4:00 PM:Check In Opens + Weekend Kickoff Party
Participants must check in at the Registration Table in the Vendor Village. Have your ID ready.

Afterwards, browse our Vendor Village for fun contests, cold beverages, and to win stuff!

5:00 PM: Potluck Dinner, Silent Auction Opens
In the spirit of all midwestern gatherings, we want to celebrate our favorite climbing community coming together with a potluck by YOU!

Bring your favorite homemade dish, that secret family recipe you’ve been perfecting, or those Costco cookies you picked up last minute. We can’t wait to share our favorite meals with you! Food will be placed in our mess tent near the vendor village.

Thanks to our generous sponsors and community members, we have a bunch of amazing prizes lined up for you to win! Proceeds benefit your American Alpine Club’s work protecting wild places, educating climbers, and building community, so be sure to bid on some amazing items.

Silent Auction located by the main event tent. Auction closes at 8pm on Saturday!

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Maker’s Market
Can’t wait for the silent auction to end to get your hands on some sweet memorabilia? Visit our Maker’s Market near our mess tent to check out some talented local artists! 

• If you wish to apply to be part of the Maker’s Market, please complete the application form.

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Signups for Stewardship Project
If you wish to be part of the Wisconsin Climbers Association Stewardship Projects registration is required. Head to the WCA tent to sign up for the stewardship projects and give back to Devils Lake State Park!

5:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Midwest’s Best: A Talent Show
If there's one thing the Midwest should be known for, it's the hidden talent amongst our community members! Don’t let your time to shine escape you; let your supportive climbers cheer you on in the Devil’s Lake Craggin Classic inaugural Talent Show! Winner will receive a free entry to next year’s Devil’s Lake Craggin Classic.

*Registration Required

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM: "Contagious Resilience” with Conor Smyth
Hear how Conor Smyth – a longtime rock, ice and alpine climber, and an instructor with Devil’s Lake Climbing Guides since 2022 – relied on age-old Stoic philosophy, positivity and gratitude to remain fearless throughout the diagnosis and initial treatment of a rare and aggressive type of cancer.

7:00 PM - 7:30 PM: “Beyond the Climb” with Marcus Garcia, presented by Sterling & RAB
Mentorship has been a driving force in Marcus Garcia’s life's journey. This film and presentation showcases the far-reaching impact it has on generations of climbers. The effects ripple out, touching lives in ways we can't even imagine. It's about coming full circle, learning from our challenges as climbers, and using those lessons to make a difference beyond the mountain.

8:00 PM - 8:30 PM: “Caleb” Film Screening by Mountain Hardwear
Caleb Robinson spent a month living in France and climbing in Fontainebleau for his first international climbing trip. In part one ‘Boulder Playground’ Caleb explores both the woods and movement on the sandstone boulders that scatter the ground, all while rediscovering the balance in his personal climbing journey. In part two “Control Technique” Caleb spends time projecting the classic V10 in Bas Cuvier while talking about his process and philosophy of climbing.

9:00 PM: Silent Auction closes (for now)
Check back in tomorrow after clinics to continue bidding on some amazing deals for gear, experiences, and more from all of our wonderful sponsors. Remember, all proceeds benefit your American Alpine Club’s work protecting wild places, educating climbers, and building community, so be sure to come back tomorrow to bid on some amazing items!

9:00 PM: The Party Continues …
Be sure to check out any remaining vendors in our village, they might have a firepit and s’mores to roast! If you came in late, the Registration Booth will be closed for the night but be sure to come back in the morning before clinics to get checked in!

7:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Coffee by Just Coffee & Breakfast for All hosted by Chicago Mountaineering Club
We’ve got all your morning beverage needs covered thanks to Just Coffee! Just bring your mug as this is part of our no waste initiative.

The Chicago Mountaineering Club is volunteering their time and resources to provide breakfast to all Devil’s Lake Craggin’ Classic guests. Stop by the mess tent to fuel up for the day!

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Sunrise Yoga for Climbers Amy Kuether
A rock climber and runner for over 15 years, Amy found her way to yoga when struggling to heal and regain mobility after sustaining an ankle and lower back injury. In her practice and in her teaching. She has never looked back. In 2023, Amy completed her 200-hr yoga teacher training at Perennial Yoga with the aim of diving deeper and integrating yoga with climbing and life. Her classes emphasize mobility and core tension within a creative vinyasa flow and are accessible to a range of levels. In each class, you’ll move with your breath, find stillness, work your core a little, and have fun.

