is full of free events like the rodeo, a trade fair with local and outdoor vendors, and our famous raffle, plus you can get tickets to climbing and local experience clinics—be sure to check our schedule!
Q: Do I need a Fest ticket to access the athlete and local artisan clinics?
A: Yes, you do need to purchase a full Fest ticket to attend any of the clinics.
Q: What does my ticket money go toward?
A: The Fest is made possible every year through ticket sales, sponsors, and grant money. In addition to covering the costs of putting on the Fest, money from ticket sales goes directly to the local community and to support climbing in Joe’s Valley.
Ticket sales help us reimburse local businesses for the clinics and ticket vouchers they provide during the Fest, and it supports our community volunteer projects, such as painting the Castle Dale Senior Citizens Center and Orangeville City Park buildings. It also supports the other pillars of the Joe’s Valley Fest nonprofit: stewardship through the Joe’s Valley Coalition and youth programs, including the summer camps we launched this year.
Q: What if I can’t afford a ticket?
A: Every year, we offer pay-what-you-can tickets for those who truly can't afford a full weekend ticket, but quantities are limited. If you can, please support our nonprofit Festival, which gives back to the local economy and stewardship/youth programs. Free tickets are also available in exchange for volunteering during the Fest.
Info for New Attendees
Q: I’ve never been to the Fest before. What can I expect from the weekend? Can I come alone?
A: The Fest is a great way to meet people and find new climbing partners, whether you come alone or in a group. Our schedule is packed with fun events to help you get to know people throughout the weekend.
Q: I’ve never been to Joe’s Valley. How do I find out about the climbing areas? Where can I find showers and water fill stations?
A: Coming during the Fest is a great way to learn about the area, even if you’ve never climbed outside before, as it is easy to meet people familiar with the boulders. Our Guide to Joe’s Valley breaks down the three main climbing areas and suggests some classic problems you may want to try. The guide also answers your Joe’s Valley Fest questions about where to find local showers and water fill stations.
With your ticket to the Fest, you’ll receive a coupon to the Emery County Aquatic Center, where you can get a hot shower.
Q: I don’t have a lot of climbing or camping gear. Can I still enjoy the Fest without them? Do I need to bring a crash pad?
A: Stay in a vacation rental or motel if you don’t want to camp while you’re here. You can rent climbing pads at Food Ranch or Cup of Joes, both located in Orangeville. And if you come to the night bouldering meet-ups on Thursday and Friday, there will be lots of crash pads out. You can also demo shoes from Fest sponsors.
And you don’t need any gear to enjoy the artisan clinics and other social activities throughout the weekend. Check the jam-packed schedule for events from Thursday through Sunday.
Q: Can I bring kids to Joe’s Valley Fest?
A: You sure can! The Fest is family-friendly. For children aged 12 and under, choose the youth ticket for just $15. For children aged 13 and older, purchase a separate ticket for each attendee.
Q: Is the Fest accessible for people with disabilities?
A: The Joe’s Valley Fest takes place both in the local towns of Emery County (primarily Castle Dale and Orangeville) as well as on the surrounding public lands. Many of the local artisan clinics and other in-town events do take place in local businesses and facilities accessible by paved surfaces. If you have specific questions, please contact us info@joesvalleyFest.org.
Q: What’s the weather typically like in October?
A: October is a shoulder season, so temperatures are typically mild, with warm days and cooler nights. But precipitation can cause temperatures to drop. Pack layers, and be sure to check the forecast ahead of time because weather can be variable in this desert climate.
About the Fest
Q: Is the Fest only for experienced climbers?
A: The Fest is for everybody interested in climbing and Joe’s Valley. We have pro climbers, Joe’s Valley regulars, people who’ve only ever climbed in a gym, and absolute beginners. Bringing all these different experience levels together is one of the great things about the Fest!
Q: Will it be too crowded to climb during the Fest?
A: No. With so many roadside options in Joe’s Valley, you don’t have to head out too far to find an empty boulder. That said, if you’re looking to make friends while you climb or learn some beta for your project, you’ll have no problem finding that too.
About Joe’s Valley
Q: Where should I stay during the Fest?
A: You have a variety of options, from vacation rentals, RV resorts, and motels to camping at a campground or in your vehicle at the fairgrounds. Check out our blog post for top options on where to stay.
If you’re unsure of what you’re looking for, head to our Guide to Joe’s Valley for more information on your options.
Q: Where can I get food in the area?
A: Check out our blog post for where to eat while you’re in town. It covers grocery stores, local restaurants, and some of the food events taking place at the Fest.
Sponsorships, Trade Fair Booths & Volunteering
Q: How can my company sponsor the Fest or set up a booth at Saturday’s trade fair?
A: Contact us for more information about sponsorships and trade fair booths and any other Joe’s Valley Fest questions you have. We’d love to have you involved in this incredible weekend.
Q: How do I volunteer at the Fest?
A: Sign up to volunteer to check in attendees, assist with the athlete clinics, facilitate games, and more. Volunteers who help out for 6 hours will get a Fest ticket, including a shirt and swag bag, as well as a long-sleeve volunteer shirt. We appreciate your help! The Fest isn’t possible without the support of volunteers like you.
More Joe’s Valley Fest Questions?
If you have additional Joe’s Valley Fest questions, please contact us.