Gato Philly Open
August 30, 2026 | 12PM-8PM
The Gato Philly Open is a community skateboarding competition bringing together skaters from across the area for a day of skating, music, prizes, local vendors and the diverse communities that make Philadelphia unique. Hosted by Gato Skate & Surf Co., this all-day event brings together skaters of all ages and skill levels for a day of competition, community, music, and culture.
Participants will compete in multiple divisions, including Beginner, Intermediate, Open and Best Trick contests, with prizes awarded throughout the day. Beyond the competition, attendees can enjoy vendors, community organizations, music, food, giveaways, and interactive activities designed to connect skaters, families, and supporters from across the region.
Whether you’re competing, supporting a friend, or simply coming to enjoy the atmosphere, the Gato Philly Open is an opportunity to experience Philadelphia’s skate scene while supporting local businesses, artists, and the Philly skate community.
Event Details
Date: August 30, 2026
Location: White Hall Skate Park (full address coming soon)
Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Spectator Admission: Free
Registration
Registration is available online through our website.
Registration Fee:
• $20 Early Registration
• $30 Late Registration
Registration Deadline:
August 15, 2026
On-site registration may be available if competition spots remain open.
All registered competitors will receive a confirmation email after completing registration.
Competition Divisions
Competitors will be grouped into the following divisions:
•. Ages 12 & Under
•. Ages 13–17
•. Women’s 18+
• Men’s 18+
Competitors may only compete in their designated age division.
All competitors are eligible to participate in the Best Trick Competition.
Competition format, judging criteria, run times, and heat schedules will be announced closer to the event.
A Know Before You Go email containing schedules and event details will be sent to all registered competitors before the event.
Awards
Awards will be presented to:
• 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place in each division
• 1 winner for each “Best Trick” winner
Winners will be announced during the event awards ceremony.
Safety Requirements
All competitors must complete an event waiver before participating.
Competitors under 18 must have a parent or guardian complete and sign their waiver.
Helmets are required for all competitors.
Pads are recommended but not required.
Medical personnel will be on-site throughout the event.
Spectators
Friends, family members, and community members are welcome to attend free of charge.
Designated spectator viewing areas will be available throughout the venue.
Personal chairs are permitted in designated seating areas only.
Pets are not allowed within the competition area. Only service animals are permitted.
Parking & Venue Information
• Free street parking is available near the skate park.
• Public transportation is available via nearby bus routes.
• Restrooms will be available on-site.
• Water stations will be available throughout the event.
• Food vendors will be available during event hours.
Media & Photography
This event will be photographed and filmed by Gato and event partners.
By attending or participating, you acknowledge that your image may appear in future promotional materials, social media content, and event recaps.
Spectators and participants are welcome to take photos and videos during the event.
The competition will not be live streamed.
Vendors, Sponsors & Volunteers
Interested in becoming a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer?
Please contact:
For event updates, follow our social media channels and visit our website regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Yes. Spectators can attend the event free of charge.
-
The Gato Philly Open is open to skaters of all skill levels, from beginners to professional-level. Participants will compete in the division that best matches their experience. Competitors are welcome from anywhere and do not need to live in Philadelphia to participate.
-
Competitors will be placed into divisions based on age:
12 & Under
13–17
Women’s 18+
Men’s 18+
Youth divisions are co-ed.
-
Each skater will compete in two 2-minute qualifier runs, with the best run determining their score. In the Men’s 18+ and Women’s 18+ divisions, the top 5–8 skaters from the qualifying round will advance to the finals, where each finalist will have one 3-minute run.
Judges will score each run based on the following criteria:
Difficulty
Style
Consistency
Creativity
Use of Obstacles
Execution
-
Yes. Each competition division will have a designated warm-up session before its contest begins. Skaters in the 12 & Under division will have 10 minutes of practice time, the 13–17 division will have 15 minutes, and both the Men’s 18+and Women’s 18+ divisions will have 20 minutes to warm up before competing.
-
No. Competitors may only compete in their designated age division. However, all competitors may enter the Best Trick Competitions.
-
Registration is available through our website. The registration deadline is August 15, 2026. Registration is limited and spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Once a division reaches capacity, registration for that division will close. If competition spots remain available, limited day-of registration may be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
-
Competitors should bring a photo ID, if available. For participants under 18, a parent or guardian must complete the required waiver during registration. Event staff reserve the right to request proof of age if eligibility for a division is in question.
-
Please bring:
Your helmet
Confirmation email
Photo ID (if available)
Skateboard and equipment
-
Competitors should arrive at least 60 minutes before their scheduled competition time to allow time for check-in and preparation. Check-in will be located at the registration tent near the competition area.
-
We will do our best to accommodate late arrivals. However, missed heats may result in disqualification depending on the competition schedule. Registration fees are non-refundable after the deadline, including in cases of late arrival, missed heats, or cancellation by the participant.
-
The event is weather permitting. In the event of severe weather, a makeup date will be announced.
-
Yes. Refund requests must be submitted before the registration deadline on August 15, 2026. Refund requests received after the deadline may not be eligible for reimbursement.
-
Yes. Attendees and competitors may leave and return throughout the day. Please keep any event credentials, wristbands, or proof of registration with you to ensure a smooth re-entry process.
-
No. For the safety of all participants, only competitors, event staff, judges, and authorized personnel will be permitted inside the competition area. Designated spectator viewing areas will be available.
-
Competitors who fail to check in by the designated time may forfeit their spot in the competition.
-
Please email: Gatoskatesurf@gmail.com