Kasso Fest 2026: Skateboarding, Music & Art Take Over Long Beach
Long Beach, California, transformed into a vibrant hub of skate culture, music and art this past weekend as KASSO Fest made its United States debut on March 21-22. The event, originating in Japan and produced by TBS – the company behind American Ninja Warrior – brought a unique, community-focused approach to skateboarding competitions to Classic Hall Plaza.
Unlike traditional skate contests focused on ranking, KASSO Fest emphasizes creativity and perseverance. Skaters navigate custom-built courses designed to test skill and adaptability, with success measured by course completion rather than competitive scoring. “It’s all about who’s the most comfortable on their board and who can figure the course out as they go,” explained professional skater Jaime Foy, who too contributed to the course design. “You can’t really prepare for something like this. It’s not about who’s No. 1—we’re just having fun with it. I’m just excited they brought it to Long Beach.”
The inaugural U.S. Event featured a challenging course, including a kinked rail suspended over 20 feet above water, pushing even seasoned athletes to their limits. Top skaters such as Dashawn Jordan, Ayahiro Uratsuka, Yurin Fuijii, Kyle Walker, Jaws, and Torey Pudwill competed for a cash prize. Jordan, recently featured on the cover of Thrasher magazine, described KASSO as a return to the core joy of skateboarding. “I’ve been watching Kasso for a minute on YouTube, so I’ve always been a fan,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to do it. It keeps the fun aspect of skating—you can just be free.”
The festival extended beyond skateboarding, incorporating a live music element. Bay Area rapper LaRussell closed out the first day with an energetic performance, immediately engaging the crowd by jumping into the audience. He spoke to the importance of artistic expression and community, stating, “As an artist, it’s really tough to share your art and your heart. So whenever you can enter a space and be accepted for your energy, it really means a lot—gratitude, thank you.”
LaRussell’s set included popular tracks like “GRINDIN” and “Am I Musty?” alongside a stripped-down, harp-accompanied rendition of “Save Me,” offering a moment of reflection amidst the high-energy atmosphere. He emphasized his commitment to providing meaningful content, stating that songs like “Save Me” are intended to resonate with those seeking substance in contemporary rap. Having maintained a relatively low profile online following a divisive freestyle, LaRussell’s performance signaled a renewed focus on sharing his artistry.
As KASSO Fest concluded its first U.S. Run, questions remain regarding the event’s future in the country and whether the unique, non-competitive format will resonate with a broader American audience. Red Bull provided livestream coverage of the event, expanding its reach beyond those in attendance.