University Presentation Showcase: Graduate Division

Economic Impacts of Rocktoberfest Climbing Festival in Eastern Kentucky’s Red River Gorge

Presenter Hometown

Betsy Layne

Major

Recreation and Park Administration

Department

Recreation and Park Administration

Degree

Graduate

Mentor

Dr. Raglena Salmans

Mentor Department

Recreation and Park Administration

Abstract

Rocktoberfest is an annual rock climbing festival held in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge. The festival began in 2001 and had over 2,000 participants in 2025. Regional festivals of this kind have previously proven a valuable source of economic activity in Kentucky and more broadly, Central Appalachia. In 2025, Rocktoberfest participant expenditures totaled $460K, supporting $116K in labor income for Red River Gorge region (which here includes Estill, Lee, Menifee, Powell, and Wolfe Counties) and Commonwealth residents. Results indicate nearly all participants elected to stay overnight in the region, spending $144 on food, retail, gas, and services and $28-$244 on lodging in the Red River Gorge Region during their visit.

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Economic Impacts of Rocktoberfest Climbing Festival in Eastern Kentucky’s Red River Gorge

Rocktoberfest is an annual rock climbing festival held in Kentucky’s Red River Gorge. The festival began in 2001 and had over 2,000 participants in 2025. Regional festivals of this kind have previously proven a valuable source of economic activity in Kentucky and more broadly, Central Appalachia. In 2025, Rocktoberfest participant expenditures totaled $460K, supporting $116K in labor income for Red River Gorge region (which here includes Estill, Lee, Menifee, Powell, and Wolfe Counties) and Commonwealth residents. Results indicate nearly all participants elected to stay overnight in the region, spending $144 on food, retail, gas, and services and $28-$244 on lodging in the Red River Gorge Region during their visit.