Highland Brewing to add climbing gym and outdoor retail store to on-site experience in 2026

Cultivate Climbing and Black Dome Outfitters to open alongside Pizza Restaurant at Highland Brewing in 2026

January 9, 2026, Asheville, NC — This year, three beloved Asheville, NC brands—Cultivate Climbing, Black Dome Outfitters, and Highland Brewing—will come together to create an unparalleled destination for adventure, community, and craft beer.

Black Dome Outfitters: A Legacy of Adventure

For more than 40 years, Black Dome Outfitters has been a trusted name in Asheville's outdoor community, offering expert guidance, curated gear, and a passion for adventure. From technical climbing equipment to camping essentials and apparel, the team combines deep product knowledge with personalized service to prepare outdoor enthusiasts for life on the trail or the rock.

In 2026, Black Dome will open at Highland Brewing, bringing its signature rustic vibe and the beloved Climbing Museum to a space that blends gear, history, and community. This move creates an opportunity to connect with even more outdoor lovers in a setting that celebrates Asheville's active lifestyle.

Cultivate Climbing: Building Community Through Climbing

Since opening one of the East Coast's first climbing gyms in 1993, Cultivate Climbing has been committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive space for climbers of all levels. Their original location has served as a hub for Asheville's climbing community for decades, fostering connections and helping climbers train for the region's stunning outdoor routes.

In 2026, Cultivate Climbing will open a 20,000-square-foot rope climbing facility at Highland Station. The new gym will feature 45-foot walls, a dedicated kids' area, fitness and training zones, bouldering areas, and two training boards, making it a premier climbing destination in Asheville, NC.

Pizza is coming to Highland Brewing in 2026

Highland Brewing will also debut an in-house pizza concept in 2026, adding a delicious new layer to an already vibrant atmosphere. Guests can expect New Haven'ish pies, hearty sandwiches, salads and other tasty offerings.

A Perfect Fit for Asheville, NC's Active Community

Highland Brewing is already a premier destination where craft beer meets adventure.

"We blend excellent beer with new ways for guests to experience Highland while supporting local businesses. It's more of what we love most about Asheville," said Leah Wong Ashburn, family owner and CEO.

Soon, guests can literally reach new heights, savor artisan pizza, shop, in addition to enjoying sand volleyball, disc golf, and live music — all at one 40-acre property, seven minutes from Downtown Asheville.

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Highland Brewing was founded in 1994 by Oscar Wong, a retired engineer and entrepreneur, making Highland the pioneer of Asheville's craft beer scene. Since 2016, the minority-founded company is proudly woman-led by Oscar's daughter, Leah Wong Ashburn. Highland is the largest family-owned brewery native to the Southeast, distributing beers across NC, SC, TN, and GA. Committed to quality and sustainability, Highland operates one of the largest solar arrays in the U.S. craft beer industry. The hilltop brewery welcomes visitors for limited-release beers, tours, live music, and private events—and will soon feature an outdoor retail shop, a rock-climbing gym, and a pizza restaurant opening in 2026.