Big Apple Roll (rollerblading event, 2003-present)
The Big Apple Roll is an annual rollerblading event through the streets of New York City (a city nicknamed the “Big Apple”). The event began in 2003 and is hosted by the Empire Skate Club of New York.
The Big Apple Roll is now a four-day event, and it is not a competition. It has been the largest roller event in the world, with over 1,000 participants.
Big Apple Roll
What is Big Apple Roll?
Big Apple Roll (BAR) is an annual rollerblading event that brings skaters from all over the world to the streets of New York City every first week-end of August. It’s a weekend packed with group skates through the city’s iconic landmarks, social events, and an incredible sense of community. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or just getting started, BAR is all about having fun, meeting new people, and exploring NYC on wheels. Come roll with us and experience the city like never before!
Empire Skate Club of New York
The Empire Skate Club’s premier event each year is the Big Apple Roll (BAR), an exciting four-day extravaganza at the start of August of group skates, social events, and adventures exploring and experiencing New York City on skates.
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Q. When did the Big Apple Roll begin?
A. The first Big Apple Roll was held in 2003. The date moved around over the next several years, ranging from the end of July to the late August, but finally settled on the first weekend of August in 2010. It was originally a three-day event, with no group skates on Thursday scheduled until 2010. At the end of the 1990s, before BAR came into being, the Empire Skate Club organized the Liberty Skate Weekend in early June, when it would coincide with the MS Super Roll charity skate.
Instagram
bigappleroll
Big Apple Roll
NYC 🗽 The largest free skating event in the United States. 🍎 Hosted by the Empire Skate Club of New York.
Facebook
Big Apple Roll - NYC
NYC’s annual social street skating weekend, always the first weekend of August every year. Join us for a full weekend of skating and fun in the Big Apple!
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NY SPORTS SHOP
@NYSPORTSSHOP1
The 16th annual BIG APPLE ROLL (“BAR”) is scheduled for August 2-5, 2018.
https://empireskate.org
@NewYorkify @BestofNYC
9:58 AM · Jul 27, 2018
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I.S. Berry | THE PEACOCK AND THE SPARROW
@isberryauthor
Got my @PretUsa, my book research, &, most importantly, my rollerskates. Headed on @Amtrak to #NYC for annual Big Apple Roll, ready to skate 20+ miles through Manhattan. 🛼🛼 @AtriaMysteryBus #spyonskates
11:40 AM · Jul 30, 2025
Facebook
Rollerblading Rollerblading ·
Andony Hdz Amaya ·
August 15, 2025 at 2:00 AM ·
🗽✨FRIDAY NIGHT SKATE- Big Apple Roll 2025, the largest roller event in the world 🌎🛼.
Watch the video on my channel and… let’s get even more people to roll together in the Big Apple next year! 🇲🇽🔥
X/Twitter
Zuri
@Vismoghs
The annual Big Apple Roll in New York City was packed with people rollerblading together.
8:42 PM · Aug 5, 2026