Skateboarding block party to close streets in downtown Tacoma. Here’s where and when
A local skateboarding nonprofit is bringing block-party vibes to downtown Tacoma this weekend.
Alchemy Skateboarding, a Tacoma-based organization that focuses on helping youth learn and grow through skateboarding, is hosting its annual Go Skate Tacoma event Saturday, June 24, from noon to 5 p.m.
Alchemy has hosted the event almost every year since 2013, but this year’s event will be bigger than before, said program director Travis Stull.
Go Skate Tacoma is an event that celebrates Go Skateboarding Day, which was created by the International Association of Skateboarding Companies in 2004 and is celebrated annually on June 21.
“Coming up on Go Skate Day, it’s a nice reminder to get out, get on a board and enjoy the freedom and joy that skateboarding brings,” Stull said.
South 7th Street between St. Helens Avenue and Broadway will be closed from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in order for people to skate down the hill and for competitions.
Opera Alley will be closed to make way for a pop-up skate park and activity booths.
Alchemy Skateboarding alongside other community organizations and businesses will provide ramps to create the skate park where people can participate in even more skateboarding competitions.
Alchemy Skateboarding is working with local organizations, including Tacoma Boat Builders, Hilltop Artists and Write 253, to provide people with free interactive activities, including a DIY fingerboard station, a custom skate pin-making station and a mini poster-printing station.
Stull said Alchemy Skateboarding has built relationships with organizations and businesses over the past 10 years and appreciates their support of Go Skate Tacoma.
Alchemy Skateboarding will be raffling off 10 different baskets filled with various things, including donations from big skate brands. Proceeds from the raffle will go back to the nonprofit.
“If you’re into skateboarding, you’re going to be into the raffle items,” Stull said.
The event is free and is open to everyone.
“Whether you love skateboarding, or, like art, or honestly, just like seeing people do some cool stuff on some cool skate features or a hill, it’s going to be a good time,” said Stull. “ I think the activities could be great for families and kids. And whether you’ve stepped on the skateboard before or not, we’ve got opportunities for people to maybe try something new or see something cool.”
