South Newcastle Skate Park will be launched onto the world stage when the Jackalope Block Party rolls into town in November with support from City of Newcastle's Special Business Rate (SBR) funding.
Being held outside North America for the first time, the iconic festival will feature elite athletes competing for big prizes, skateboarding demonstrations, live DJ sets and food trucks.
But the free community event will also uncover local talent, giving Novocastrians the chance to win a trip to compete in the USA.
The Jackalope Block Party is one of 11 initiatives to share in the latest round of City Centre and Darby Street SBR funding, with almost $900,000 to be used for the promotion, beautification and development of the business precincts.
City of Newcastle Executive Manager Media Engagement Economy and Corporate Affairs Nick Kaiser said SBR funding is distributed through a competitive application process to the most creative and innovative proposals.
"These events are designed to bring people to the city and support local businesses by increasing visitation," Mr Kaiser said.
"Having already proved to be popular drawcards, some initiatives are returning for another year, such as Shakespeare Under the Stars, Newcastle Food Month and the West Best Bloc Fest, which is held across nine venues, featuring more than 100 local musicians."
Chair of the Community and Culture Strategic Advisory Committee Councillor Jenny Barrie said City of Newcastle is hoping new initiatives will prove just as popular.
"Some of the new events include the Darby Street Festival, which will feature live music, performers and family-friendly activities, while Bernie's Bar will put on a celebration for the 100th anniversary of the Star Hotel," Cr Barrie said.
"We're also thrilled to be hosting the Jackalope Block Party at South Newcastle, which will bring international attention to this vibrant coastal facility.
"If it proves successful, we'll look to secure the tremendous four-day version of the festival, which would include more sports such as bouldering, BMX and surfing."
Festival organiser Sally Hill from Canvas Events said they're excited to see local talent take on some of the best in the world.
"Our block parties are run for the community, designed to find raw talent and give away Golden Tickets to the international arm of the Jackalope Festival," Ms Hill said.
"This is the first time Jackalope will hold an event in Australia and we're expecting up to 10,000 people to flock to the South Newcastle Beach Skate Park during the two-day festival.
"Jackalope's social media accounts received more than three million views in 2023 alone so this event will truly showcase Newcastle to the world.
"These events inspire not only physical activity but also a commitment to sustainability by using eco-friendly practices and encouraging participants to embrace a healthy, active lifestyle."
Founder and CEO Micah Desforges said Jackalope Block Party is all about discovering raw talent and providing opportunities for the next generation to shine.
"We're thrilled to bring our first international event to Newcastle, a community that embodies creativity and passion," Mr Desforges said.
"This is more than just a competition - it's a chance for local talent to stand out and win a coveted spot at the Jackalope festival in Virginia Beach, USA. We couldn't think of a better place to launch this exciting new chapter of our journey beyond the USA and Canada."
Other successful projects supported by this round of City Centre/Darby Street funding include the Kindle Wellbeing Festival, WinterHeat CITYWIDE, the Conscious Couture Festival and 'Acquist' presented by Flipside Dance, a series of free professional performances in Civic Park.
SBR City Centre and Darby Street recipients
• Newcastle Food Month
Newcastle Food Month showcases Newcastle's hospitality offerings through a collaborative event framework during the month of April.
• Conscious Couture Festival
The Conscious Couture Festival is a celebration of vintage fashion, aimed at the Newcastle community and fashion enthusiasts, supporting local retailers and educating the public on the value of sustainable fashion.
• Acquist
A series of free professional dance performances in Civic Park, featuring First Nations performances acknowledging the land, as well as live music.
• WinterHeat CITYWIDE!
The annual winter calendar program of fun and engaging activations brings the city to life in the typically quieter Winter season.
• 100 Years of the Star Hotel
Bernies Bar will put on a celebration for the 100th anniversary of the Star Hotel with a three-day festival.
• Kindle Wellbeing Festival
The Kindle Wellbeing Festival 2025 will be an expanded version of the successful 2024 event, bringing together artists, businesses, and well-being practitioners to deliver a series of events focused on creativity, mental health, and social connection.
• Shakespeare Under the Stars
Whale Chorus will present their annual event Shakespeare Under the Stars Newcastle in summer 2025 and 2026.
• Jackalope Block Party
The Jackalope Block Party is a Skate Festival incorporating demonstrations, competition, music, food and elite athlete appearances at the South Newcastle Skate Park.
• West Best Bloc Fest
West Best Bloc Fest is an annual live music festival held in nine venues in Newcastle featuring more than 100 local musicians across 13 stages, and attracting more than 2,000 attendees.
• 2025 Darby Street Festival
The Darby Street Festival is designed to unite local businesses and residents in a vibrant celebration, transforming the street with live music, performers, and family-friendly activities.
• Reasons to visit Hunter Street Mall and Eastend Village
Ongoing support for City Centre promotions, program of loyalty voucher cards and scheduled events for 2025.
