Ontario, Canada, will host the Jackalope Action Sports Festival from July 12–14 at Mississauga Celebration Square and Square One Shopping Centre, the first of a three-year contract between the destination and event organizer.
Jackalope, a Tribu property, was created in Montréal in 2012 to shine a spotlight on action sports and create opportunities for communities to come together and celebrate their passion. The free three-day festival features skateboarding, bouldering, breaking and freestyle motocross, along with live entertainment and a pop-up marketplace. Virginia Beach hosted Jackalope during the summer of 2023.
“We’re delighted to be able to bring Jackalope to more Canadians,” said Micah Desforges, founding president of Tribu and promoter of the Jackalope Series. “Our event is very popular in North America, and we’re very proud to bring it to Ontario. I hope Mississauga is ready for the excitement. We’d like to thank Visit Mississauga and the city for its warm welcome and great cooperation. We look forward to meeting Mississauga residents and experiencing something great with them.”
Attendees can watch athletes compete and also can try skateboarding, bouldering and other activities for themselves. Programming for the festival includes the Canada DanceSport National Championship in breaking, BMX flatland competition, motocross and freestyle skate demonstrations.
“We are thrilled to partner with Tribu to bring Jackalope to Mississauga over the next three years,” said Victoria Clarke, chief executive officer of Visit Mississauga. “Action sports are on the rise, especially since their inclusion in the Olympics. This is the perfect time to bring an event like Jackalope Mississauga to our city and provide everyone with the opportunity to experience these exciting sports in person. We invite everyone from across the province, across Canada and beyond to come experience the energy rush and dynamic culture of action sports at Jackalope Mississauga this summer.”
Jackalope Mississauga will feature some of the most exciting names in skateboarding including 10-year-old Mia K, 12-year-old Kenji Leon Jordan and Orapan Tongkong, who will compete in the vert ramp and street competition.
“Area residents now have the opportunity to experience and be inspired by extreme sports right here in the heart of Mississauga,” said Stephen Gascoine, director of Square One Shopping Centre. “The addition of the Jackalope Festival will bring an unmatched experience to our guests and our city.”