Summer Community Nights

June 25, 2025

Summer Community Nights at Southeast Mountain Guides: Craft, Connect, and Celebrate Together


Summer in the Red River Gorge is magical—long days, warm nights, and a community of climbers and friends who know how to make the most of it. That’s why we’re so excited to bring you Summer Community Nights at Southeast Mountain Guides: a monthly gathering where we slow down, connect off the rock, and share good times together.

From June through September, we’re hosting themed evenings to create, play, watch movies, swap stories (and gear!), and of course—eat delicious food. Whether you’re a local, a weekend warrior, or just passing through, all are welcome.

Each night is free, casual, and open to everyone. Come for the crafts, stay for the friendships. 



June Community Night: Rope Rug Weaving

Monday, June 23rd | 6:00–8:30 PM (Instruction begins at 6:30)
📍
Southeast Mountain Guides, Red River Gorge

Whether you’ve got a coil of retired rope lying around or you just want to try your hand at a unique and functional craft, this evening is all about creativity, connection, and giving old gear a second life.

What to bring:

  • 30–40 meters of retired rope (or use some of our stash!)

  • Mix & match with a new friend for a two-tone rug

  • A snack or drink to share
    These are
    retired ropes only—no climbing on them after crafting!

This event is free, beginner-friendly, and guided. Expect a chill evening of weaving, chatting, and maybe discovering your inner rope artist.


🎬 July Community Night: Outdoor Movie Night

Tuesday, July 22nd | 6:30 - 8:30 PM (Movie starts at 8:00)
📍
Back deck of Southeast Mountain Guides

Join us under the stars for an outdoor movie night surrounded by the sounds of summer. We’ll be showing Flow — a stunning animated film that follows a courageous cat through realms natural and mystical after a great flood changes everything.

Bring:

  • A cozy chair or blanket

  • A snack or drink to share.
    We’ll provide the popcorn!

Let’s sit back, relax, and watch a little magic unfold on the screen.


August Community Night: Gear & Clothing Swap + Yard Games

Tuesday, August 19th | 6:00–8:30 PM
📍
Southeast Mountain Guides

Have some gently used outdoor gear or clothing collecting dust? Bring it along to swap with friends! And while you browse, enjoy yard games, music, and easy summer vibes.

What to know:

  • Limit: 10 items per person

  • Gently used, fully functional items only

  • No soft goods (no harnesses, dog bones, slings, etc.)

  • Don’t have gear to swap? Come anyway—but know you’ll pick last!

Accepted items:

  • Outdoor clothing

  • Climbing shoes, hiking shoes

  • Carabiners, belay devices

  • Packs, camping gear

  • Etc.

All leftover clothing will be donated!


September Community Night: Cultural Potluck

Tuesday, September 16th | 6:00–8:30 PM
📍
Southeast Mountain Guides

Let’s wrap up the summer series with a celebration of good food and shared stories! For our Cultural Potluck, we invite you to bring a dish that represents your heritage or a beloved family recipe that tells a story.

Bring a dish, drink, snack—or just a hungry belly.
All are welcome—no RSVP needed!

This is a night for full plates and full hearts as we close out the season in the best way we know how: together.


Whether you make it to one night or all four, we hope you’ll come celebrate summer with us. These evenings are a reminder that the strength of our climbing community isn’t just in the routes we send—it’s in the connections we build along the way.

See you there!


Weekend travelers hiking a ridge trail in the Red River Gorge canyon in Kentucky
By Nicole Meyer July 16, 2026
Your complete guide to planning a weekend at the Red River Gorge from Lexington or Louisville -- directions, where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and what to book ahead.
By Nicole Meyer July 6, 2026
We're excited to announce our 2026 summer photo contest! Do you have a shot from your latest climb, hike, or via ferrata adventure? How about a great Red River Gorge landscape photo? Show it off — and win a prize! We're looking for your best action shots, scenic overlooks, and candid moments from the trail or the rock. Whether you caught the perfect sunrise over the Gorge or your buddy sending a classic route, we want to see it. Prizes 1st Place: $100 + 2 Via Ferrata Passes 2nd Place: $75 3rd Place: $50 4th Place: $25 How to Enter Choose your best photo(s) from the Red River Gorge. Name your file with your name and email (example: JaneDoe_jane@email.com.jpg ). Email your entry to southeastmountainguides@gmail.com . Include your instagram handle if you would like to be tagged. Submit before the deadline: August 15, 2026. Judging Entries will be judged by a team of creative experts. Winners will be announced on August 31, 2026 and images will be featured on Southeast Mountain Guides website and social media pages. Entry Requirements & Disclaimer By submitting a photo, you certify that: The photo features only fully clothed and helmet-adorned people. You grant Southeast Mountain Guides unrestricted permission to use your submitted photo(s) on their websites and social media channels, including southeastmountainguides.com and climbredrivergorge.com. Good luck, and we can't wait to see what you've captured this summer!
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