• Meet at Main Event Tent

8:30 AM | Meet at the Vendor Village for Clinics
Come prepared for the day with plenty of water, personal climbing gear, lunch, sunscreen, and a thirst for knowledge! Your clinic will meet at the sponsors’ booth in the vendor village.

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM:Stewardship Project with the Wisconsin Climbers Association
The first day of the WCA’s erosion control and step building at two sites below the East Bluff East Rampart project. The first site would be just below the "Pedestal Buttress" and the climbing route "Pine Box". This would be a new site that is in need of attention due to erosion from climber foot traffic. The second site would involve the continuation of efforts made to reduce soil erosion at a high traffic site just below the "Leaning Tower Gully". Both of these project sites would include efforts being made to transport by hand individual 5 gallon buckets of gravel from the pile site along the upper access road to the project site as well as moving large rocks via the use of "rock slings" in 5-8 person teams from various locations nearby the high erosion sites.

*Registration Required

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Climbing Clinics with Pros and Local Guides
Learning from those that are masters at their craft can seriously benefit your climbing. Sign up for a climbing clinic taught by professional climbing athletes and local climbing guides and up your game. Clinics descriptions will indicate any prerequisite skills. Clinics presented by Devils Lake Climbing Guides, and athletes from our generous sponsors!

Clinic descriptions and details below. Your clinic will meet at the sponsors’ booth in the vendor village.

9:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Workshops Options
Looking for something different (and free) other than a climbing clinic or meetup? Check out our options for free mini-workshops led by some of our amazing sponsors! Options listed below.

Registration required. More info below. Meet at the Main Event Tent.

Please note that this meetup takes place at the same time as clinics.

4:30 PM: Food Trucks Open for Business
Food trucks will have tasty food & dessert available for purchase!

5:00 PM Onward:Dirtbag Climber Throwdown Extravaganza Party
Gather the crew and howl at the moon! Enjoy some local brews and beverages, Vendor Village, Silent Auction, climbing games, and more! It's the climber party to end all climber parties. Dress up. Drink beers. Act weird.

5 PM: Silent Auction Opens (again)
We believe in second chances, so if you missed yesterday’s silent auction biddings now’s your time to shine! Thanks to our generous sponsors and community members, we have a bunch of amazing prizes lined up for you to win! Proceeds benefit your American Alpine Club’s work protecting wild places, educating climbers, and building community, so be sure to bid on some amazing items.

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Updates for 2024 with the Wisconsin Climbers Association
Join the Wisconsin Climbers Association as they provide an update on current projects and talk about plans to come.

7:00 PM - 7:30 PM: “Body of a Line” Film Screening by Arc’teryx
"Body of a Line" is a climbing film unlike anything you've seen before; Captured entirely in real life, this film kaleidoscopes 7229 frames of original artwork, music, and poetry. Arc’teryx athlete Madaleine Sorkin undertakes an intimate and creative journey to climb the most difficult rock climb above 13,500 feet in the world: the Dunn-Westbay Direct (5.14 a/b) on Longs Peak (Neníisótoyóú’u) in Colorado.

8:00 PM: Silent Auction Closes (for good)
Climbing gear, art, and more! Winners will be announced over the PA system to come pick up their merchandise at the main event tent.

8 PM - 9 PM:Weigh My Rack Climbing Trivia
Come hang out with the biggest gear nerds on the internet for a round of Climbing Trivia hosted by Jeff from WeighMyRack! Team up with your crew (or show up ready to make friends!) for this pub style trivia event, that includes a Final Gear-pardy round where you can bet it (and lose it) all.  We geek about ALL things climbing, some come ready to answer questions on everything from famous climbers, to current carabiners, to historical Devil's Lake ascents! Our trivia is built to educate and entertain, no matter your experience level. So come make new friends, flex those brains, and win fabulous prizes!

9:00 PM: Silent Disco Dance Party presented by Joshua Tree Skin Care 
Who doesn’t like a good old fashion Silent Disco Dance Party in the middle of a fruit farm at night? Oh, you haven’t experienced that yet? Well there's a first time for everything! Who knows, your incredible dance moves might even win you a prize ;)

7:00 AM - 8:30 AM: Coffee by Just Coffee & Breakfast for All hosted by Climbers for Christ

We’ve got all your morning beverage needs covered thanks to coffee from Just Coffee! Just bring your mug as this is part of our no waste initiative.

