JACKALOPE BLOCK PARTY IS COMING TO VENTURA
May 2026, Ventura, California – The 2026 JACKALOPE Season is taking its official first stop on the West Coast with the Jackalope Block Party Ventura on May 1-3. Experience three days of elite Vert Ramp Competition for FREE, which will take place in the heart of Downtown Ventura. After gathering over 150,000 fans during last year’s events, JACKALOPE marks its historic California debut, cementing Ventura’s position as a world-class hub for action sports and key host for the 2026 series.
“Ventura has become a destination for action sports, and we are proud to welcome the Jackalope Block Party and attendees from near and far as it returns to the global stage,” said Ventura City Mayor Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios. “This event will showcase our coastal community and create exciting opportunities for artists and local businesses.”
Fans can expect big airs, great style, and technical runs from the best skateboarders in the world in both Open & Grom categories, competing for $22, 000 USD in cash prize, split equally between male and female riders. Beyond the high-flying action on the 13.5 ft Vert ramp, the crowd will find pop-up shops, live DJ sets, drinks and more exclusive experiences.
Meet the riders
Headlining this world-class roster is three-time JACKALOPE champion JD Sanchez, leading a field of confirmed athletes like Jada Ward, Egoitz Bijueska, Collin Graham, and Derek Scott, while a newly added Legends and Friends demo on May 2 will feature OGs like PLG, Bob Burnquist, and more, showcasing the sport’s timeless roots. This sets the stage for JACKALOPE’S new season format: the top winners in Ventura will earn an automatic, all-expenses-paid entry into the upcoming JACKALOPE stop: Virginia Beach.
“JACKALOPE Block Party is more than an event; it’s a vibrant, inclusive platform that connects youth, communities, and brands,” says Micah Desforges, Founder and CEO of TRIBU. “By inspiring activity, fostering self-expression, and uncovering talent, we create lasting impacts and strengthen local youth culture. As we expand into California, Ventura’s skate legacy and iconic coastal community make it the perfect inaugural stop, and we’re excited to partner with the city to start building a long lasting partnership.”
Sustainable travel to Ventura is offered by Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which serves Ventura, San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. Fans can get a 20% discount on their ride to the Ventura station during the event weekend. Attendees can also take the Metrolink to get to Ventura, and the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) Intercity buses and Gold Coast Transit buses also offer transportation to Downtown Ventura. A free bike valet managed by Bike Ventura County will be offered for those biking to the event.
Unable to join in person? No problem! The JACKALOPE Block Party will be broadcast via a global live stream. Hosted by renowned skateboarders Todd Richards and a special guest, the broadcast will show Ventura’s unique energy to viewers worldwide in real time.
“Jackalope Block Party feels like a natural fit for Ventura,” said Marlyss Auster, President and CEO of Visit Ventura. “We have a deep-rooted skate and surf culture, and there is a shared energy between Ventura and what Jackalope represents. It is exciting to welcome their first California event and see something that started in Canada come to life in our beach town. It is a free event in the heart of Ventura, bringing a first-of-its-kind competition to our downtown and opening it up for everyone to experience, while supporting local businesses and celebrating what makes this community so special.”
More for the fans
To elevate the weekend of those who thrive for adrenaline, JACKALOPE will also offer exclusive tiers like the Premium Pass that gives access to a viewing platform offering the best seats, or the Shredder Pass, a rare opportunity to drop-in on the competition Vert ramp and experience the feeling of skating it during the reserved sessions.Sustainable travel to Ventura is offered by Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, which serves Ventura, San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. Fans can get a 20% discount on their ride to the Ventura station during the event weekend. Attendees can also take the Metrolink to get to Ventura, and the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) Intercity buses and Gold Coast Transit buses also offer transportation to Downtown Ventura. A free bike valet managed by Bike Ventura County will be offered for those biking to the event.
Unable to join in person? No problem! The JACKALOPE Block Party will be broadcast via a global live stream. Hosted by renowned skateboarders Todd Richards and a special guest, the broadcast will show Ventura’s unique energy to viewers worldwide in real time.
“Jackalope Block Party feels like a natural fit for Ventura,” said Marlyss Auster, President and CEO of Visit Ventura. “We have a deep-rooted skate and surf culture, and there is a shared energy between Ventura and what Jackalope represents. It is exciting to welcome their first California event and see something that started in Canada come to life in our beach town. It is a free event in the heart of Ventura, bringing a first-of-its-kind competition to our downtown and opening it up for everyone to experience, while supporting local businesses and celebrating what makes this community so special.”
2026 Calendar:
- Ventura, California - May 1-3
- Virginia Beach, Virginia - May 29-31
- Mississauga, Ontario (CAN) - July 10-12 More dates may be announced in July.
ABOUT TRIBU
Tribu’s mission is to help organizations to connect with the youth and the young at heart by creating bold experiences that generate adrenaline and long lasting memories. We make sure our generation always has a place to celebrate, find inspiration, and experience the ultimate thrill. www.tribu.co.ABOUT VISIT VENTURA
Visit Ventura is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues, and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Ventura as a travel destination. For travel and accommodation information, or a free copy of the Ventura Inspiration Guide, the public can write to the Ventura Visitors Center (101 S. California Street, Ventura, CA 93001), call (805) 641-1400, visit www.visitventuraca.com, or email info@visitventuraca.com. Follow Visit Ventura on Instagram @VisitVentura or become a Facebook fan at www.facebook.com/visitventura.- 30 -
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Audreane Béland Côté, audreane@tribu.coVincent Blouin, vincent@tribu.co
Julie Madsen, julie@visitiventuraca.com
