From February 27 to March 8, in the Florida town of Daytona Beach, one of the largest events for motorcycle enthusiasts — Daytona Bike Week 2026 — will take place.
The Evolution of Daytona Bike Week
Today, Daytona Bike Week can be considered one of the largest and most successful events in the world of motorsports. But it all started with a simple 3.2-mile race. On January 24, 1937, the first Daytona 200 race was held, and the winner was Ed Kretz — the famous biker known as the “Iron Man,” who competed on an Indian Scout sports motorcycle.
Due to World War II, official races were not held from 1942 to 1947. It was only in 1948 that Ed Kretz helped restart the official competitions, marking the beginning of the modern Daytona Bike Week.
Today, the festival in Daytona Beach is more than just motorcycle races. It is a massive event, comparable in scale to major sports championships. In addition to the races, which can be considered the heart of the festival, over the course of 10 days there are numerous and diverse concerts, charity rides, vendor exhibitions, special meet-ups, and various competitions.
Bike Week By The Numbers
To truly understand how important Daytona Bike Week is for the city of Daytona Beach, it’s enough to note that, according to the 2020 census, the city has a population of only about 72,000 people. Yet during Bike Week, more than 500,000 visitors arrive from all over the United States and beyond. This influx of people generates hundreds of millions of dollars, boosting the economy across various sectors in the region.
What to Expect from Daytona Bike Week 2026?
Motorcycle Races
Motorcycle racing is the foundation of Daytona Bike Week. Events such as the legendary DAYTONA 200, held at the Daytona International Speedway, feature professional riders competing at high speeds on world-class tracks. A large portion of these events is open to spectators with tickets, allowing fans to experience the intensity and excitement of professional motorcycle racing up close.
Bike Shows & Competitions
Bike Week is also known for its impressive motorcycle shows and competitions. These events showcase a wide range of bikes — from vintage and classic models to the latest high-performance machines. Both small independent builders and global manufacturers such as BMW and Harley-Davidson take part, giving visitors a chance to see cutting-edge designs alongside timeless motorcycle heritage.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Although bikers are the main audience of the festival, the organizers make a strong effort to ensure the event is comfortable and enjoyable for everyone. Many local venues host motorcycle history exhibits, educational demonstrations, and hands-on activities that allow children to learn about engineering and mechanics in an engaging way. Outside the main rally areas, families can enjoy Daytona Beach’s famous shoreline, amusement centers, mini-golf courses, and marine attractions, making it easy to combine Bike Week with classic beachside family activities.
Food Festivals & Local Experiences
No festival is complete without great food. During Bike Week, local restaurants and bars create special menus inspired by the event, giving visitors the opportunity to experience regional cuisine and local flavors. From casual street food to full-service dining, the city offers a wide variety of options for every taste.
Socializing and Community Events
Daytona Bike Week is also about building connections. Bikers and motorcycle fans from all over the world come together to share stories, exchange tips, and celebrate their shared passion for motorcycles. These social gatherings are an essential part of the Bike Week experience and help create the strong sense of community the event is known for.
Bike Week or Sturgis: What’s the Difference?
Daytona Bike Week is often compared to another large-scale motorcycle event — the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. While both festivals are deeply rooted in motorcycle culture, they differ significantly in atmosphere, audience, and overall experience.
Like Daytona Bike Week, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally traces its origins back to the 1930s, when it began as a small gathering of just a few riders. Over time, participation grew rapidly, eventually surpassing 500,000 attendees, turning Sturgis into one of the most important motorcycle rallies in the world. Both events bring together people who share a passion for speed, open roads, freedom, and the unique bond of the motorcycle community.
However, despite these similarities, there is one major difference between the two. Sturgis is widely considered a rally for experienced riders. Its atmosphere is far from beachside and party-oriented — it is rougher and more intense. The music is heavier, the environment more rugged, and many rides take place through mountainous terrain, which can be challenging even for skilled motorcyclists.
For beginners or casual motorcycle enthusiasts, Daytona Bike Week is often the better choice. Its coastal location, diverse events, and more relaxed, inclusive atmosphere make it accessible to a wider audience, including first-time visitors and riders who are looking for a balance between excitement and comfort.
Visitor’s Guide to Daytona Bike Week
As already mentioned, hundreds of thousands of people from different parts of the United States and beyond take part in Daytona Bike Week. So what should a visitor know in order to easily reach the destination and fully enjoy the festival from A to Z?
How to Get There
The most convenient travel option is Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB), which is located directly in the city. This small but comfortable airport is within close proximity to all major Bike Week locations and is well suited for domestic flights, making it an easy and practical choice for many visitors.
The nearest major metropolitan area to Daytona Beach is Orlando. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the best option for visitors traveling from distant regions of the United States or arriving on international flights. The distance from Orlando Airport to Daytona Beach is approximately 53 miles, which usually takes about an hour by car. Slightly farther, but still reasonable alternatives include Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) and Tampa International Airport (TPA).
There is no direct train service to Daytona Beach. However, visitors can take an Amtrak train to the DeLand station, which is about a 30-minute drive from Daytona Beach. From there, taxis or ride-sharing services can be used to reach the city.
⚠️ Important: If you plan to arrive in your own vehicle — whether by car, motorcycle, or with a trailer — it is highly recommended to arrange parking in advance. Hotels often have limited parking availability, public parking fills up very quickly during Bike Week, and spots at trailer parks and RV campgrounds are usually booked months ahead of the festival.
Where to Stay
Despite becoming the center of the motorcycle world during Bike Week, Daytona Beach remains a relatively small city, with a limited number of hotels and motels. During the festival period, accommodation prices increase significantly compared to regular seasons. According to tourism and hospitality statistics, Daytona Beach has over 110 registered hotels and accommodations of various categories. In the high season, including Bike Week, the lowest price per night ranges from about $163 to $304. Some examples of hotels in various price categories include:
🟥 Budget Options
- Emerald Shores Hotel – Rates start around $119/night during Bike Week
- Baymont by Wyndham Daytona Beach/I‑95 – Rates start $150-$220/night during Bike Week
- Comfort Inn & Suites Daytona Beach Oceanfront – Around $150‑$230/night during Bike Week
🟧 Mid-Range Options
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Daytona Beach Speedway – Approximately $220‑$300/night during Bike Week
- Residence Inn by Marriott Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport – Around $230‑$320/night during Bike Week
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oceanfront Daytona Beach Shores – About $240‑$350/night during Bike Week
🟩 Higher-End / More Expensive Options
- Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach – Expect $300‑$500+ per night during Bike Week
- The Shores Resort & Spa – Around $300‑$500+ per night Bike Week dates
- Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort – Approximately $350‑$550+ per night during Bike Week.
Visitors looking for more affordable options can consider staying in nearby towns, where it is often possible to find lodging at lower prices and in a quieter environment.
Among bikers, campgrounds and RV parks are especially popular and are considered a classic way to experience Bike Week. In addition, short-term rentals through Airbnb and similar platforms are widely available and can be a convenient alternative to traditional hotels.
What Will You Need to Pay For?
Festival organizers make a strong effort to ensure that everyone can experience the atmosphere of Bike Week. As a result, many bike shows, bar concerts, and access to the specially organized Main Street area are completely free and open to the public.
However, some events do require paid admission. These include selected bike shows, VIP parties, major concerts, the legendary Daytona 200, and other races held at the Daytona International Speedway. Ticket prices vary depending on the event and typically range from $40 to $120. Tickets for race events can be found here.
💡 Tip: Tickets for the main events are best purchased in advance, as popular races and concerts often sell out quickly.