Climbers for Christ is volunteering their time and resources to provide breakfast to all Devil’s Lake Craggin’ Classic guests. Stop by the main event tent to fuel up for the day!

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM | Sunrise Yoga for Climbers Amy Kuether (BYO-Yoga Mat)
Meet at Main Event Tent

A rock climber and runner for over 15 years, Amy found her way to yoga when struggling to heal and regain mobility after sustaining an ankle and lower back injury. In her practice and in her teaching. She has never looked back. In 2023, Amy completed her 200-hr yoga teacher training at Perennial Yoga with the aim of diving deeper and integrating yoga with climbing and life. Her classes emphasize mobility and core tension within a creative vinyasa flow and are accessible to a range of levels. In each class, you’ll move with your breath, find stillness, work your core a little, and have fun.

9:00 AM – 1:00 PM:Stewardship Project with the Wisconsin Climbers Association
The second day of the WCA’s erosion control and step building at two sites below the East Bluff East Rampart project. The first site would be just below the "Pedestal Buttress" and the climbing route "Pine Box". This would be a new site that is in need of attention due to erosion from climber foot traffic. The second site would involve the continuation of efforts made to reduce soil erosion at a high traffic site just below the "Leaning Tower Gully". Both of these project sites would include efforts being made to transport by hand individual 5 gallon buckets of gravel from the pile site along the upper access road to the project site as well as moving large rocks via the use of "rock slings" in 5-8 person teams from various locations nearby the high erosion sites.  

Pre-requisites: Some previous climbing experience recommended.

Projecting difficult routes can be both exciting and incredibly daunting. While the physical task at hand is typically the most obvious hurdle, often times projecting involves psychological obstacles that can be much harder to overcome. In this clinic, Kai plans on sharing his experiences with projecting routes above his level, and sharing some of the tips and advice he's learned that have help him perfect this process.

Equipment Required: Personal Climbing Equipment (Rope, Helmet, Harness, Chalk, Shoes, etc.)

Pre-Requisites: Some previous climbing experience recommended

Anchor building is a fundamental skill for every outdoor climber. Unlike many other climbing areas, Devil’s Lake does not feature bolted anchors; we climbers must build our own! If you’ve never slung a tree or you don’t know a BHK from an HMS, join La Sportiva's Anna Pfaff and DLCG lead instructor Mark Grman for an introduction to simple anchors using natural elements (trees and boulders) as primary protection. You will learn safe, secure systems for building traditional natural anchors, including background on the equipment and knots involved and modern techniques for rigging using natural protection. Those familiar with old-school traditional anchors may enjoy gaining familiarity with new, modern approaches to systems and rigging techniques. All students will have opportunities to set a number of anchors and receive peer and instructor feedback. Note: This course will focus on natural protection (trees, boulders) only and will not involve placing fabricated hardware like cams, nuts, etc.

Equipment Required: Personal climbing equipment including harness, helmet, personal anchor and belay device, closed-toed hiking shoes, lunch/snacks/calories, plenty of water, a 30 - 40L backpack, and climbing clothing appropriate for weather conditions. If you have your own rigging material (40 - 100’ static line, 6 - 8 carabiners, 1-2 48” slings) we encourage you to bring it as instructors will have limited amounts to share and you’ll have the opportunity for hands-on training with it.

Pre-Requisites: Minimum 1-2 years of climbing experience. Experience or desire to climb multi-pitch climbs. Familiarity with belaying from above.

Stop. Breathe. Figure out where you are and where you want to be. Whatever the reason, you need to retreat or initiate a rescue. By carrying a limited amount of specific (but not overly specialized) gear and understanding basic knots and skills, climbers can safely perform retreats and rescues. This clinic covers the gear, the knots and the basic skills that form this foundation for improvised rescue. We have limited the mandatory gear to only gear that climbers would normally carry and the skills apply to real life retreat and rescue scenarios that could be encountered during multi-pitch climbs. We will provide every participant with a Hollowblock and Nano 22 carabiner*

Equipment Required: 3 Locking Carabiners, 3 Non-locking Carabiners, 1 Auto-blocking belay device (CAMP Piu, Petzl Reverso, Black Diamond ATC Guide, etc…), 1 120cm sewn sling (Dyneema, Nylon, or otherwise), 1 Sterling Hollowblock.

