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Your guide to North Massive, Indy’s biggest climbing competition and community festival

North Mass Boulder’s annual North Massive event attracts climbers from across the world + community members for a day of competition, entertainment, and fun for all ages.

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Pro tip: If you’re inspired by North Massive, you can sign up for group or private climbing classes through the gym.

Photo courtesy of North Mass Boulder

It’s time to send it. Local gym and community hub North Mass Boulder’s biggest annual event, North Massive, is returning on Saturday, Oct. 4. Here’s everything you need to know about the festivities.

What is North Massive?

North Massive is an indoor bouldering competition and festival designed to challenge, inspire, and unite climbers of all ages + skill levels, plus the greater Indy community.

Climbers can register to compete in five different climbing levels, with individual cash prizes up to $2,500 for the “open” (professional) category. But even beginners can take home $100 — the event includes a “friendly” category that will award prizes based on who seems to be having the most fun. Costumes + climbing with friends are encouraged, and you’ll get a Bingo card to add to the fun.

This year’s event features a cryptid theme, “highlighting the shadowy legends that people only whisper about, the wild creatures of suspicion and intrigue.” Climbers who dress in monstrous costumes will earn a score bonus. Here’s some inspiration.

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When you need to take a break from climbing or spectating, there’s plenty more entertainment outside North Massive.

Who is it for?

You don’t have to be a professional climber to participate in North Massive — or even a climber at all. Alongside the opportunity to watch and cheer on celebrity + local climbers, visitors of all ages can enjoy activities including:

  • Food trucks
  • Bounce houses
  • Mini-games
  • Live music from Milligan and Jessie Phelps
  • Face painting by Penny Copper Collective
  • Live DJ sets from Little Town, Action Jackson, Annie D, and Trilli
  • Midnight Monsters,” a limited-release brambleberry tart ale created in partnership with Sun King Brewing (21+)

Where do I park?

Parking is free in the gym’s back lot, but will fill up quickly, especially since the front lot will be fully occupied by bounce houses and food trucks. Consider using rideshare services, biking to the gym, or parking nearby along Roosevelt Ave., Columbia Ave., or 13th St.

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