Simon Berghoef photo

HOUGHTON — Starting tomomrrow, downtown Houghton transforms into a street-style snowboarding arena as Jibba Jabba returns with visiting riders, regional vendors, and an electric atmosphere that signals peak winter in the Keweenaw. Tomomrrow night features a qualifier to allow more entries into Saturday’s invite-only, professional-grade urban snowboard competition.

Riders to Watch:

• Charlie “Chuck Wagon” Vandemark (@_chuckwagon_) is a Houghton local and Mont Ripley rider known for smooth style and technical rail work. A respected name in the local snowboard scene, he brings hometown energy and creativity to the event. Last year, he won one of the Best Stomps of the night from Red Bull.

• Garrett “Juiccy Jokerr” McKenzie (@juiccyjokerr) is a standout street-style rider known for creative tricks and a strong social following. With a style that translates perfectly to fast-paced, rider-driven features, he’s one to keep an eye on during Jibba Jabba.

• Erin Alexander (@steezbarb) is a dynamic snowboarder with a growing presence in the snowboarding community, known for creative riding and standout video content on social media. She’s regularly featured in rail jams and community events across the East Coast and brings both style and energy to this weekend’s competition.

What to Expect:

The action begins on Friday with the qualifier session just after 4 p.m., where 40 riders will be split into two groups to maintain a fast pace and high energy from the start. New this year, participants will complete an online waiver prior to arrival, helping streamline check-in and maximize time on the course. Final feature details will be announced once construction is complete. Be sure to watch Jibba Jabba on Instagram to see the link go live.

The Carnegie Museum joins the celebration with the opening of a new winter sports exhibit on Feb. 13, offering visitors a chance to explore the region’s deep-rooted snow culture before stepping outside to experience it firsthand. The museum will also feature an awards show to announce riders on Friday night at 6:30 p.m. complete with a donated Keweenaw Brewing Company (KBC) beer keg while supplies last — creating a warm, lively gathering space for riders and spectators. Head over to the KBC to continue your night, with snowboard themed movies playing on Friday.

“With it being a mellow feature, it’s going to push riders to be more creative,” said Jenn Reed, Event Organizer and owner of Minnie Farms. “We’re expecting a fast-paced session with 40 riders split into two groups, so things will move quickly.”

Spectators can expect a course designed to reward style, creativity, and progression while remaining approachable for competitors.

After Friday’s qualifying, comes Saturday’s big event. Warm-ups begin at 6 p.m., giving spectators a chance to watch riders dial in tricks before the competition starts promptly at 7 p.m. As the lights come up and the music builds, downtown Houghton will once again transform into a high-energy street-style venue where progression, creativity, and crowd hype take center stage.

Bosio Biscuit Co. will be serving hot pasties on site, and Copper Island Bagel Co. will also be available to keep spectators fueled throughout the evening. Houghton’s Social District makes it easy to stroll with a beverage from participating locations including Keweenaw Brewing Company (KBC), The Ambassador, Beviamo, and The Den, so you won’t miss a moment of the action.

For the best viewing experience, spectators are encouraged to line Huron Street or gather near the intersection of Huron Street and Lakeshore Drive, where the course is fully visible and the energy is unmatched.

Beyond the competition, the weekend experience extends throughout downtown. CutThroat Kids will sell merchandise on site, and Michigan Mitten Co., a Northern Michigan-based brand known for its handcrafted mittens, is sponsoring several riders while hosting a vendor booth.

Parking is simple and convenient. Ample parking is available in the city parking lot including handicap-accessible spaces, with additional parking at the church just up the street — all within a short, easy walk to the event.