Newcastle to Host Major International Skateboarding Event

18 February 2025

newy.com.au – Newcastle is set to become a hotspot for skateboarding enthusiasts as the internationally renowned Jackalope Block Party makes its debut outside North America. The action-packed festival will take over South Newcastle Skate Park in November 2025, bringing elite athletes, live entertainment, and an opportunity for local talent to shine on the world stage.

Backed by City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rate (SBR) funding, the two-day festival will showcase world-class skateboarding, thrilling competitions, live DJ sets, and a selection of food trucks. But the excitement doesn’t stop there, local skaters will also have a unique opportunity to earn a Golden Ticket to compete in the USA.

Festival organiser Sally Hill from Canvas Events said the Jackalope Block Party is about more than just competition, it’s about fostering grassroots talent.

“Our block parties are designed to uncover raw talent and provide opportunities for local skaters to make their mark internationally,” she said.
“We’re expecting up to 10,000 people to attend across the two-day event, which will put South Newcastle Skate Park in the global spotlight.”

Jackalope Founder and CEO Micah Desforges said Newcastle’s creative and passionate community made it the ideal destination for their first international event.

“This is more than just a competition—it’s a launchpad for the next generation of skateboarding talent,” he said. “We couldn’t think of a better place to kick off Jackalope’s journey beyond the USA and Canada.”

The Jackalope Block Party is one of 11 initiatives supported in the latest round of City Centre and Darby Street SBR funding, with nearly $900,000 allocated to events aimed at boosting Newcastle’s business precincts.

City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager for Media Engagement, Economy and Corporate Affairs, Nick Kaiser, said the funding process prioritises innovative proposals that increase visitation and support local businesses.

“These events bring people into the city and create vibrant experiences that benefit the local economy,” Mr Kaiser said. “Returning favourites like Shakespeare Under the Stars, Newcastle Food Month, and the West Best Bloc Fest have already proven successful in drawing crowds.”

Councillor Jenny Barrie, Chair of the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee, said the city is eager to see how new events, including the Darby Street Festival and the 100th anniversary of the Star Hotel celebration, resonate with the community.

“If the Jackalope Block Party proves to be a hit, we’ll look at securing an even bigger version in future, incorporating more extreme sports like bouldering, BMX, and surfing,” she said.

With Jackalope’s social media channels attracting more than three million views in 2023, the festival promises to shine a global spotlight on Newcastle while inspiring a new generation of athletes.

Other initiatives supported by the City Centre/Darby Street SBR funding include:

Newcastle Food Month – Showcasing the city’s best hospitality throughout April.
Conscious Couture Festival – A vintage fashion event celebrating sustainability.
WinterHeat CITYWIDE! – A vibrant winter activation to bring life to the city during quieter months.
Kindle Wellbeing Festival – A wellness-focused event celebrating creativity and mental health.
West Best Bloc Fest – A multi-venue live music festival featuring over 100 local artists.
Darby Street Festival – A community-driven celebration with live entertainment.
Acquist by Flipside Dance – Free professional dance performances in Civic Park.
100 Years of the Star Hotel – A three-day festival honouring the Star Hotel’s milestone anniversary.