The Municipality of Kalymnos encourages rock climbing by organizing the International Climbing Festival. The first festival was held in October 2000, and then again in 2004 and 2006. Famous and unknown climbers are welcomed to the festival. The International Climbing Festival of Kalymnos gives an opportunity for various climbers to meet, share their ideas and explore various routes. More than 600 people, including famous climbers and world champions, took part in this event the previous years. The enjoyment and thrill that climbers experience in these festivals often make them come back again to have that adventurous experience.