Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival 2025 Information

Jan 1, 2025

If you’re a motorcycle rider  or music lover looking for the ultimate Florida event, mark your calendar for February 14–16, 2025. The Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival returns for its 27th annual celebration at the Sarasota Fairgrounds, combining live music, biker events, and community fundraising in one action-packed weekend.

This festival isn’t just about the thrill of motorcycles and music; it’s also a fundraiser for Suncoast Charities for Children, supporting local children, teens, and adults with special needs. Over the past 26 years, the event has raised more than $2.8 million for this great cause.

If you’re visiting from out of town or simply want to arrive in style, renting a motorcycle near Sarasota has never been easier thanks to Riders Share—your go-to platform for peer-to-peer motorcycle rentals.

Where Is the Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival 2025?

The Thunder By The Bay Festival takes place at the Sarasota Fairgrounds:

Address: 3000 Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34237

Located just minutes from Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast, the Sarasota Fairgrounds provide an ideal venue for live music, motorcycle events, food vendors, and family fun. With on-site camping available, festivalgoers can stay close to the action throughout the weekend.

Sarasota is a central hub for travelers across Florida, making it accessible for both locals and visitors flying into nearby airports like Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ).

When Is Thunder By The Bay? 2025 Dates

This year’s festival runs from Friday, February 14 through Sunday, February 16, 2025. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the event:

Friday, February 14, 2025

The festival kicks off with live music, entertainment, and motorcycle festivities to set the tone for the weekend.

• 4:00 PM: Gates open for festival attendees.
• 5:45 PM: Opening Prayer & National Anthem – Main Stage
• 6:00 PM: Live Performance – Jack’D Up (Sarasota’s award-winning rock cover band)
• 7:30 PM: Daredevil Motorcycle Stunt Shows – Watch incredible motorcycle stunt performances.
• 8:00 PM: Headline Act – Blue Öyster Cult – Experience hits like "(Don’t Fear) The Reaper" and "Godzilla" as this legendary band takes the stage.

Affordable general admission includes all Friday performances and activities. On-site food vendors and motorcycle-related merchandise.

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Saturday brings a full day of live music, motorcycle competitions, and unique entertainment.

• 11:45 AM: Opening Prayer & National Anthem – Main Stage
• 12:00 PM: Live Performance – Downsyde Up (’90s rock tribute band)
• 1:00 PM: Universal Championship Wrestling – High-energy wrestling matches for all ages.
• 1:00–3:00 PM: Bike Show Registration – Enter your motorcycle into the custom bike show.
• 2:00 PM: Live Performance – Johnny Diamond (high-energy rock and dance band)
• 3:00 PM: Daredevil Motorcycle Stunt Shows – Motorcycle stunt riders perform thrilling tricks.
• 3:30 PM: Universal Championship Wrestling – More wrestling entertainment.
• 4:00 PM: Live Performance – Foreigner Experience (Foreigner tribute band)
• 4:30 PM: Bike Show Awards – Winners of the custom bike competition are announced.
• 5:00 PM: Universal Championship Wrestling
• 6:00 PM: Live Performance – Jaded (Aerosmith tribute band)
• 7:00 PM: Daredevil Motorcycle Stunt Shows
• 7:30 PM: Universal Championship Wrestling – Final matches of the day.
• 8:00 PM: Headline Act – Grand Funk Railroad – Rock out with hits like "We’re an American Band" and "Some Kind of Wonderful".

Bike Show and wrestling matches keep the action rolling throughout the day. Enjoy live music from local and tribute bands leading up to the headline act.

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Sunday wraps up the festival with a mix of competitions, music, and motorcycle reveals.

• 12:00–1:30 PM: Slow Race Registration – Sign up for the fan-favorite slow race competition.
• 12:30 PM: Universal Championship Wrestling
• 12:45 PM: Opening Prayer & National Anthem – Main Stage
• 1:00 PM: Live Performance – One Night Rodeo (country-rock band)
• 1:00–3:00 PM: Sound Off Competition – Test or show off your motorcycle’s stereo system.
• 2:00 PM: Slow Race Competition – Riders compete to see who can ride the slowest without touching their feet to the ground.
• 2:30 PM: Daredevil Motorcycle Stunt Shows – Don’t miss the final round of incredible stunt performances.
• 2:30 PM: Universal Championship Wrestling
• 3:00 PM: Headline Act – Creed Fisher – Celebrate with Fisher’s traditional country hits and outlaw sound.
• 4:00 PM: Motorcycle Stereo Sound Off Competition Awards – Winners of the sound off competition are announced.
• 4:30 PM: Kory Souza Custom Bike Build Reveal – See a stunning custom motorcycle unveiled to close out the festival.

