Boulder Union Climbing and Fitness Opens Free for Global Climbing Day on July 18

New Bedford’s only all-bouldering gym invites first-timers to climb for free, the same day the Roots and Branches Festival fills downtown.

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. On Saturday, July 18, Boulder Union Climbing and Fitness will open its doors for free to everyone for the day. From 10AM to 4PM, anyone can climb at no cost, with short intro lessons running every hour on the hour for anyone trying it for the first time. No experience needed. Climbing shoes and chalk are free to use all day.

The climbing gym sits inside the former New Bedford Institution for Savings, a downtown architectural landmark at 174 Union Street. Marble walls, original stained glass, and the old vault doors are all still in place. It is one of the most beautiful climbing gyms in the country.
Global Climbing Day is about creating real experience, in real life. Putting the phones down and doing something that involves physical and mental challenges. Plus the benefit of meeting new people.

“Climbing pulls people out of their heads and into the room. You come in nervous, you leave feeling stronger, and most people make a friend on the way out. That is the whole point.” – Evan Hanson, Co-founder and Routesetter

Anyone new to the gym who climbs that day starts a free two-week trial, so a first visit can turn into two weeks of climbing. The day also marks the launch of Boulder Union’s member wall, a growing board of Polaroids of the people and members who make up the gym.
The timing suits downtown. July 18 is also the Saturday of the NB Roots and Branches Festival, the free music and arts festival that draws thousands to the neighborhood. Boulder Union sits a short walk from the stages.

About Boulder Union
Boulder Union is Downtown New Bedford’s only all-bouldering gym. It offers 3,500 square feet of climbing, an upstairs training room and fitness area, classes, and youth and community programming, owner-operated in the heart of downtown at 174 Union Street. More at boulderunion.com Æ Æ˘≤ij9om,l.
Event details: Global Climbing Day · Saturday, July 18 · 10AM to 4PM · Free Climbing For Everyone · 174 Union Street, New Bedford • Free Parking in our lot