Home to more than 23 miles of white-sand beaches, an extensive car racing culture, and spectrum of outdoor activities, Daytona Beach is the perfect place to kick off a Florida adventure. The World's Most Famous Beach is a must for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors will encounter ample opportunities for hiking and biking at parks such as Bulow Creek State Park, Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, and Tiger Bay State Forest. Featuring weekly races, tours, and more, the Daytona International Speedway is ideal for anyone interested in racing.
Biketoberfest® has been the leading motorcycle event in Florida since its inception 25 years ago, and it will take place October 19-22. Organizers expect this year’s event to attract more than 125,000 people over its four days. Attendees can head to the Daytona International Speedway to watch professional riders compete in a variety of motorcycle races. Featuring a spectrum of national, regional, and local musicians, patrons can partake in multiple concerts and shows at venues throughout the area. Showcasing the beautiful scenery of the Daytona Beach area, visitors can track and share top rides from around the region using REVER, a motorcycle trip planning app. Attendees can shop at numerous vendors selling motorcycles, parts, accessories, clothing and more. Hungry patrons will find some great food options at a variety of vendors, food trucks, and local restaurants. We interviewed Kate Holcomb, Director of Communications for the Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, to learn about this unique sporting experience.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
KH: 2018 marks the 25th Anniversary of Biketoberfest® (we’re calling it our “Chrome” anniversary just for fun!). We expect around 125,000 motorcycle riders and enthusiasts from across the country and world. Our event is the original, and only, Official Biketoberfest® event in the country.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What can I expect as an attendee?
KH: There’s so much to see and do. Starting at the Official Biketoberfest® Welcome Tent on Beach Street in historic downtown Daytona Beach, visitors can pick up a free Official Biketoberfest® poster, a collectible pin, and pocket guide while supplies last. The pocket guide lists all the event’s venues and other iconic locations in New Smyrna Beach and DeLand. There are iconic scenic rides, live music, street festivals, concerts, food trucks, and vendors with motorcycle parts, accessories, clothing and more. Updated information is available on our website.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
KH: Attendees should check the lodging availability list on our website. One of the great things about the Daytona Beach area is the variety of accommodations available ranging from 4-diamond properties to rustic campgrounds, and everything in between. We have a variety of new developments in the market including the historically iconic boutique Streamline Hotel, and recently renovated Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
KH: We have two motorcycle rallies each year: Bike Week in March and Biketoberfest® in October. Biketoberfest® is shorter (4 days), smaller (125,000 vs. 500,000 visitors) and just as fun, but more laid back. Our event is well-attended, and we encourage visitors to make plans in advance. We have over 12,000 hotel rooms in the Daytona Beach area alone. The most action-packed areas are the Daytona Beach oceanfront and the area around Daytona International Speedway. The city’s north area (Ormond Beach) and south area (Daytona Beach Shores, Ponce Inlet) offer more laid back lodging options.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
KH: Attendees love our signature events. Here’s a list, and we have more to come:
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October 14, Pre-Biketoberfest® events: Daytona Blues Festival October 6-8 and Fuel-Up Concert at Destination Daytona
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October 19-22, Free (while supplies last) Official Biketoberfest® 25th Anniversary Collectible posters, pins and pocket guides at the Official Biketoberfest® Welcome Center on Beach Street
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October 19-22, Main Street, Riverfront and Midtown Street Festivals
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October 19-22, Live music at legendary Iron Horse Saloon/US1 in Ormond Beach
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October 19, Free Biketoberfest® Concert at Daytona Beach Racing and Card Club
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October 20-22, Beach and Bikes Historical Exhibit at Ponce Inlet Lighthouse
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October 21, Old Speed Show at New Smyrna Speedway
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October 21-22, 34th Annual Race of Champions Championship Cup Series Motorcycle Race and American Sportbike Racing Association Motorcycle Race at Daytona International Speedway
For more information about Biketoberfest, please visit the event website.