Weather Alert

Extreme Heat Warning until WED 8:00 PM EDT

Closings

Click here to view closings and delays

Ocean City approves new promoter for OC Bikefest

Kevin Zipay
Kevin Zipay
Reporter

Kevin joined the CoastTV News team in November 2023 as a video journalist. He is a Rowan University graduate with a degree in radio television and film and a minor in sports communications. While at Rowan, Kevin worked at the campus television station, RTN, and was also a member of the Rowan radio station, 89.7 WGLS-FM.

Author email
May 6, 2025
May 6, 2025 Updated May 6, 2025

Ocean City — The Ocean City Council has approved a new promoter to take over OC Bikefest.

The Ocean City Council has approved a new promoter to take over OC Bikefest.

OCEAN CITY, Md. - The Ocean City Council has approved a new promoter for OC Bikefest, following the termination of a previous agreement with OC Jams.

Vacationer Richard Saunders says he’s excited to see bikes return to the coast. “I hope everybody has a good time. This is a good place to be,” Saunders said.

Kickin Event LLC was officially approved Monday night to run OC Bikefest for 2025 and 2026, stepping in after OC Jams LLC defaulted on its contract with the town.

As part of the new deal, Ocean City is waiving all rental fees for the Inlet parking lot and the Roland E. Powell Convention Center — a move that will save Kickin Event approximately $90,000 in costs. The expectation is that the town will recoup that value through increased business activity during the event, as visitors fill restaurants, hotels and shops.

“They have to eat. They have to have someplace to stay,” said Ocean City Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Amy Thompson. “So from a business standpoint, we love events like this.”

Ocean City — One of the biggest changes could be the addition of a second Boardwalk ride — a popular tradition that has previously only taken place once during the event.

One of the biggest changes could be the addition of a second Boardwalk ride — a popular tradition that has previously only taken place once during the event.

Kickin Event has plans for the popular motorcycle gathering. Organizers say they want to highlight vendors, offer live music throughout the day, and book well-known headliners for the evenings. One of the biggest changes could be the addition of a second Boardwalk ride — a popular tradition that has previously only taken place once during the event.

Despite the change in leadership, enthusiasm remains strong. More than $130,000 in tickets have already been sold. Promoters say they expect between 10,000 and 20,000 attendees at this year’s event.

Thompson said the timing couldn’t be better. “This is a really nice boost at the end of the season for our, you know, hospitality-facing members to really have a nice push and bring a different crowd to town,” she said.

OC BikeFest 2025 is scheduled to start September 10th, and is expected to bring a major economic impact to the resort town.

Kevin Zipay

Reporter

Kevin joined the CoastTV News team in November 2023 as a video journalist. He is a Rowan University graduate with a degree in radio television and film and a minor in sports communications. While at Rowan, Kevin worked at the campus television station, RTN, and was also a member of the Rowan radio station, 89.7 WGLS-FM.