Invercargill is the only place in New Zealand where you can watch a man attempt a triple backflip on a BMX this December.
Freestyle Kings LIVE has confirmed Rugby Park as its exclusive New Zealand stop on the 2026 World Tour, with the show locked in for Saturday December 5. FMX, BMX, pyrotechnics, stadium theatrics — the full production.
Leading the local interest is Invercargill's own Callum Shaw, who returns home fresh off competing at X Games Chiba in Japan this July. "I never thought I'd end up doing this as my job," Shaw said. "And to be able to bring it back to the small town I'm from is pretty surreal. I'm just excited to get out there and show Invercargill what we do."
Joining Shaw is Taupō's Jed Mildon — the first rider in the world to land a triple backflip on a BMX and a world record holder for it — and Wellington's Ellie Chew, known as the "Flying Kiwi."
"My BMX has taken me all over the world, but there's still nothing like performing for a Kiwi crowd," Mildon said. "New Zealanders go off for this stuff, and getting to bring the show home again is always something special."
Chew is direct about what her appearance means. "Being the only girl out there on the ramps is something I don't take lightly," she said. "I want young girls watching to see that this sport isn't just for the boys — that you can fly just as high as anyone else. It means a lot to be able to show that in Invercargill."
Headlining the international card are Robbie Maddison — billed as the "Modern Day Evel Knievel" — and FMX World Champion Rob Adelberg. "There's something for everyone with this show — fans, first-timers, parents, kids, grandparents," Adelberg said. "Don't be shy, everyone's welcome. We'll see you in Invercargill this December."
Maddison is equally straightforward. "One of the best things about this job is getting to meet new people and see new places," he said. "We can't wait to get down to Southland and give the fans there a show they'll remember."
Freestyle Kings promoter Josh Hannah made clear the ambition. "We don't just come to town, we take over," Hannah said. "We love bringing the show and the riders to new places, to experience new towns and meet new fans — and Invercargill is exactly that."
Invercargill City Council is a supporting partner alongside the ILT and Community Trust South. Council group manager community spaces and places Rex Capil said it was a strong example of what partnerships can deliver. "We're thrilled to host the exclusive New Zealand show at our outdoor stadium, Rugby Park," Capil said. "We hope people will come from near and far to experience this major event and see what our city has to offer. This is an example of Council partnering with business to put on something special for our residents, while utilising Invercargill's quality event spaces and attracting people to the city from further afield. It's through these partnerships that we can achieve more than a single organisation could on its own."
Presale registration closes July 28 at freestylekings.com/invercargill-2026, with a 10 percent discount available for 24 hours on Wednesday July 29. General tickets go on sale Thursday July 30 through Ticketek.