APEX Grand Opening Festival

Climbing, spa, and café are all launching together that day, and we've packed the schedule with live music, competitions, giveaways, and a few surprises. This is APEX — the beginning of something we believe will become the heartbeat of this community.

Start the Morning Strong

The day kicks off at 8:00 AM with the Miles for Smiles 5K on the main stage at Wire Park — a community run that APEX is proud to sponsor as the Gold Sponsor, benefiting Fresh Wind Recovery. Whether you race or cheer, it's the perfect way to start the day with purpose.

From 9:30 to 11:30 AM, the party begins early at the Oconee Farmers Market with a pop-up climbing wall — a chance for kids and curious newcomers to get their first taste of climbing before the gym even opens. At 10:30 AM, the APEX gym doors swing open: tours begin, the café fires up, and a special community passport activity kicks off throughout the facility. Climbing. Spa. Coffee. All of it, for the first time.

Three Live Bands — All Day

The main stage comes alive at midday and doesn't stop until well into the evening. All three bands are sponsored by South Main Brewing Company — our neighbors and believers in what a neighborhood gathering place can be. And in the spirit of the occasion, South Main Brewing will be debuting their brand-new IPA right here at the Grand Opening: i.p.APEX Ale — a brew crafted to celebrate this very moment. Raise a glass, and welcome APEX to the neighborhood.

Ribbon Cutting & Community Ceremony

At 3:30 PM, we mark the official moment with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by Watkinsville Mayor Brian Broderick. This is the community that built this place — and this is their moment too.

The afternoon is also packed with climbing action: speed climbing qualifiers run from 12:45 PM, the Beat the Setter Challenge goes down at 4:30 PM, and Speed Climbing Finals wrap up at 5:00 PM. Giveaways, comps, and Opening Day exclusives are happening all day — along with new member bonuses for anyone who signs up on opening day.

The Lotus Yoga Open House runs from 12–2 PM — a perfect introduction to our partner in-house yoga studio, Lotus Yoga Wellness Studio, for anyone curious about the yoga and pilates offerings at APEX.

An Evening to Remember

As the sun sets over Wire Park, the magic keeps going. At 7:15 PM, the entire community gathers for a community drone photo — a literal bird's-eye view of this historic day.

Then at 7:20 PM, get ready for something truly special: the premiere of the APEX Film by Chris Greer Studio. This is a short film crafted by filmmaker Chris Greer that tells the story of a female climber pushing her limits. We are honored to premiere it right here, on opening night, surrounded by the community that inspired it. (Note: this short film is separate from the TV show also filming at the event — two very different productions, both pointing their cameras at something they believe is worth watching.)

At 7:30 PM, settle in for a Movie on the Lawn: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. And if that's not enough, from 8:00 to 9:00 PM, the gym lights go dim for Glow-in-the-Dark Climbing — a luminous close to an unforgettable day.