In a few weeks, more than a half a million motorcyclists are expected to converge upon the Daytona Beach area for Bike Week 2020, an annual celebration of motorcycles and the biker culture. While the world-famous Main Street in Daytona Beach is the center of all the activity, the festivities will be spread throughout Volusia County and Flagler County. Every day from March 6 through March 15, official events and activities will take place starting at 9 a.m. and continuing through 5 p.m. That includes 2 major races at the Daytona International Speedway, as well as bike shows, live music, street festivals, rallies, and manufacturer showcases. The History of Bike Week and the Daytona 200 The first Bike Week took place in January 1937 and coincided with the inaugural running of the Daytona 200, which at the time was nicknamed the 'Handlebar Derby' by local racing writers. The race took place on a 3.2-mile course, part of which was on the hard-packed beach and part of it on pavement. The first champion was Ed Kretz of California riding an Indian Motorcycle. In the early years, Harley-Davidson dominated the race, winning 11 of 13 races from 1953 to 1965. Eighty years later, Harley-Davidson continues to be a significant part of Bike Week every year. The race continued to be held on the same beach-road course for two more decades - with the exception of the World War II years of 1942 to 1947 - until it was moved to the Daytona International Speedway in 1961. Over time, the Daytona 200 developed the following of motorcycle racing fans, drawing more and more people to the area for the race. As the numbers grew, additional activities and events that appealed 2 motorcycle lovers were created. Eventually, Bike Week became as much about those activities as it did the race itself. Bike Week 2020 Events and Activities Daytona 200 / Daytona TT (Saturday, March 14) These two races, which have traditionally been run on different days during Bike Week, will go back to back in an exciting doubleheader of motorcycle racing! Fans will experience the excitement and energy of the Daytona 200 race in the morning, then stick around for the Daytona TT in the evening. Other activities at Daytona International Speedway will include the UNOH Fanzone, as well as a Kids Zone, live music, and meet and greet events with the riders. Daytona Supercross (Saturday, March 7) This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Daytona Supercross, held annually at the Daytona International Speedway. It's an adrenaline pumping, action-packed event on a highly challenging course that pays homage to the history of the event by including course design elements from past courses, such as an over-the-wall jump and a tunnel jump, as well as using grass on part of the racing surface. The Southern Fried Moto Show (Sunday, March 8) This show is held at Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona Pavilion and features nostalgic look at vintage motorcycles manufactured in 1999 or earlier. It's always a fun event where the motorcycles are ridden in for display. Rhett Rotten's Wall of Death Vintage Motorcycle Stunt Show (Friday, March 6 – Saturday, March 14) Head to Bruce Rossmeyer's Destination Daytona Pavilion for this amazing show, performed several times per day throughout Bike Week 2020. It's a gravity-defying show featuring Rhett Rotten as he rides along the circular Wall of Death, building enough speed to keep his vintage 1927 Indian Scout motorcycle's tires riding along the surface twelve feet above the ground! Burning Bike (Friday, March 6 – Friday, March 13) Starting on Friday, March 6, take a ride over to the Fastlane Campgrounds at Volusia County Fairgrounds where a 75-foot wooden motorcycle will be built just for this event. You can write a message on the bike or just sign it and pose for pictures in front of it. Then on Saturday, March 13, it will be set ablaze in a spectacle of flames! There will be live music, high-wire acts, fire dancers, and more, as well as the annual Miss Burning Bike competition. The Leather and Lace M.C. Motorcycle Rodeo (Thursday, March 12) Founded in 1983, Leather and Lace is a women's motorcycle club that was created to bring women who love motorcycles together and serve their community. Their Motorcycle Rodeo, which is held at Angels Landing in Edgewater, is an event that includes a bike show, as well as events where contestants can show off their motorcycle riding skills. AMSOIL Treasure Hunt (Friday, March 6 – Saturday, March 14) The Treasure Hunt is an annual Bike Week tradition that guides riders on a trek throughout the Daytona Beach area. There are 11 stops on this year's Treasure Hunt and if you get your Official Pocket Guide stamped at each location, you can turn it in for a limited-edition commemorative Bike Week coin. Pocket guides are available at the Official Bike Week Welcome Center. Ruff Ride Poker Run (Thursday, March 12) This event, which raises money for the Halifax Humane Society, takes you to five stops where you'll have a great time while supporting a worthy cause. With your ticket, you get a limited-edition T-shirt, as well as one poker hand, a barbecue dinner, and one drink at the Iron Horse Saloon. Prizes will be awarded for the best and worst poker hands. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the event. Explore accommodations at our Grand Seas Resort & book your trip to Daytona Beach, Florida!