Jackalope partners with Montreal on a three year deal

Photo: Kieron Yates achieve
July 7, 2026
Jackalope Confirms Return Dates in Montreal Until 2028

Excellent news for the skateboarding and action sports community in Montreal and the surrounding areas as the Jackalope festival officially confirms its multi-year anchor in Montreal for the next three years.

This multi-year commitment is made possible by a three-year grant awarded to the Action Sports Association (ASA), the organization responsible for ensuring the sustainability, development, and governance of the event. For its 2026 edition, Canada’s premier action sports festival invites enthusiasts from September 11 to 13 to the Jacques-Cartier Pier in the Old Port of Montreal for what promises to be a memorable weekend. True to its roots, the event will be free and open to all.

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“The City of Montreal is proud to support the Jackalope Montreal festival’s 14th edition,” said Christine Black, Mayor of Montréal-Nord, vice-president of the Executive Committee, and Minister responsible for families, senior citizens, youth, sports and recreation.

“This major investment strengthens our city’s ability to host international competitions that elevate its global profile, drawing top-tier athletes and thousands of spectators. We look forward to welcoming everyone to a high-caliber urban sports event that is free, accessible, and uniquely Montreal, right in the heart of the Old Port of Montreal from September 11 to 13.”

“This support confirms that action sports hold a significant place in Montreal’s sporting and cultural landscape,” said Betty Esperanza, president of the Action Sports Association (ASA). “We are proud to help build a sustainable platform that enables youth, athletes, and events to continue to thrive right here in Montreal.”

“Since its first edition in Montreal in 2012, Jackalope has evolved into a global series that continues to expand, drawing an international community of action sports enthusiasts. We now have the opportunity to take its flagship event even further and cement Montreal’s status as a world-class destination for the sport,” stated Micah Desforges, President and Founder of Tribu, the producer of Jackalope.

“This vision relies on mobilizing partners who share our ambition to grow a homegrown event whose reach extends far beyond our borders. The support from the City of Montreal represents a major milestone in this evolution.”

Jackalope : A Montreal Staple

The city has a deeply rooted skateboard culture dating back to the 1980s, shaped around iconic locations like the Olympic Stadium and driven by a community unlike any other in the world. “We are proud to say we’re from Montreal. The city enjoys an excellent reputation on the world stage. We know that there is a history and a legitimacy here to assert ourselves as a true Mecca for skateboarding events,” adds Micah Desforges.

The funding guarantees the city’s presence on the international tour calendar. This year’s condensed edition will focus on the vert ramp, a discipline that never fails to impress spectators. More events will be added to the lineup over the coming editions.

Beyond the event itself, Jackalope contributes to the sustainable development of Montreal’s action sports landscape. By bringing together athletes, organizations, businesses, creators, volunteers, and young participants, the festival serves as a catalyst for sporting, cultural, and economic development that resonates far beyond its three-day program. Each year, Jackalope also inspires a new generation of youth to discover action sports in an inclusive, safe, and accessible environment. The festival brings several Olympic disciplines closer to the general public and helps democratize their practice across Quebec.

International Expansion Continues

Jackalope is accelerating its transformation from a flagship action sports festival in Montreal to a world-class festival brand. The ambitious expansion plan projects a presence in over ten host cities across North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific by 2028. Since 2023, following a successful initial export to Virginia Beach, the festival expanded to Mississauga in 2024 with six disciplines on the program. Over the past year, Jackalope also made stops in Ventura, California, and Newcastle, Australia.

This global reach is especially impactful as skateboarding has enjoyed steady growth in popularity since its introduction at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021. As the discipline prepares to take center stage once again at the 2028 Los Angeles Games (the global capital of skateboarding), Montreal reaffirms its place among the world’s premier destinations for the sport by hosting key events, including the third stop of the Olympic Qualifier Series.

Read More:
>> Jackalope returns to the Old Port and sets it ablaze
>> Jackalope 2024 was in full force at the Old Port
>> Montreal’s Red Bull Heavy Metal draws massive crowds

Reflecting this international appeal, the 2026 Montreal edition will draw some of the world’s biggest names in skateboarding, including the reigning Olympic champion Arisa Trew, the legendary Bob Burnquist, and rising stars Jada Ward and JD Sanchez.

More details on Jackalope Montreal will be available shortly!

 

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