Go Skateboarding Day
June 21
About Go Skateboarding Day
Go Skateboarding Day is observed every year on 21 June, bringing together skateboarders of every level at skateparks, streets, and plazas across the world. First established in 2004 by the International Association of Skateboard Companies, it has grown into a genuinely global celebration of the sport, with hundreds of events taking place across dozens of countries each June.
How to Celebrate Go Skateboarding Day
Whether you are a seasoned rider throwing down tricks or a complete beginner stepping on a board for the first time, there are countless ways to take part:
- Head to your local skatepark – The simplest way to mark the day is to grab your board and skate. Local skateparks often see spontaneous gatherings on 21 June, with riders of all ages showing up to share the stoke. Even a quiet session on a favourite spot counts.
- Find an organised event near you – Skateboard shops, brands, and community groups host jams, demos, and clinics specifically for Go Skateboarding Day. Check the official website and local skate shop social pages for listings in your area.
- Take a beginner along – If you have friends or family members who have never tried skateboarding, today is the perfect opportunity to introduce them. Borrow or buy a beginner setup, find a smooth, flat surface, and run through the basics together.
- Share your session on social media – Post clips, photos, and stories using #GoSkateboardingDay and #GoSkateDay to connect with the global skate community. The online skateboarding community is highly active and enthusiastic about seeing riders from all over the world.
- Try a new trick – Set yourself a challenge for the day. Whether it is your first ollie, your first kickflip attempt, or finally landing a trick you have been working on for months, Go Skateboarding Day is a natural deadline to aim for.
- Support your local skate shop – Pick up new hardware, a fresh deck, or just spend some time in the shop. Independent skate shops are the backbone of local skate culture and benefit enormously from community support.
- Watch skate videos – From classic footage on YouTube to new full-length video parts released specifically around Go Skateboarding Day, the day always generates a wave of great content. Pull up some favourites and get inspired.
- Volunteer or organise a community skate event – If there is nothing planned locally, consider putting something together yourself. A simple street jam or beginner session at a park can bring together riders who might not otherwise meet, and builds the kind of community that makes skateboarding special.
What is Go Skateboarding Day?
Go Skateboarding Day is an annual international celebration of skateboarding held on 21 June each year. Created by the International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC), the day aims to encourage skateboarders worldwide to get out and skate, while inviting non-skaters to discover the sport for the first time. Events range from informal park sessions and street skates to organised competitions, brand-sponsored demos, and beginner clinics. It has become the most widely recognised date in the global skateboarding calendar. If you enjoy active outdoor celebrations, National Canoe Day on 26 June is another great date to look forward to later in the month.
When is Go Skateboarding Day?
Go Skateboarding Day falls on 21 June every year. In 2026, this is a Sunday, making it ideal for a full-day session. The date is fixed and will always fall on 21 June.
The History of Go Skateboarding Day
Skateboarding itself traces its roots to 1950s California, where surfers began attaching roller skate wheels to wooden boards as a way to practise on land when the surf was flat. The sport expanded dramatically through the 1960s and 1970s, with the development of polyurethane wheels transforming the ride and enabling new tricks. By the 1980s and 1990s, skateboarding had developed a distinct counter-culture identity, shaped by legendary figures such as Tony Hawk and Rodney Mullen, and by iconic video footage from the growing skate industry.
Go Skateboarding Day was conceived in 2003 and officially launched in 2004 by the IASC, a trade body founded in 1995 by Jim Fitzpatrick. The concept was developed by IASC Marketing Director Don Brown and professional skateboarder Per Welinder, who wanted to create a global moment that would elevate skateboarding’s visibility and encourage community participation. The first major associated event was organised by Emerica footwear in Philadelphia in 2004, drawing thousands of riders to the streets. By 2006, more than 350 events had taken place across 32 countries. In 2007, the IASC received Special Congressional Recognition from US Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez for its contribution to promoting youth participation in sport.
The day took on fresh significance when skateboarding made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games in 2021, bringing the sport to a mainstream audience of billions and inspiring a new generation of riders globally. Go Skateboarding Day today is as much a grassroots community event as it is a commercial one, with local skaters organising their own jams independently of any central authority, keeping the spirit of the original vision alive.
Fun Facts About Go Skateboarding Day
- Skateboarding was invented in 1950s California by surfers looking for something to do on flat days, earning the sport the nickname “sidewalk surfing”.
- By 2023, approximately 8.92 million Americans participated in skateboarding, according to industry research.
- By 2001, more American under-18s rode skateboards (10.6 million) than played baseball (8.2 million), reflecting the sport’s broad youth appeal.
- Skateboarding made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games in 2021, with Japan and the United States each fielding 10 competitors in the inaugural events.
- The average age of the women’s skateboarding medalists at Tokyo 2020 was just over 14 years old, making it one of the youngest podiums in Olympic history.
- In 2006, just two years after Go Skateboarding Day’s launch, events were being held in 32 countries simultaneously.
Why Go Skateboarding Day Matters
Skateboarding has long served as an outlet for creativity, self-expression, and community for young people in particular. Go Skateboarding Day reinforces those values on a global scale, demonstrating that skateboarding is not defined by any single culture, region, or skill level. With the sport now an Olympic discipline and participation growing worldwide, the day also plays a role in broadening access to the sport and introducing new riders who might otherwise never pick up a board.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Go Skateboarding Day?
Go Skateboarding Day is an annual international celebration of skateboarding held on 21 June, organised by the International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC). It encourages skateboarders to get out and skate, and welcomes beginners to try the sport for the first time.
When is Go Skateboarding Day in 2026?
Go Skateboarding Day 2026 falls on Sunday, 21 June.
Where can I find Go Skateboarding Day events near me?
Check the official Go Skateboarding Day website at goskateboardingday.net, as well as the social media pages of local skateboard shops and skate brands. Many events are also listed on community platforms such as Facebook Events and Meetup.
Spread the Word
Share your Go Skateboarding Day session on social media with #GoSkateboardingDay and #GoSkateDay2026. Tag your friends, challenge them to learn their first trick, and help keep this global celebration of skateboarding rolling year after year.
Related Awareness Days
- National Canoe Day – Celebrated on 26 June, this day encourages people of all ages to get on the water and experience the joy of paddling.
- National Get Gnarly Day – Observed on 31 July, this day celebrates fearless outdoor pursuits and the spirit of pushing personal limits.
- National Soccer Day – Marked on 28 July in the United States, celebrating grassroots participation and community through the world’s most popular sport.
Links
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