Bikin’ the Beach rolling into a new hub this year
By Toni Miles
“Ride. Rock. Revel.” This is the theme for the 2nd Annual Bikin’ the Beach event set to be held in South Mississippi during the third week of May.
Hundreds of bikers are expected to roll into the City of Long Beach, the new hub for this year’s Bikin’ the Beach event, scheduled for May 14 to 17 in the Friendly City, bringing in not only motorcycles, riders and motorcycle enthusiasts, but also vendors, live entertainment and much more.
Bikin’ the Beach made its debut last year, in 2025, in Biloxi, but the City of Long Beach will serve as its new host this year, with most of the scheduled activities set to take place in the heart of downtown at the Harper McCaughan Town Green pavilion. Last year’s event drew thousands of riders and spectators, and expectations are high for this year’s rally attendance, as well as its monetary effect on local business coffers.
All activities at this year’s Bikin’ the Beach, including live concerts and exhibitions, are free for spectators and open to the public.
Festivities are scheduled to begin Thursday, May 14, and continue through Sunday, May 17, with music, demonstrations and motorcycle-themed events running daily. The four-day, high-energy lineup of activities, designed for both riders and spectators, include a Bikin’ the Beach Parade, which is set to roll on Thursday at 6 p.m. in downtown Long Beach. The parade will follow a 5:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony and Blessing of the Bikes. The parade is free, open to the public and will start at the north end of Jeff Davis Avenue and will wind south, ending at the Long Beach Harbor.
Throughout the rally, there will be vendors, live stunt shows and free concerts.
Planned stunt shows will include the Wall of Death Show and the Twealth Co. Stunt Show, and the band lineup will include Rockstar Fish, Lonestar Skynyrd, Grits and Greens, and the Tyron Benoit Band.
In addition, there will be custom motorcycle showcases, tattoo artists, vendor markets, stunt exhibitions and more. A variety of food vendors and merchandise booths will also be set up on the grounds in the heart of Long Beach.
On Saturday, May 16, following a Legacy Ride to the Harper McCaughan Town Green Pavilion, a check will be presented to the Wounded Warriors of Mississippi to help veterans and their families in the area.
The rally will wrap on Sunday, May 17, with a 10:30 a.m. church service, followed by a final Bike Show Awards ceremony scheduled for noon.
Bikin’ the Beach is a rally that was created by Gulf Coast motorcycle enthusiasts who wanted an event comparable to other rallies and events in the region. After drawing thousands of visitors during its inaugural run last year in 2025, organizers say the event aims to boost tourism and support businesses not only in Long Beach, its new hub this year, but across neighboring communities and cities.
Bikin’ the Beach is considered yet another major event now added to South Mississippi’s growing calendar of automotive and outdoor festivals, such as Jeepin’ the Coast and Cruisin’ the Coast.
Registration is required for motorcyclists to participate in some events, and vendor applications for the May 14 – 17 rally are now available. To register or for more information, visit the Bikin’ the Beach Facebook page or BikinTheBeach.com.
