Presented by the Gunks Climbers Coalition & Mohonk Preserve
GunksFest V (2026)
The fifth annual celebration of climbing, stewardship, and community in the Shawangunks.
October 9–12, 2026
What is GunksFest?
GunksFest is the annual festival of the Gunks Climbers Coalition — an education-first gathering in the Shawangunks built around climbing clinics and workshops led by experienced local guides.
Clinics & Workshops
Self-rescue, anchor building, lead climbing, multipitch strategy, and more — taught by seasoned Gunks guides. See the full clinic schedule.
Vendors & Food
Gear makers, local makers, and food vendors on site throughout the weekend.
Evening Film Festival
Two nights of adventure films under the stars, plus guest speakers and panels.
Camping
New for 2026 — four days of camping on site, minutes from our climbing area and steps from the evening program.
Presented in Partnership
GunksFest is organized by the Gunks Climbers Coalition, in partnership with the Mohonk Preserve.
New Year, New Home
This year the festival spreads across two storied locations.
Ulster County Fairgrounds
Basecamp
Camping, vendors, and the evening program — the heart of the weekend. A short 15-minute drive from the cliff, and an even shorter one into New Paltz.
Mohonk Preserve
On the Rock
Daytime climbing clinics and workshops in the heart of the Gunks cliffs.
Stay & Play
Our all-access pass puts you on the grounds for the whole festival — with the film festival, vendor village, and speakers a short walk from your tent.
All-Access Pass
$250
- Camp with us Friday, October 9th through Monday, October 12th at the Ulster County Fairgrounds ($120 value)
- A four-day pass to the iconic Mohonk Preserve, with climbing privileges as a non-member ($100 value)
- Over a dozen clinics to choose from across Saturday, Sunday, and Monday daytime programming, plus access to even more premium clinics
- Round-trip bus transit between our camping and climbing areas ($50 value)
- Our full evening program — film festival, vendor village, and guest speaker and panelist presentations
- Easy walking access to everything, right from your tent
- RV hookups available for an additional fee
Ticket sales launching soon! Discounts will be available for volunteers.
What’s on the grounds
- Plenty of car and tent camping space
- Flush toilets and hot showers
- Food trucks
- Covered pavilion space
- 15 minutes to the cliff, even less to New Paltz
Evening Program
It wouldn’t be GunksFest without our annual film festival, and this year is no different. Anchored by the local premiere of the Laura Pineau and Kate Kelleghan film The Queen Swing, we’re bringing you two nights of awesome adventure films.
The films are the anchor, but the grounds stay busy all evening:
- Two nights of films
- Guest speakers & panels
- Vendor village
- Food trucks
- Contests with prizes
Stay in the Loop
Clinic schedules and tickets for GunksFest 2026 are coming soon. Email us to be the first to know.
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