Colonial Beach Bike Fest 2025 - Are You Going? Oct 9-12 - Virginia

Sep 22, 2025

There’s no official Virginia Beach Bike Week on the calendar, but when people mention it, they’re almost always talking about Colonial Beach Bike Fest. It’s not held in Virginia Beach, but it’s the biggest motorcycle event in the region that’s actually on the water. What most riders don’t realize is that Colonial Beach sits just 35 miles from the Maryland border, which makes it an easy ride in for a lot of out-of-state visitors. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about Bike Fest 2025, including the dates, location, and what to expect once you get there.

So, What Is Colonial Beach Bike Fest?

Colonial Beach Bike Fest kicked off in 2014 as a small local event, but it didn’t take long for word to spread. What started as a weekend gathering has grown into one of the most talked-about motorcycle events in the region, bringing in nearly 30,000 people to this quiet beach town each year. It’s organized by the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce and supported by local businesses, volunteers, and riders who keep the momentum going. You might hear people call it Colonial Beach Bike Week, and even though that’s not the event’s official title, it’s easy to see how it earned the reputation.

Where It All Happens: Downtown Colonial Beach & The Boardwalk

This year’s 11th annual Colonial Beach, VA Bike Fest takes place October 9 through October 12 across downtown Colonial Beach, with everything centered around Town Hill, Washington Avenue, and the Boardwalk. It’s a compact setup, which means you can park your bike once and walk to just about everything. Town Hill is where most of the bands and vendors are set up, while Washington Avenue fills out with bikes, shops, and food stands. From there, it’s just a short walk to the Boardwalk, where you’ll find even more vendors and some space to relax by the water. The whole area is easy to move through and built around making the weekend comfortable for riders.

Colonial Beach Bike Fest 2025 Schedule & Event Highlights

There’s something going on every day of Colonial Beach Bike Fest, and the schedule usually builds as the weekend goes on. Most people who attend ride in on Thursday, but Friday and Saturday tend to bring the biggest crowds, especially when the main bands hit the stage. Below, you’ll find a day-by-day look at what’s happening throughout the weekend so you can plan your time and not miss anything you want to see.

Thursday, October 9

• Vendors begin setting up at noon, with the event area open to the public
• Beer and wine available from 12:00pm to 5:00pm
• Live music kicks off at 1:00pm on the Main Stage (band to be announced)
• Indian Motorcycle on-site for the weekend with bikes on display

Friday, October 10

• Defender of Freedom Rider between 8:30am and 10:30am
• Food and merchandise vendors open by 11:00am
• Beer and wine served from noon to 5:00pm
• Opening Ceremony begins at 2:00pm with a tribute to riders and the Blessing of the Bikes
• Live music on the Main Stage starts at 2:30pm and runs through the evening
• 2:30pm: Band TBD
• 4:30pm: Double Down
• 7:00pm: Cougar Flash

Saturday, October 11

• Breakfast buffet at Riverboat on the Potomac from 9:00am to noon
• Bike Show registration open from 10:00am to noon in the Riverboat parking lot
• Vendors open at 11:00am
• Beer and wine served starting at noon
• Bike Show judging begins at 1:00pm, followed by awards at 1:30pm
• Full lineup of live music from afternoon into the night
• 12:00pm: Band TBD
• 4:00pm: Twisted Trails
• 7:30pm: Longreef

Sunday, October 12

• Final breakfast buffet at Riverboat on the Potomac from 9:00am to noon
• Vendors open from 11:00am to 3:00pm
• Beer and wine available from noon to 3:00pm
• Closing concerts on the Main Stage starting at 1:00pm
• 1:00pm: Band TBD
• Bike Fest wraps up at 5:00pm

Live Music All Weekend (2025 Lineup Preview)

Live music is a big part of the weekend at Colonial Beach Bike Fest, and the 2025 lineup already has a few familiar names on the schedule. Things start to pick up Friday afternoon with back-to-back sets on the Main Stage. Double Down will kick things off, followed by Cougar Flash later that evening. On Saturday, the music keeps going with Twisted Trails in the afternoon and Longreef, this year’s headliner, closing things out that night. More bands are expected to be announced as the event gets closer, so if you’re planning to hang out by the stage, keep an eye on the event’s official website for updates.

Bikes, Builders, and the 2025 Colonial Beach Bike Show

One of the biggest highlights of the bike fest in Colonial Beach, VA is the annual Colonial Beach Bike Show, held Saturday, October 11 at Riverboat on the Potomac. Registration is open from 10:00am to noon in the parking lot, with judging starting at 1:00pm and awards handed out shortly after at 1:30pm. The show brings in everything from custom builds to detailed restorations, and you’ll see riders showing off some serious craftsmanship. Even if you’re not entering, it’s worth stopping by to check out the lineup and talk with builders who bring something different to the table each year.

The Defender of Freedom Ride: Ride Info for Friday Morning

The Defender of Freedom Ride is a meaningful part of Friday at Bike Fest, and it’s open to everyone at no cost. Registration runs from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM at the National Museum of the Marine Corps (click HERE for directions) in Triangle, Virginia. Riders gather for a short briefing and prayer at 10:15 AM, then head out together at 10:30 AM with a full police escort. The route takes the group from the museum to Colonial Beach American Legion Post 148, where the Presentation of Colors happens at 1:00 PM to honor military members and veterans. For many, this ride has become a meaningful tradition before the music, vendors, and crowds pick up later in the afternoon.

Riding In for the Weekend? Explore Beyond Colonial Beach

If you're already making the trip to the Potomac region, there's great riding within easy reach. Riders Share offers motorcycle experiences near Washington, D.C. led by locals who know the backroads through Northern Virginia, the Shenandoah foothills, and the scenic stretches along the river. A guided ride is a solid way to turn one event weekend into a few days of real riding.

Need a Ride? Browse Motorcycle Rentals for Colonial Beach Bike Fest

Riders Share offers the largest selection of motorcycle rentals in the Colonial Beach area, making it easy to find a ride before the weekend begins. You’ll see listings for cruisers, touring bikes, and other popular styles, with flexible pickup options and bikes from real riders who know the area well. If you're coming in from out of town or just prefer to leave your own bike at home, renting through Riders Share is a convenient way to stay part of the action. Take a look at what's available nearby and reserve your ride ahead of time.

Don’t Miss the 11th Annual Colonial Beach VA Bike Fest!

You’re officially caught up on everything that makes the 11th annual Colonial Beach, VA Bike Fest a weekend worth planning for. From the Thursday setup to the Sunday wind‑down, and with nearly 30,000 fellow riders and fans expected to show up, this event delivers riding, music, community, and good times all along the water. Make your plans now, get your ride sorted, and come be part of a tradition that’s grown each October around here. See you there, on the road and at the boardwalk!