Newcastle is set to welcome a major international skateboarding event this November when the Jackalope Block Party makes its Australian debut at South Newcastle Skate Park.
With support from City of Newcastle’s Special Business Rate (SBR) funding, the festival will bring elite skateboarders to town for high-stakes competitions, alongside live DJ sets, food trucks, and skateboarding demonstrations. This marks the first time the renowned event will be held outside North America.
The festival isn’t just about showcasing top-tier talent, it’s also a platform for discovering and promoting local skaters. Novocastrians will have the chance to win a trip to compete in USA, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent their city on an international stage.
Organisers expect up to 10,000 spectators over the two-day festival, boosting local businesses and solidifying Newcastle’s reputation as a hub for action sports.
City of Newcastle’s latest SBR funding round has allocated almost $900,000 to various initiatives aimed at enhancing business precincts, with the Jackalope Block Party among 11 successful projects.
Other funded events include Newcastle Food Month, West Best Bloc Fest, and the Darby Street Festival, all designed to increase visitation and support local commerce.
If the Jackalope event proves successful, Newcastle could secure a future four-day version of the festival, incorporating sports like BMX, bouldering, and surfing.
The Jackalope Block Party aims to inspire participants to embrace an active lifestyle while using eco-friendly practices to minimise environmental impact.
Given Jackalope’s extensive online reach, with over three million social media views in 2023, Newcastle will receive significant global exposure as a destination for high-energy cultural events.
Whether it’s skateboarding at South Newcastle, vintage fashion at the Conscious Couture Festival, or live music at the West Best Bloc Fest, the city continues to position itself as a dynamic cultural hotspot. Check out the full list of SBR City Centre and Darby Street recipients by heading to newcastle.nsw.gov.au.
