11 ways JACKALOPE has changed the sports event scene

Canada’s biggest action sports festival is returning for a heart-pumping edition at the Jacques-Cartier Pier in the Old Port, from September 12 to 14, 2025. In a sports-loving city whose tourism strategy stars sports festivals, JACKALOPE is ahead of the pack — it’s the epitome of a successful sports fest, uniting a whole cultural scene every year to celebrate and amaze at the world’s most iconic athletes in a feverish mix of of skateboarding (street and vert), bouldering and more. Like all great fests, it branches beyond sports into culture, food — even commerce.

Now with editions in Mississauga and Virginia Beach in addition to its native Montréal, here are 11 ways in which JACKALOPE is setting the pace for sports festivals worldwide.

1. It’s reinventing what a sport event can be

JACKALOPE is a new model of event organizing. Sure, there’s a traditional “competition” element to it, but it’s so much more. It’s about producing live events where legends are born, happenings happen, and being there is essential lest you miss out on the making of history.

2. It’s homegrown

The festival was born and raised right here in Montréal. It became THE place in Canada to meet fellow adrenaline junkies, all united in the same place at the same time — and it’s the melting pot of all these people that makes JACKALOPE so special, inclusive, welcoming and internationally renowned.

3. It’s high paced and adrenaline-packed

At JACKALOPE you can expect to see some 200 international athletes in action for skateboarding and bouldering. We’re talking about sports so fresh that the Olympic committee is still scratching their heads!

4. It unites a whole scene

JACKALOPE is so much more than a sports event — it’s a sports festival. That means it’s also a cultural event full of live music, DJ sets, free climbing and a VIP zone. Visitors can come at opening time and literally stay all day without ever wanting for entertainment, comfort and amenities.

5. It draws the crowds with amazing food

Sports festival organizers know: the way to an audience’s heart is through their stomach. JACKALOPE lines up a selection of Montréal most beloved food trucks every year with options ranging from tacos to sushi, pizza, sweets, vegan foods and more.

6. It mixes community and commerce

Since the event brings together a scene that extends beyond sports into lifestyle, it only makes sense to capitalize on that opportunity by offering a selection of lifestyle goods for purchase onsite. JACKALOPE is known for its annual pop-up shops, ranging from hand-crafted skateboards to vintage skate-wear finds and useful phone accessories for those looking to capture the event for posterity.

7. It’s set in an eye-popping location

The events take place at one of the city’s most iconic venues: Jacques-Cartier Pier in the Old Port of Montréal, a gathering place on the shores of the St. Lawrence River for Montrealers and international visitors.

8. It invites active participation

To engage audiences to their full potential, JACKALOPE invites participants to skate, climb and learn. It’s an open, relaxed atmosphere where bailing is simply part of the process.

9. It’s accessible to all

In the most literal sense of the word, it’s a playful atmosphere open to all ages and therefore the whole family. JACKALOPE hosts regular block parties in various cities around the world, and sponsors events throughout the year to keep the buzz going well beyond festival time. All visitors to JACKALOPE attend to play or watch other people play — and with global stars in attendance, it’s an opportunity for all to be inspired by the best.

10. It’s an international sensation

After having known crowd-drawing success in its native Montréal, JACKALOPE now travels the world with annual editions in other cities including Mississauga and Virginia Beach, not to mention touring activities like their larger-than-life Block Parties.