On a granite cliff overlooking a river about two hours west of Kyiv, hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts gathered for Ukraine's largest climbing and music festival, where adventure, live performances and community spirit provided a brief escape from the realities of war.

Held last week in the Zhytomyr region, the Stoned Climbers festival brought together more than 500 participants for rock climbing, camping, swimming and stand-up paddleboarding during the day, while live bands and DJs entertained crowds in the evenings.

Despite the festive atmosphere, reminders of the ongoing war were never far away. Visitors received repeated air raid alerts on their phones, soldiers on leave quietly mingled with the crowd, and organizers donated all proceeds from this year's event to support Ukraine's Azov Brigade. Unlike last year, however, no Russian drones or missiles flew over the campsite on their way to Kyiv.

The volunteer-led festival was launched in 2023 by around 15 friends inspired by the climbing culture of Yosemite National Park in the United States, where rock climbing has long been associated with camping, outdoor living and a close connection with nature.

Festival co-founder Dmytro Isaienko said they wanted to show that climbing is more than a competitive sport.

"We realized climbing could be much more than just a sport. It's a lifestyle connected to nature, camping and the mountains," said the 39-year-old.

The founders also wanted to make climbing more accessible rather than something only for elite athletes. Their first festival attracted around 150 people. This year, attendance grew to more than 500, most of them beginners or amateur climbers.

Isaienko said the festival has taken on greater meaning during the war by giving people a chance to reconnect, learn new skills and take a break from the pressures of daily life.

"People need to step away from the war for a while, leave Kyiv and spend time together," he said.

At the climbing site, instructors helped first-time participants put on harnesses, prepare their equipment and make their way up the 25-meter-high granite wall. Whenever someone reached the top, fellow climbers and spectators applauded their achievement.

Among the newcomers was 21-year-old Liliia Karpach, who traveled from Ukraine's western Lviv region to attend her first Stoned Climbers festival.

She said she wanted to climb on real rock again and meet members of the climbing community.

Karpach described climbing as both a physical and mental challenge and encouraged others to give it a try.

"If you're nervous about coming alone, bring some friends. Even if none of you has climbed before, you'll still enjoy the experience together," she said.

Instructor Andrii Lamei said helping beginners overcome their fears is one of the most satisfying parts of the festival.

While guiding a young woman through her first climb, he encouraged her to pause and enjoy the view after she successfully reached the top.

"Look around. Enjoy the moment. You made it," he shouted.

Lamei said climbing teaches people how to cope with stress and remain calm in difficult situations.

Although he dreams of climbing in places such as Yosemite and Norway, wartime travel restrictions prevent most Ukrainian men from leaving the country.

"I'd love to visit Yosemite and Norway's mountains, but I can't. Maybe this has taught me to appreciate what we have here," he said.

Isaienko believes that is exactly why events like Stoned Climbers are important. Even as the war continues, he hopes the growing climbing community shows that people can still build new traditions and enjoy life together.

"This is a festival for everyone, including those who have never climbed before," he said.

As more first-time climbers reached the top of the cliffs to loud applause, the festival reflected the steady growth of Ukraine's outdoor climbing community despite the challenges of war.