The 87th Annual Myrtle Beach Bike Week 2026 runs from May 8–17 along the Grand Strand coastline of South Carolina. This is the largest motorcycle rally on the East Coast, and this year's Spring Rally marks a milestone year, drawing strong interest from riders nationwide. Whether it's a rider's first time or their twentieth, here is everything they need to plan the trip, ride ready, and gear up right.
Myrtle Beach Bike Week 2026 Dates & Schedule
The Spring Rally spans a full 10 days, giving riders plenty of time to cruise the coast, hit the vendors, and catch live music without feeling rushed. For those who prefer the fall weather, mark the calendar now: the Fall Rally runs September 25–October 4, 2026, with the same stretch of coastline and the same energy.
Key dates at a glance:
- Spring Rally: May 8–17, 2026
- Kick-Off Party: May 11, 2026, Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson at The Boathouse, 4–8 p.m. (free food, live music, giveaways)
- Crude's Veteran Ride: May 13, 2026 (15th Anniversary)
- CVMA Scenic Spring Rally Ride: May 16, 2026
General admission is free. No ticket is required to ride the coast, browse vendor stalls, or take in the bike shows. Some individual venues may charge a cover, but the rally itself costs nothing to attend.
What's New at the 87th Annual Myrtle Beach Motorcycle Rally
Eighty-seven years is a long time. The Myrtle Beach motorcycle rally started in 1940 and has grown from a local gathering into an East Coast institution that draws between 300,000 and 600,000 riders annually. This year, it earns the milestone label; the 87th Annual is not just another number on the banner.
What sets 2026 apart is the combination of a landmark anniversary, a packed schedule of named events, and a riding community that continues to grow. The rally welcomes all types: Harley-Davidson V-twins, Indian cruisers, sport bikes, custom choppers, and everything in between. It has never been a brand-exclusive event, and the shared riding community that defines the event is a big part of what keeps riders coming back.
The 2025 Spring Rally reportedly drew over 500,000 riders, making the 2026 event one of the most anticipated in recent memory. Vendors are booking early. Hotels are filling fast. The energy heading into May is higher than in recent years, with more turnout and activity.
For riders hitting the Grand Strand for the first time, this is the year to do it. For veterans who have seen the rally evolve, 2026 brings back everything they love, plus a 15th-anniversary milestone ride that will be talked about long after the event wraps.
Top Events & Rides at Myrtle Beach Spring Bike Week 2026
The Myrtle Beach Spring Bike Week is more than a coastal cruise. The event schedule is stacked with structured rides, charity events, live entertainment, and competitions spread across all 10 days.
Crude's Veteran Ride, 15th Anniversary (May 13, 2026):
This is the signature event of the 2026 rally. A free, 150-mile round-trip group ride departing from the Golden Egg in Surfside Beach at 8 a.m., no registration required. The route runs to Moncks Corner, SC, and back. All types of bikes are welcome. It honors the veteran riding community and has become one of the most respected rides on the rally calendar.
CVMA Scenic Spring Rally Ride (May 16, 2026):
Organized by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, this guided ride departs from the Tuna Shak in North Myrtle Beach. The cost is $15 per rider and $5 per passenger. Afterward, the group wraps up at Landshark Bar & Grill for the after-party.
Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson Kick-Off Party (May 11, 2026):
Held at The Boathouse, 4–8 p.m. This is the official rally opener, free food, live music, Harley demo rides, and giveaways. It sets the pace for the entire 10 days.
Other highlights throughout the rally:
- Custom bike shows and chopper exhibitions
- Tattoo contests and bikini bike wash events at Jamin' Leather
- Biker breakfasts at key venues along the Grand Strand
- Charity rides benefiting veteran and community organizations
- Live music at biker bars and beachside venues throughout the week
- Factory demo rides at Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson
- Vendor markets with aftermarket parts, custom chrome, and riding gear
Best Venues: Biker Bars & Hot Spots Along the Grand Strand
The Grand Strand stretches 60 miles from North Myrtle Beach down through Georgetown, SC. Every mile of it comes alive during Bike Week. The venues below are the anchors of the rally, places where riders gather, gear up, and stay all day.
Suck Bang Blow, Murrells Inlet:
This is the premier biker bar of the rally. Live music, motorcycle parking, vendor exhibitions, and events run all day through both the Spring and Fall rallies. It sits along US Highway 17, the main coastal ride route that connects every major venue on the strip. Murrells Inlet is also the seafood capital of South Carolina, riders sporting their club colors and rockers will find no shortage of waterfront dining along the MarshWalk after a long day on the road.
