Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally Rolls into Panama City Beach this Fall for its 23rd Spectacular Year
This Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally biker and his dog are all smiles about the biannual event which draws more-than 60,000 bikers.
The Most Biker-Friendly Free Rally in the U.S.
Thousands of bikers will soon be wheeling into Panama City Beach for the Thunder Beach Autumn Motorcycle Rally 2023. The five-day event, founded in 1999, will feature more-than 200 vendors and exhibitors.
With no rally entry fees and a terrific time typically to be had by all, Thunder Beach is known as “The Most Biker-Friendly Free Rally in the U.S.” It’s also one of the most popular, attracting more-than 60,000 bikers to both the yearly fall rally and another held every spring. Some of the rally's bike shows do have varying nominal entry fees.
Most attendees come as much for the camaraderie as the organized activities.
“It’s a bond thing,” said one recent visitor, adding he has been riding for more than two decades.
The fun and games vary from show to show, but the action always includes a kickoff party, bike parades, bike displays, poker runs, stunt shows, and Harley Davidson factory demo rides. Other activities include a tattoo contest, beauty pageants, fashion shows, food sales, sales of biker merchandise, and live musical entertainment. Events are mostly centered around Frank Brown Park and Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach. Other venues include Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant, The Bike RacK restaurant, Hammerhead Fred’s restaurant, Ms. Newby's and The CrossRoads at Thunder Beach.
Panama City Beach the Perfect Setting for the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally
Chances are good the weather not only will cooperate but will roll out its sunny red carpet, since Panama City Beach averages 320 days of sunshine each year.
Some other stats about PCB that make its beautiful shoreline and surrounding area a wonderful backdrop for the rally:
- The year-round temperature averages 74 degrees.
- PCB features 27 miles of pristine sugary sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico's turquoise waters.
- Gorgeous St. Andrews State Park has been named the #2 Beach in America by Trip Advisor.
- The city is conveniently located in Northwest Florida, less than 100 miles southwest of Tallahassee and 297 miles southwest of Atlanta.
The Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally draws thousands of visitors to beachside Panama City Beach.
A popular event at every show is the Sgt. Kevin Kight Memorial Bike Parade. Established in 2005, it was named in memory of a local police officer killed in the line of duty. Hundreds of bikers participate, and the proceeds (both parade participants and onlookers are encouraged to donate cash and nonperishable food) go to local food banks and families in need.
The 23rd Annual Thunder Beach Autumn 2023 Rally is ready to roll Wednesday, Oct. 25 – Sunday, Oct. 29. Once you've experienced the fun, you'll want to be reservation ready for the Spring Thunder Beach Spring Rally 2024, set for Wednesday, May 1 - Sunday, May 5, 2024. Two great events–two times the excitement!
For details and activity updates, check out the rally website at thunderbeachproductions.com.
Where To Stay During Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally
Many Panama City Beach rental properties offer special beach vacation deals, including discounted rates, free nights, and more, for Thunder Beach visitors. For more information on places to stay, click on our listings for Panama City Beach vacation rentals.
Make a reservation, pack your bags, kickstart your motorcycle and come on down to the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally 2023 for a great time!
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This article was originally written by S. Lynne and updated by BeachGuide staff.
Published on Friday, September 18, 2020