Last week, Vans landed in New York City for a weeklong “takeover” — a celebration of the city’s skateboarding community and its unique energy—that ranged from the industrial streets of Brooklyn to the teeming sidewalks of Soho. This was a continuation of the brand’s “Always Pushing” ethos, which spotlights Vans’ free-spirited “Off the Wall” mindset of progression and youthful energy. The slate of events included a free-to-attend block party at Vans Skate Space 198 in Bushwick, Brooklyn, and a celebration of Max Fish, the beloved downtown Manhattan bar that served as a hub for the city’s skate community for over two decades, in Soho.
Free to attend and open to the community, the Vans Block Party was a “come one, come all” event for skaters — and skate lovers — of all ages and skill levels. Vans hosted an “Off the Wall” market with pop-ups from NYC community partners like LQQK Studio, Quartersnacks, and others. KCDC and Sk8 Babes provided free skate lessons, food, and drink trucks kept attendees fed and hydrated, and, following a cash-for-tricks session, Vans skate team members including Curren Caples, Zion Wright, Rowan Zorilla, Beatrice Domond, Dick Rizzo, Efron Danzig, and Lizzie Armanto showed out during a pro demo. Then, after the festivities, Vans Skate Space 198 turned into a “Skate Rave” with sets from DJs HiTech & Jubilee that lasted until 1 am.
On the other side of the East River, OTW by Vans teamed with PLAYLAB, INC. to recreate the vibe of beloved Lower Manhattan bar Max Fish with a fully realized activation that restored the establishment’s bar, bathroom facade, pool table, and more. Programming included a reunion performance from TV On the Radio, a selection of DJ sets, and the reveal of a friends-and-family OTW by Vans x SATOSHI NAKAMOTO Old Skool.
Throughout the week’s activities, the Vans Old Skool took center stage from an exclusive colorway with SATOSHI NAKAMOTO, customized Old Skools in the SC103 runway show, a tease of the upcoming Punk & Yo Old Skool 36, as well as gifting to the NY Skate community with the Skate Old Skool.
About Vans
Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the leading skateboarding and original action sports footwear, apparel, and accessories brand. Vans® authentic collections are sold in more than 100 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors, and international offices. Vans® has more than 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans® brand inspires and empowers everyone to live “Off the Wall” embodying the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless drive to push culture across action sports, music, art and design.
Vans, “Off the Wall” Since ’66