Participate in or watch unique biker competitions like the Slow Race and Sound Off. End the weekend on a high note with Creed Fisher’s headline performance and the exciting custom bike reveal.

What to Expect at Thunder By The Bay This Year

1. A Stellar Music Lineup

Live music is a major draw at Thunder By The Bay, with headline acts included in the price of general admission tickets. For 2025, the lineup includes:

• Blue Öyster Cult (Friday, 8:00 PM) – Known for hits like "(Don’t Fear) The Reaper" and "Burnin’ for You", Blue Öyster Cult has been a staple in hard rock for decades.
• Grand Funk Railroad (Saturday, 8:00 PM) – Celebrating over 50 years, this legendary rock band will bring their high-energy hits like "We’re an American Band" to the stage.
• Creed Fisher (Sunday, 3:00 PM) – Outlaw country fans can enjoy Fisher’s traditional country sound and blue-collar anthems.

Plus, supporting acts like Jack’D Up, Mock of Ages (Def Leppard tribute), and One Night Rodeo provide a diverse mix of rock, country, and classic hits.

2. Motorcycle Events & Biker Activities

Thunder By The Bay is a motorcycle-friendly event through and through. The weekend includes:

• Bike Show: Custom motorcycles on display for fans and judges.
• Games: Fun, interactive competitions designed for motorcycle riders.
• Stunt Shows: Daredevil motorcycle performances sure to impress.
• Motorcycle Sound-Off Competition: Compete or cheer on bikers showing off their sound systems.
• Charity Ride: Join fellow riders for a group ride benefiting Suncoast Charities for Children.

If you love bikes, this event delivers the full experience.

3. On-Site Camping Options

Want to stay close to the action? On-site camping at the Sarasota Fairgrounds is available, but reservations are handled separately. Contact the Fairgrounds directly for details:

• Phone: (941) 365-0818
• Email: christina@sarasotafair.com

Tickets & Admission for Thunder By The Bay 2025

General admission tickets offer affordable access to the entire festival, including all headline acts and activities.

Ticket Options:

• Single-Day General Admission: $15 (before Jan. 17), $20 at the gate.
• 3-Day General Admission Pass: $40 (before Jan. 17), $45 after.
• VIP Passes: Options start at $125/day and include perks like food vouchers, complimentary drinks, and exclusive seating.
• Premium VIP Passes: Front-of-stage standing access and a VIP tent experience ($175–$550).
• Buy tickets early to save!

Rent a Motorcycle for Thunder By The Bay with Riders Share

Riders Share offers the largest selection of popular makes and models like Harley-Davidsons, BMWs, Hondas and more, all at a fraction of the cost of traditional rental companies. 

Why drive when you can ride? Renting a motorcycle with Riders Share lets you explore the festival and Sarasota’s beautiful coastal roads on two wheels. Whether you’re flying in for the event or need a reliable bike for the weekend, Riders Share offers a range of motorcycles—from cruisers to touring bikes—at affordable rates.

Benefits of Renting with Riders Share:

1. Largest Selection of Rentals in Florida: Choose from dozens of bikes to suit your style and needs.
2. Peer-to-Peer Rentals: Rent directly from verified owners for a seamless experience.
3. Convenience: Pick up a bike near the Sarasota Fairgrounds or nearby airports.

Explore Sarasota Before or After the Festival

Turn your trip into a mini-vacation and explore Sarasota’s attractions on your motorcycle:

• Siesta Key Beach: Ride to this world-famous beach with pristine white sands.
• The Ringling Museum: A cultural gem featuring art, gardens, and circus history.
• Scenic Rides: Cruise along coastal highways with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Want a Local to Show You Around While You're in Town?

The festival runs three days, but Sarasota and the Gulf Coast have plenty more riding worth exploring. Riders Share offers motorcycle tours across Florida led by locals who know the coastal highways, the scenic backroads, and the routes that make a trip to this part of the state worth extending. If you're coming in early or staying after the festival, a guided ride is a great way to see more of the area without spending your downtime planning every mile.

Plan Your Thunder By The Bay Adventure

The Thunder By The Bay Music & Motorcycle Festival is the perfect event for riders looking for great music, incredible bikes, and the chance to support a meaningful cause.

Event Details Recap:

• When: February 14–16, 2025
• Where: Sarasota Fairgrounds, Sarasota, FL

Tickets: Starting at $15