Beaver Bar, Murrells Inlet (3381 U.S. 17 Business):
Two locations. A major rally hub with vendor stalls, entertainment, and 24-hour motorcycle parking during both events. It is one of the most visited stops for riders coming in from out of state.
The Rat Hole, 3833 Socastee Blvd, Myrtle Beach:
An active vendor exhibition location during the rally. Known for a laid-back atmosphere and a solid mix of gear vendors and custom bike displays.
Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson, 4710 S. Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach:
More than just a dealership during Bike Week. This is the official rally sponsor and event host. The kick-off party, biker breakfasts, demo rides, and the Cruise the Coast Rally Ride all run through here.
Jamin' Leather, 1220 Port Drive, Myrtle Beach:
A key leather gear vendor for both rallies. On top of selling quality riding apparel, they run tattoo contests, a bikini bike wash, charity leather auctions, and celebrity poster signings throughout the week.
Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach:
Home to J&P Cycles' "Rally on the Strand." This is a one-stop vendor hub for gear, accessories, and bike servicing, ideal for riders who want to browse without having to ride the full strip.
Atlantic Beach Bikefest:
Also runs during Memorial Weekend, centered on Ocean Boulevard in historic Atlantic Beach near Crescent Beach in North Myrtle Beach, a separate but closely connected event worth knowing about.
What to Wear to Myrtle Beach Bike Week 2026: Complete Gear Guide
May weather in Myrtle Beach runs between 70–85°F. The riding is warm and coastal, which changes the gear calculus compared to a mountain rally or fall event. Riders need protection without baking in full leather, and the right gear makes all the difference across a 10-day event.
Here is what experienced riders pack for the South Carolina bike week run
Leather Jacket
Ocean air and shifting winds off the coast can cool things fast. A ventilated leather jacket with CE armor keeps you protected without overheating on long rides around Myrtle Beach.
Shop men’s leather jacket styles built for the coast.
Leather Vest
When the heat builds in Myrtle Beach, a leather vest keeps airflow high while still giving you storage and that classic biker look. Perfect for quick stops and city cruising.
Find your men’s leather vest for warm-weather rides.
Motorcycle Boots
From busy streets to open highways, sturdy boots handle it all. Oil-resistant soles and ankle support keep your footing steady on coastal roads.
Upgrade your ride with motorcycle boots built for control.
Motorcycle Riding Gloves
Warm air, sun, and long rides can wear on your hands. Ventilated gloves with grip support reduce fatigue and maintain sharp control in coastal conditions.
Get dependable motorcycle riding gloves for every mile.
Motorcycle Helmet
Even with flexible helmet laws in South Carolina, many riders still choose to wear helmets, especially when heading into North Carolina, where helmets are required. Open-face options help keep airflow steady in the heat.
Pick a motorcycle helmet that fits your ride and comfort.
Motorcycle Riding Pants
Long coastal rides bring wind, heat, and road debris. Riding pants add an extra layer of protection while staying comfortable all day.
Gear up with motorcycle riding pants for longer, safer rides.
South Carolina Motorcycle Laws You Need to Know
Before hitting US Highway 17, every rider attending the Bike Week Myrtle Beach event should know the laws. Traffic enforcement is heavy throughout the 10 days, and police presence is a fixture on the Grand Strand during both rallies.
Helmet Law, South Carolina:
Helmets are required for riders and passengers under 21. Riders 21 and older may ride without a helmet. This does not apply when crossing state lines.
Helmet Law, North Carolina:
If a rider takes a day trip north into NC, helmets are required for all riders regardless of age. NC enforces this strictly.
Lane Splitting:
Lane splitting is not legal in South Carolina. It is strictly enforced, especially during Bike Week when patrol presence is elevated.
Noise Ordinances:
Modified exhausts attract attention during the rally. Local noise ordinances are actively enforced in venue areas and residential corridors along the Grand Strand.
Open Container Laws:
Strictly enforced. Outdoor events can blur the lines; riders need to stay aware of what is legal before carrying anything outside a venue.
Motorcycle Parking:
Most major hotels and rally venues, including Suck Bang Blow, the Beaver Bar, and Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson, provide dedicated motorcycle parking during the rally. Book accommodations early, as spots fill well before the May start date.
