As the official opening of Bike Week approaches on Friday in Daytona Beach and throughout Central Florida, most of the event schedule has already been locked down.
There will be plenty of bands, cold beer, souvenirs and top people watching on Main Street in Daytona Beach, the traditional center of the 10-day event that runs this year from March 1-10.
Likewise, an array of vendors and concerts will also take place at venues ranging from the 150-acre Destination Daytona complex in Ormond Beach to Sopotnick's Cabbage Patch Bar in Samsula. Finally, the popular cabbage wrestling exhibitions are scheduled to be held at noon on Wednesday, March 6, and Saturday, March 9.
Weather is one of the only remaining factors for the estimated 300,000 to 400,000 motorcycle fans expected to descend on the area.
Here's the latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Melbourne.
What is the weather forecast for Bike Week in Daytona Beach?
Here are this week's expanded daily forecasts, as of Tuesday, from the NWS:
Tuesday: Sunny, high around 76 degrees and nighttime low around 58 degrees. South wind 5-10 mph. No mention of rain.
Wednesday: It's mostly sunny, with a high near 81 degrees and a nighttime low around 60 degrees. South winds 10-15 mph. Partly cloudy at night.
Thursday: A 20% chance of rain after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 70 degrees and a nighttime low around 62. North winds are expected to gust between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph.
Friday: There is a 20% chance of showers under a mostly cloudy sky with a high as high as 74 degrees and a nighttime low around 62. The forecast calls for east-southeast winds between 10 and 15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. per hour.
Saturday: 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. Otherwise, it will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 76 and an overnight low around 61. Winds are expected to become southeast at 5-10 mph in the afternoon.
Sunday: The chance of rain and thunderstorms is 40%, dropping to 20% at night. Otherwise, it's partly sunny, with a high of 76 degrees and a nighttime low of about 61 degrees.
Monday: 30% chance of rain and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. East southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.
What's happening at Daytona Bike Week?
The 83rd annual event takes place March 1-10 in Daytona Beach and throughout Central Florida.
Looking back:Bike Week in Daytona Beach: A History of Beer, Bikes, Coleslaw, and “Naughty”
The celebration is supported by an array of vendors offering everything from custom sunglasses to exhaust systems, live music and opportunities to cruise everywhere from busy city streets to scenic country roads.
Visit Officialbikeweek.com for information.
What are some must-do Bike Week experiences?
Cruz Main Street: Although the event has expanded its scope over the years, Main Street is still bucket list worthy, especially for a first-timer. Expect it to be packed elbow to elbow and tailpipe to tailpipe with motorcycles, spectators, street vendors, bands and unusual characters from the Main Street Bridge to State Road A1A.
Shop Swap: Do you need a part or accessory? Complete drive? View thousands of items for sale or trade at the annual Daytona Bike Week Swap Meet, a fixture for 45 years on the expansive grounds of 1471 Tomoka Farms Road, just south of the Daytona Flea & Farmers Market.
Gathering in DeLand: Be sure to check out the annual DeLand Bike Rally, which features thousands of motorcycles along Woodland Boulevard. There is a midway with motorcycle-related merchandise, as well as music, beer and food. Past events have also included a mass biker wedding. This year's gathering runs from 9am to 5pm on March 2.
Visit mainstreetdeland.org for details.
Ormond Loop Ride: This popular 23-mile stretch from the Birthplace of Speed Park to the Tomoka River Basin is known for its lush canopies of live oak trees and stunning views of the ocean, river, and marsh. The ride, part of a larger 30-mile double loop, takes riders through a variety of oceanfront beach parks along State Route A1A, as well as North Peninsula State Park, Highbridge Park, Polo Creek State Park, and Fairchild Oak, Tomoka. State Park, Tomoka Outpost and Ormond Beach Historical Society.
Bike Week at Daytona International Speedway
Throughout the event, Daytona International Speedway will host a massive motorcycle market in the parking lots in front of the track along International Speedway Boulevard.
The free event features high-end manufacturer displays, top-of-the-line gear from Hot Leathers, free test rides on the Progressive Demo Road, Harley-Davidson Thunder Alley and more.
Speed will be the name of the game at the 2024 Daytona Supercross at 7 p.m. on March 2 at Daytona International Speedway. It is considered the most demanding course of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship season.
Tickets range from $55 to $69 at daytonainternationalspeedway.com.
On the closing weekend of Bike Week, the Daytona 200, hosted by MotoAmerica, will take place March 7-9 (TBD) at the Speedway. The race features high-powered machinery located on the Speedway's famous high banks as well as the road course.
Two-day ticket packages cost $59, with three-day packages available for $79 at daytonainternationalspeedway.com.
In addition to the 200, the Speedway will also host the MotoAmerica King of the Baggers Championship, the Twins Cup Championship and the Mission Super Hooligan National Championship during Bike Week.
Visit daytonainternationalspeedway.com for details.
Where can I get more information about Bike Week?
Visit Officialbikeweek.com for a complete list of events.
