OCEAN CITY, Md. – The future of Ocean City's 2025 Bikefest is in question after the town terminated its contract with the current promoter, OC Jams LLC, due to a default of the agreement. The issue is now set to go before the Ocean City Council tonight at 6 p.m.
OC Jams had signed a three-year contract to host the annual motorcycle rally at the Inlet Parking Lot from 2023 through 2025. However, town officials confirmed OC Jams has stepped down after defaulting on its contract with the town.
The situation comes amid unrelated legal troubles involving a former Bikefest promoter, Chase Micheal, who is currently jailed in Bay County, Florida, for violating bail in a 2023 case involving more than 20 bad checks tied to another motorcycle event.
With OC Jams out, Ocean City officials are now considering a new proposal from Kickin Events LLC, which is expected to present its plan to continue Bikefest during Monday night’s council meeting at 6 p.m.
David Mumford, a local resident, said he hopes the event continues. “I think it’s a good event. Keep it up,” he said.
According to the Ocean City Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo, Kickin Event has experience working in the town and is interested in organizing Bikefest for 2025 and 2026. However, financial terms still need to be finalized.
“They may be asking for some relief from certain city fees,” said City Manager Terry McGean. “That’ll be up to the council to decide whether to entertain that or not.”
Under the previous agreement, OC Jams paid the town roughly $90,000 to use the Inlet and the Roland E. Powell Convention Center for the event. The company also paid a $2 fee per ticket sold. These payments helped offset the town’s lost parking revenue and the cost of additional city workers and overtime during the event weekend.
Mumford added that Bikefest is a key economic driver. “It’s very important economically. It’s a big boost for Ocean City,” he said.
As both sides negotiate the terms, the town’s goal remains clear: to keep bikers—and the business they bring—rolling into Ocean City in 2025.