Where to Stay & How to Get There
Accommodations along the Grand Strand range from oceanfront condos to campgrounds and vacation rentals. The 60-mile stretch from North Myrtle Beach to Georgetown gives riders plenty of location options depending on which part of the rally circuit they want to be closest to.
What to know before booking:
- Hotels, condos, and campgrounds fill up fast. Book as early as possible
- Multi-bedroom oceanfront condos are available and popular for groups
- Campgrounds are a strong choice for riders who want to stay close to the action
- Lodging sponsors listed on the official Myrtle Beach Bike Week site have been vetted for biker-friendliness
Getting there:
US Highway 17 is the main artery that connects every major venue along the rally route. Most riders enter via I-95 and cut east on US-501 or SC-9 into the Grand Strand. For those traveling by bike or arriving by vehicle, parking is available throughout the area, though it fills quickly near the primary venue districts in Murrells Inlet and downtown Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach Bike Week vs Sturgis & Daytona: How Does It Compare?
Riders often search these three events side by side, and for good reason. Each rally has its own personality, and knowing the differences helps riders decide where to plant their flag for the season.
| Myrtle Beach Bike Week | Sturgis | Daytona Bike Week | |
| Timing | May (Spring) / Sept-Oct (Fall) | August | March |
| Location | Grand Strand, SC (East Coast) | Black Hills, SD | Daytona Beach, FL |
| Attendance | 300K–600K+ | 500K–700K | 500K+ |
| Cost to Attend | Free admission | Free admission | Free admission |
| Terrain | Flat coastal highway | Mountain/plains routes | Flat coastal highway |
| Weather (Spring) | Warm 70–85°F | N/A | Warm 70–80°F |
| Vibe | Beach, bars, biker community | Open road, scenic rides | Speed, racing culture |
Myrtle Beach Bike Week offers the rare combination of a free coastal event with direct beach access, a dense venue district in Murrells Inlet, and both a spring and a fall edition, giving riders two chances to ride the Grand Strand each year. For East Coast riders especially, it is the most accessible major rally on the calendar.
Sturgis is the biggest rally in the country, but it requires a cross-country commitment. Daytona draws heavily on the racing crowd. Myrtle Beach sits in a different lane, relaxed, coastal, community-driven, and the 87th Annual proves that it is not going anywhere.
Ride Ready. Gear Up With Renegade Classics.
The Grand Strand is calling. The 87th Annual Myrtle Beach Bike Week runs May 8–17, 2026, and every rider deserves to show up with the right gear for the road.
Renegade Classics carries everything needed for a solid rally run. Quality gear, built for riders who take the road seriously.
Browse the full biker gear collection at Renegade Classics and gear up before the rally, because vendor stalls sell out fast, and the open road waits for no one.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Myrtle Beach Bike Week 2026?
The Spring Rally runs May 8–17, 2026. The Fall Rally runs September 25–October 4, 2026. Both are 10-day events spread across the 60-mile Grand Strand coastline of South Carolina.
Is Myrtle Beach Bike Week free to attend?
Yes. There is no general admission ticket or entry fee. Riders can cruise the coast, visit vendor stalls, and watch bike shows without paying a thing. Some individual venues may charge a cover for concerts or special events.
How many people attend Myrtle Beach Bike Week?
Between 300,000 and 600,000 visitors attend both rallies annually. The 2025 Spring Rally drew over 500,000 riders, placing it firmly among the largest motorcycle events on the East Coast.
Do you need a helmet at Myrtle Beach Bike Week?
South Carolina requires helmets for riders and passengers under 21. Riders 21 and older are not required to wear one in SC. However, anyone riding into North Carolina for a day trip must wear a helmet; NC law applies to all riders regardless of age.
What to wear to Myrtle Beach Bike Week?
May weather runs 70–85°F, so ventilated gear is the smart choice. Pack a men's leather jacket or leather vest, motorcycle boots with ankle support, riding gloves, and a DOT-certified helmet. Motorcycle chaps or riding pants add protection for longer runs along the coast.
What is Crude's Veteran Ride?
Crude's Veteran Ride is the 15th Anniversary group ride at the 2026 Spring Rally. It departs from the Golden Egg in Surfside Beach at 8 a.m. on May 13, 2026. The ride is free, covers 150 miles round trip to Moncks Corner, SC, and requires no registration.
