The 4th Annual Snowboard on the Block—a combination event filled with music, snowboarding and films — has returned in all its glory with a new name, a new location and a great line-up. This year’s festival will debut feature snowboarding films, a brand-new three-story street-style pro jam with your favorite pro riders on real snow and some of the world’s top musical artists on their largest outdoor sound stage yet.
The newly-renamed Block Festival has moved from the RiNo neighborhood to the Denver Performing Arts Center and Sculpture Park. With this move comes 25 tons of snow that will be brought in to create the event’s winter wonderland. The Block will take place on Friday and Saturday — extending the entertainment over two full days as opposed to one. Adam Schmidt, founder of Snowboard on the Block, designed the event four years ago to rally snowboard enthusiasts in hopes of getting them stoked for the upcoming season, and that’s exactly what this year’s event has in store.
2015 Rail Jam winner Dylan Alito
Photo by Lucy Beaugard
Pro Rail Jam champion 2015 and local pro Dylan Alito will be back to defend his title among professionals like Lucas Magoon, Jesse Paul and nine other professional boarders. Musical performances bring a mix of styles and genres from hip-hop to EDM and hard rock. Wolfmother, Chief Keef, Afro Man, Mimosa and Matry Party will be headlining the events musical performances — taking stage between 1 and 5 p.m. on Saturday.
The film program features Trans World SNOWboarding’s Insight, a film project that focuses on rider diversity, from the unique individuals to the crews and location. This film features Dylan Alito who will also be competing to keep his title during the rail jam competition. Featured films also includes the Union’s Stronger, NeverSummer’s Twenty Five, Shredbots’ Manboys the Movie and seven other titles.
Photo by Lucy Beaugard
In addition to the competitions, musical performances and film viewings, ticket-holders will have access to discounted merchandise and giveaways from dozens of participating vendors. Although the weather will be much like last years (well into 80 degrees), winter sports junkies alike will gather for this two day event. Don’t be the one to miss out on the largest downtown snowboarding event in the Mile High.
The Block Festival will take place at 1736 Speer Boulevard on October 14 and 15; Purchase tickets here ($19.98 – $94.98).
Photography by Lucy Beaugard and courtesy of the Block Festival.
Photo courtesy of the Block Festival
The 2015 Pro Rail Jam setup.
Photo by Lucy Beaugard
2015 Snowboard on the Block
Photo by Lucy Beaugard
2015 Snowboard on the Block
Photo by Lucy Beaugard