Climbing Pre-Requisites: Some previous climbing experience recommended. Participants must identify as woman, non-binary, trans, or genderfluid and be comfortable in spaces that center around the experiences of women.

Anchor building is a fundamental skill for every outdoor climber. Unlike many other climbing areas, Devil’s Lake does not feature bolted anchors; we climbers must build our own! If you’ve never slung a tree or you don’t know a BHK from an HMS, join Sterling Athlete Genevive Walker + DLCG lead instructor Angie Limbach for an introduction to simple anchors using natural elements (trees and boulders) as primary protection. You will learn safe, secure systems for building traditional natural anchors, including background on the equipment and knots involved and modern techniques for rigging using natural protection. Those familiar with old-school traditional anchors may enjoy gaining familiarity with new, modern approaches to systems and rigging techniques. All students will have opportunities to set a number of anchors and receive peer and instructor feedback.

Equipment Required: Personal climbing equipment including harness, helmet, personal anchor and belay device, closed-toed hiking shoes, lunch/snacks/calories, plenty of water, a 30 - 40L backpack, and climbing clothing appropriate for weather conditions. If you have your own rigging material (40 - 100’ static line, 6 - 8 carabiners, 1-2 48” slings) we encourage you to bring it as instructors will have limited amounts to share and you’ll have the opportunity for hands-on training with it.

Pre-Requisites: Previous climbing and traditional anchor building experience recommended.

There is a lot of complicated information out there about anchor systems! So let's learn to spot the "good from the bad" and what is essential in your system. In this clinic, professional climber Marcus Garcia will explain basic anchors systems, discuss what matters most when building anchors, and how to keep a team secure on climbs. This clinic focuses on the simplicity of anchors and will help answer questions about using different anchor setups. Participants will walk away with new knowledge, regardless of their experience levels!

Equipment Required: Personal climbing equipment including harness, helmet, personal anchor and belay device, closed-toed hiking shoes, lunch/snacks/calories, plenty of water, a 30 - 40L backpack, and clothing appropriate for weather conditions. If you have your own rigging material (40 - 100’ static line, 6 - 8 carabiners, 1-2 48” slings) we encourage you to bring it as instructors will have limited amounts to share and you’ll have the opportunity for hands-on training with it.

Pre-Requisites: Solid belay skills are a must. Experience placing gear and building anchors and leading sport climbs is highly recommended.. Experienced traditional lead climbers might enjoy a refresher and feedback from the instructor, but this clinic focuses on introducing trad climbing to a newer audience.

The biggest reason to learn trad is the vast opportunities the skill opens to climb both in your backyard and around the globe. Join long-time trad climber and owner of Devils Lake Climbing Guides Nick Wilkes along with Brian Foster for this solid introduction to traditional lead climbing. In this clinic, we’ll teach real world skills to climb real world traditionally protected climbs. We’ll focus on grades that help you learn to place sound protection, manage a rope line, and route-find all while keeping a cool lead head.

Equipment: Personal climbing equipment including shoes, harness, helmet, personal anchor and belay/rappel equipment, closed-toed hiking shoes, lunch/calories, hydration, and appropriate climbing clothing. Please bring a rack of hardware/protection if you have one, as instructors will have a limited amount of gear to share.

Presented by DLGC.

Guides: Carrie Van Lanen, Sarah Geers, Mallory Jasicki

Pre-Requisites: Solid belay skills are a MUST. Experience placing gear, building traditional anchors and leading sport climbs is highly recommended. Experienced traditional lead climbers might enjoy a refresher and feedback from the instructor, but this clinic focuses on introducing trad climbing to a newer audience. Participants must identify as woman, non-binary, trans, or genderqueer and be comfortable in spaces that center around the experience of women.

The biggest reason to learn trad is the vast opportunities the skill opens to climb both in your backyard and around the globe. Join DLCG instructors Sarah Geers and Carrie Van Lanen to break into new terrain in a safe, welcoming learning environment for folks that identify as women, non-binary, trans, or genderqueer. In this clinic, we’ll teach real world skills to climb real world traditionally-protected climbs. We’ll focus on grades that help you learn to place sound protection, manage a rope line, and route-find all while keeping a cool lead head.

Equipment Required: Personal climbing equipment including shoes, harness, helmet, personal anchor and belay/rappel equipment, closed-toed hiking shoes, lunch/calories, hydration, and appropriate climbing clothing. Please bring a rack of hardware/protection if you have one, as instructors will have a limited amount of gear to share.

