This year’s Biketoberfest is just around the corner. Starting Oct. 13 and spanning through Oct. 16, the streets and beaches of Daytona will be buzzing with the sound of motorcycles as thousands of bikers hop on their hogs to enjoy the festival.
Since its fruition in 1993, Biketoberfest has always managed to deliver music, food, races, bike shows and more.
Anyone who rolls into Biketoberfest is encouraged to check out Main Street, a must-see attraction of the festival. Vendors set up in front of famous bars like Froggy’s and Dirty Harry’s that line the street. Here alone you can find live entertainment, food and giveaways.
If you prefer sand and sunshine, “Beachside” is where you’ll want to be. The hard-packed sand on Daytona Beach is perfect for driving and the Boardwalk Classic Beach Show.
A little farther inland, on Beach Street, is where Harley-Davidson plans to set up their pin stop. Here you’ll also find bike builders, entertainment, vendors and the Original Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson which will soon be turned into a museum.
Rev your engines and get ready to race on over to International Speedway Boulevard. Races, bikini contests and demo rides are just a few of the things you can catch in and around Daytona International Speedway.
When you’re not strolling down Main Street or tanning on Beachside, be sure to stop by some of the events planned for the weekend:
Oct. 13: The Old School Bike and Chopper show will be held from noon to 4 p.m. at Willie’s Tropical Tattoo in Ormond Beach. Be sure to expect a special appearance by Saliva. View details here.
Oct. 13-Oct. 16: The 7th Annual Motorcycle Swap Meet Extravaganza & Bike Show at the Volusia County Fairgrounds provides the perfect opportunity to buy, sell and trade your motorcycle gear from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day during the festival. Between the buying, selling and trading there will be a chopper show, a side car and trike show, and an antiques bike show. View details here.
Oct. 14: Ben Prestage, known for his unique musical techniques, will be one of the artists performing between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday at Riverfront Park. Bands will be performing here every day of the festival. View details here.
Oct. 14: The Boardwalk Classic Bike Show will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with registration starting at 8 a.m. The winner will receive a $500 cash prize and trophies will be given out. View details here.
Oct. 14-Oct. 15: The 2-day Poker Run for Autism Speaks will be held from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Entry is $15 and the run will begin and end at Racing’s North Turn where there will be a live band, raffles and a drawing. View details here.
Oct. 15: Blue Oyster Cult will be performing a free concert at 6:30 p.m. at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona. View details here.
Oct. 15: Our Lady of Lourdes will be hosting a blessing for all motorcycles and drivers after Saturday’s 6 p.m. Mass. View details here.
Several local bars and restaurants will be opening their doors to the biker crowd with events like concerts and wet T-shirt contests. Here are some of the ones you should plan to stop by:
— JJ Fins will have partying, prized and giveaways all weekend starting at 11 a.m. jjfins.com
— Bobby Friss will be performing at Inlet Harbor Restaurant nightly. inletharbor.com
— Boot Hill Saloon will have contests, vendors and live entertainment. boothillsaloon.com/
— Hang Dawg Saloon at Biker Haven will have a fire show with fire dancing, a bike wash, live music and beer. hangdogsaloon.com
— Iron Horse Saloon will have live music and vendors during the festival ironhorse-saloon.com
— Dirty Harry’s will have entertainment and wet T-shirt contests every night. daytonabeachmainstreet.com/dirtyharrys
— Full Moon Saloon will have live entertainment on its two stages and a best buns contest every day. daytonabeachmainstreet.com/fullmoon
