Iconic skateboarding brand Vans hosted a series of events in New York City, culminating in a massive block party at Skate Space 198 in Bushwick on September 7. The all-day celebration showcased NYC’s vibrant skateboarding culture and Vans’ deep roots in the community.
The block party, running from 3 pm to 1 am, brought together skaters, artists, and creatives for a day of skating, music, and fashion. The event highlighted Vans’ commitment to skateboarding culture while embracing its influence on broader lifestyle trends.
Skateboarding highlights
The festivities kicked off with open skate sessions and a skate jam competition, featuring cash-for-tricks and gift card giveaways from local skate shops like KCDC, Labor, and Tenant. Pro skaters in attendance included Beatrice Domond, Ben Kadow, Shiloh Catori, Curren Caples, and Zion Wright.
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“Off the Wall” market
Vans hosted an “Off the Wall” market, showcasing brands connected to their collaborator network. Participating labels included:
- LQQK Studio
- Quartersnacks
- PunkandYo
- Homerun
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Music and nightlife
The event featured a lineup of DJs and performers, including:
- King Marie
- LQQK Studio
- Ben Kadow
- HiTech (Detroit)
- Jubilee (NYC)
As night fell, the atmosphere shifted from skate session to “skate rave,” with ghettotech beats keeping the crowd energized.
The block party prominently featured Vans’ iconic Old Skool sneakers, displaying, exclusive colorways, custom designs from the SC103 runway, and upcoming collaborations, including a Punk & Yo edition.
