Nov 21, 2025 - Things to Do

Pennsylvania's largest rock-climbing gym is opening in Fishtown

Isaac Avilucea

A colorful rock climbing wall at Movement Gyms. — A Movement Gyms rock climbing wall. Photo: Courtesy of Movement Gyms

Just when you crest one peak, another rock-climbing gym opens in Philly.

Why it matters: Rock climbing is no longer just a cool-kid birthday-party staple — it's gone mainstream after becoming an Olympic sport and popping up in docs like "Free Solo."

Driving the news: Movement Gyms is opening a sprawling 41,000-square-foot facility in Fishtown on Saturday — Pennsylvania's largest climbing gym.

The gym is offering free climbing and rentals this weekend for its grand opening.

What to expect: The gym has a "desert canyon feel," gym director Garrett Koeppicus tells Axios.

With 42-foot walls splashed in natural light, the facility offers bouldering, rope climbing, yoga, a fitness center, a gear shop and classes for all skill levels.

Catch up quick: Movement Gyms runs a second location in Callowhill, which it acquired after it bought the Cliffs chain in 2023.

If you go: The gym is offering a discounted $54 monthly membership through the end of 2026 for anyone who signs up this weekend.

Typical monthly memberships run $109.

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Pennsylvania's largest rock-climbing gym is opening in Fishtown

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