Jasperites with a craving to kick off spring with a bangin’ street party will soon have that itch officially—and rhythmically— scratched. 

Canadian hip hop legend Skratch Bastid, together with one of the country’s most revered rappers, Shad, will be in Jasper May 2 to help kick off the 2026 UpLift! Mural Festival and to help locals and visitors alike celebrate spring’s arrival. 

“This is a party for the community and by the community,” said local music promoter and event organizer, Jason Stockfish. “It’s an opportunity to bring people together.”

The Jasper Legion is hosting the all-ages event, which will spill over to a Pyramid Lake Road street closure between Patricia and Geikie Streets, according to Stockfish. After Shad and Skratch Bastid leave their indelible mark on the crowd, an after-party featuring Edmonton MC Arlo Maverick and Vancouver-based rapper Remi Jean, also known as CityReal, will elevate the evening again.

“Jasper’s been through a lot,” Stockfish said. “Hopefully this party can help put a smile on people’s faces.”

The Saturday, May 2 event represents a merging of several recurrent community gatherings, Stockfish said, including the final ski turns at Marmot Basin, where chairlifts will stop spinning the following afternoon, and last call of the marquee food festival, Taste of Spring, which runs April 24-May 3.

“It’s a confluence of all these great things in Jasper where everything’s coming to life,” he said. “The days are longer and people are anticipating summer BBQs and live music.”

The UpLift! Kickoff Patio Party will scratch that itch. To get involved (Stockfish is still on the hunt for sponsors and volunteer support), get in touch with him.

Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com