Beanfest

Beanfest is the longest consecutive running gathering of rock climbers. The semiannual event has run been going since the early 1970s. [Back Country Climbing in Southern Arizona. Bob Kerry 1997. 2nd Edition] Beanfest draws climbers primarily from southern Arizona, USA, but also sees many participants from across the United States.

The famous Phoenix Bouldering Contest, which during its 20 odd year run drew thousands of climbers to the Oak Flats campground in Queen Creek, AZ, was inspired by the Beanfest.

Beanfest remains a non-commercial event and draws a much smaller crowd of around 20-50 climbers twice a year. [Interview with Steve Grossman, early Tucson climber. http://climbaz.com/interviews/sg_part3.html]

References