Thunder by the Bay 2026 - Sarasota Music & Motors Festival

Jan 27, 2026

Most motorcycle rallies are about the party, but Thunder by the Bay has raised over $3 million for children and adults with special needs since it started 28 years ago. This Sarasota motorcycle rally runs February 13-15, 2026 at the Sarasota Fairgrounds with Night Ranger, 38 Special, and Montgomery Gentry headlining, plus meet and greets with Paul Teutul Jr. from American Chopper throughout the weekend. Here's everything you need to know if you're planning to attend this year’s Sara

What Is Thunder by the Bay?

Thunder by the Bay is a Florida motorcycle festival that raises money for Suncoast Charities for Children, an organization that funds seven local nonprofits serving children, teens, and adults with special needs across Southwest Florida. The event started in downtown Sarasota and has grown into a three-day festival that now draws around 15,000 people each year. It's a family-friendly event, meaning you'll see a mix of riders and general attendees throughout the weekend.

When is Thunder by the Bay 2026?

• Thunder by the Bay dates: February 13-15, 2026

The festival runs Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15, 2026. Friday is the shortest day with gates opening at 5:00 PM and closing at 10:00 PM, while Saturday runs from noon to 10:00 PM and Sunday wraps up from noon to 5:00 PM.

Thunder by the Bay Ticket Information

Like most years, all headliner performances are included with every ticket level, and children 12 and under get in free. Purchase your ticket through ShowSlinger on the official tickets page, since third-party sites might (most definitely) charge higher prices.

Ticket Prices

• Single Day General Admission: $15
• 3-Day Pass: $40
• Party Pit Passes, VIP Packages, and Sunday Fun Day Four-Packs also available

What You Can Bring

• Lawn chairs (or rent them on-site)
• Cameras

What's Not Allowed

• Coolers
• Outside food and drinks
• Tents or staked umbrellas

NOTE: Re-entry is permitted with a hand stamp.

Sarasota Fairgrounds Location and Parking

Thunder by the Bay takes place at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, located at 3000 Ringling Boulevard in Sarasota, Florida. If you're flying in, Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport is the closest option, with Tampa International about an hour north and Southwest Florida International in Fort Myers roughly 90 minutes south. Parking at the fairgrounds is free with your admission ticket.

Who’s Performing at Thunder by the Bay?

All headliner performances are included with general admission, so you don't need to upgrade your ticket to see the main acts.

Friday, February 13

Night Ranger headlines at 8:00 PM, and if you grew up listening to "Sister Christian" or "Don't Tell Me You Love Me," this is the set you don't want to miss. Maiden Cane opens the stage at 6:00 PM.

Saturday, February 14

38 Special takes the stage at 8:00 PM as part of their 50th Anniversary Tour, and they've got a new album out this year. Before them, Given to Fly (a Pearl Jam tribute band) plays at 4:00 PM and Bobby Friss performs at 6:00 PM.

Sunday, February 15

Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery closes out the weekend at 3:00 PM, with Crossfire Creek Band opening at 1:00 PM.

You can see the full music lineup on the event’s official music page.

Paul Teutul Jr. Meet and Greet

Paul Teutul Jr. is this year's special guest, and if you watched American Chopper on Discovery Channel, you're familiar with his custom builds. He now runs Paul Jr. Designs and will be at the festival for meet and greet sessions on Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and again from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, then on Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

Bike Show, Car Show, and Rodeo Events

Sunday's bike show runs from noon to 4:00 PM and features 14 different classes for competition, so whether you're entering or just want to check out the builds, there's plenty to see. The Cars & Country car show happens at the same time, hosted by Pete Tromboni who organizes Sarasota's Cars & Coffee events. On Saturday, the Biker Rodeo runs from noon to 3:00 PM with various competitions, and the Charity Dice Run starts at 9:30 AM as a group ride that ends at the festival grounds.

Full Weekend Schedule

Friday, February 13

Gates open at 5:00 PM.

• 6:00 PM: Maiden Cane
• 8:00 PM: Night Ranger

Saturday, February 14

Gates open at noon, and this is the busiest day with the most activities running at the same time.

• 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM: Motorcycle and Car Charity Dice Run
• 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Biker Rodeo Games
• 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM: Paul Teutul Jr. Meet and Greet
• 4:00 PM: Given to Fly (Pearl Jam tribute)
• 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Paul Teutul Jr. Meet and Greet (second session)
• 6:00 PM: Bobby Friss
• 8:00 PM: 38 Special

Sunday, February 15

Gates open at noon.

• 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM: Bike Show (14 classes)
• 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM: Cars & Country Sunday Car Show
• 1:00 PM: Crossfire Creek Band
• 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Paul Teutul Jr. Meet and Greet
• 3:00 PM: Montgomery Gentry featuring Eddie Montgomery

Click HERE to view the complete festival schedule.

On-Site Camping at Sarasota Fairgrounds

Need a place to crash for the weekend? Camping is available for those who want to stay at the venue throughout the weekend, but reservations are handled separately from festival tickets. Contact the Sarasota Fairgrounds directly at (941) 365-0818 or email christina@sarasotafair.com to check availability and pricing.

Rent a Motorcycle in Florida for Thunder by the Bay

Riders Share has the largest selection of Florida motorcycle rentals, with Sarasota motorcycle rentals close to the festival and Tampa motorcycle rentals available if you're flying into TPA and want to ride down. We connect you directly with local owners, which means more bike options and better rates than traditional rental counters. Check out what's available and book your rental for the weekend.

Browse Rentals on Riders Share

• Sarasota motorcycle rentals
• Tampa motorcycle rentals
• Florida motorcycle rentals

Start Planning Your Trip to Thunder by the Bay!

Between the music, the bike show, and the chance to meet Paul Teutul Jr., there's a lot packed into one weekend. The fact that it all goes toward helping kids and adults with special needs makes it worth the trip. Grab your tickets early, figure out your lodging or camping situation, and if you need a bike, we've got you covered on Riders Share.