Guide: Tyler Davis, Dan Bedoya

Pre-Requites: None

Feeling flat-footed at the gym or crag? Stuck at a plateau you’d like to leave behind? Join DLCG instructors and coaches Tyler Davis and Dan Bedoya for a technique-focused climbing day where you’ll improve your movement skills and change how you think about climbing. Your instructors will help you refine your existing abilities, identify and correct problematic practices, and offer advice for your personal climbing technique. Concepts will include managing power, creating flow, improving footwork, maintaining center of gravity, using body tension, and understanding static and dynamic movement. One day of focused practice will definitely help you climb harder and more gracefully!

Equipment Required: Personal climbing equipment including climbing shoes, harness, helmet, personal anchor and belay device, closed-toed hiking shoes, lunch/snacks/calories, plenty of water, a 30 - 40L backpack, and climbing clothing appropriate for weather conditions. Reach out to us if you need to borrow any gear.

Presented by DLCG.

Pre-Requisites: Previous indoor climbing experience recommended.

Devil’s Lake is a mecca for anyone psyched on bouldering, but it isn’t the easiest place to start. Lake problems trend toward the stiff end, locations are often difficult to find, and landings are often irregular, sharp and unforgiving. Sound like fun? We think so too! Join Kyle Harding and Kathryn Bernard to learn the local knowledge and skills. This clinic helps you transition your gym bouldering game to the quartzite boulders of Devils Lake. You’ll visit the Lake’s most accessible bouldering area, discuss and practice pad placement and spotting techniques, and gain tips on how to climb that slick, sick(!) purple quartzite.

Equipment Required: Personal climbing equipment including climbing shoes, sandals, closed-toed hiking shoes, lunch/snacks/calories, plenty of water, a 20-30L backpack, chalk, and climbing clothing appropriate for weather conditions.. Please bring a crash pad or two, if you own any!

If physical disabilities or limitations make it difficult to participate in other clinics, this is the place for you! The instructor team is stacked with supportive, experienced instructors ready to offer personalized assistance. Join local adaptive climbing coordinator and DLCG Lead instructor Kat Floyd and her team for a day of top-rope climbing, rappelling, and camaraderie on the East Bluff. Clinic participants will complete a questionnaire upon registration to help determine the assistance they need to have a comfortable day climbing outside, and Jason or Kat will coordinate a plan for success. Additional support provided includes: • assistance accessing the climbing area through a drive-up access permit and vehicle shuttle • specialized harnesses that provide support for all mobility levels • other specialized equipment that allows for a more comfortable climbing experience, • personalized additional support as needed We understand that some folks may have tight budgets and need assistance with clinic and weekend fees. If you need financial assistance, please reach out to Kat Floyd

Equipment Required: Personal mobility equipment, closed-toed hiking shoes (if applicable), lunch/snacks/calories, plenty of water, and climbing clothing appropriate for weather conditions. Please bring personal climbing equipment (harness, helmet, climbing shoes, belay device) if you have it.

Saturday, 1pm - 5pm, Meet at Main Event Tent

What do you do when things go wrong and you have to ascend or descend a rope to deal with the situation? What if you don't have ascenders to go up a rope, or you've dropped your belay device and need to rappel or belay your partner? Can you improvise a working system with whatever is on your harness? This hands-on clinic will go over different solutions for such scenarios and give you the tools and guidance to learn about and practice a number of improvised methods.

Required gear: harness, belay device, sling or other type of dedicated personal anchor equipment, some small and large locking carabiners

Optional gear (please bring if you have): Gri-gri or equivalent assisted braking device, guide mode belay device, prusik cord/hollow block, some single and double length slings, a pair of quickdraws, and some non-locking carabiners

Skill level: Intermediate; participants should have prior outdoor climbing and rappelling experience

Spaces available: 8

Saturday, 2pm - 5pm, Meet at Main Event Tent

This is a gear repair basic workshop that will go over basics of gear maintenance, repair and upcycle. From how to refluff down, patch puffers, stitch holes closed, unstick zippers and so much more! 

Required Gear: Ideally bring a puffer that has a small rip and or a pair of cotton/ canvas pants or canvas/ jean jacket with a tear or hole. 

Skill Level: No prerequisites 

Spaces available: 10