5 Things You Have to Do at JACKALOPE Block Party Ventura

If you haven’t heard yet, JACKALOPE Block Party Ventura is officially taking over Downtown Ventura—and it’s bringing serious energy with it.

From May 1–3, a massive VERT ramp will be set up on California & Main Street, bringing an adrenaline-packed block party centered around world-class skateboarders, live DJs, and a whole lot of community spirit. The best part? It’s completely free to attend.

Whether you’re a die-hard skate fan or just looking for something exciting to do by the beach, here are five can’t-miss ways to experience JACKALOPE Block Party Ventura.

1. Watch the Competitions (aka the main event)

This is what JACKALOPE is all about. Looking up in the sky and watching athletes soar above you!

The weekend features elite vert ramp competitions with some of the best skateboarders in the world throwing down big airs, technical tricks, and style for a shot at a $22,000 prize purse, split equally between female and male riders. Expect both Open and Grom categories, so you’ll see rising young talent alongside seasoned pros.

2. Don’t Miss the Legends Demo

If you want to witness skateboarding history in motion, this is it.

The Legends & Friends demo brings iconic names like Bob Burnquist and PLG (Pierre-Luc Gagnon) to the ramp—skaters who helped shape the sport as we know it. 

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3. Eat Your Way Through Downtown Ventura

Here’s something important to know: JACKALOPE won’t have food vendors on-site, which means you get to sample and taste all the delicious food our local businesses have to offer.

You’re literally steps away from Downtown Ventura’s incredible lineup of local restaurants, coffee shops, cocktail bars, breweries, and casual bites. 

Take a break between competitions, explore Main Street, and support local businesses while you’re at it. It’s the perfect excuse to turn your JACKALOPE visit into a full Ventura day.

4. Check Out the Student-Built Ramp + Art

Beyond the main vert ramp, there’s creativity happening all around the event.

The iconic skateboard company, Powell Peralta, and local high school, Buena High School, partnered together to create an open street jam session along California Street. Local woodshop students built an epic centerpiece of ramps that anyone can skate on. 

And the local student creativity doesn’t stop there. Local students across Ventura painted their own class skateboard decks to bring even more color to the competition. You can view the student-painted decks on an exhibit installation created by local gallery Vita Arts Center. 

It adds a whole other layer to the weekend: not just competition, but creativity and community.

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5. Take the Train (and Travel Like a Local)

Getting to JACKALOPE can be part of the experience.

Skip the parking stress and hop on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner or Metrolink—both drop you right in Ventura, just a short walk from the action. Plus, there’s even a 20% discount on Amtrak fares during the event weekend.

Biking in? There’s a free bike valet waiting for you.

Plus you can take the VCTC Intercity Transit or Gold Coast Transit buses that will take you right to Downtown Ventura. 

See You at the Ramp

JACKALOPE isn’t just a competition—it’s a full-on block party that brings together action sports, music, art, and Ventura’s community.

With free admission, world-class talent, and a downtown setting just blocks from the beach, this is your chance to experience something completely new (and very Ventura).

Mark your calendar for May 1–3, grab your crew, and get ready to look up—because the airs are going to be big.

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