Roar to the Shore filled Wildwood with motorcycles every September for more than two decades, but the rally has not been held since 2019, when the city stopped issuing permits. No return has been announced. This independent guide explains what happened, what now fills that weekend and how to plan your own September ride to the Wildwoods and Cape May.
Where things stand
Roar to the Shore was a free, four-day motorcycle rally held in Wildwood, New Jersey, on the weekend after Labor Day. Vendors filled the lots around the Wildwoods Convention Center and the blocks near Oak and Atlantic Avenues, and riders came from across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
The last rally ran September 5 to 8, 2019. In July 2020 the City of Wildwood denied the permits the event needed, and organizers announced it was canceled. No motorcycle event has taken its place. Since 2025, the same late-season weekend has gone to the Thunder Over the Waves Airshow, run by the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority. When we checked in October 2026, there was no announcement of a 2027 Roar to the Shore, and the old event domain was listed for sale.
Why riders still come
The rally is gone, but the riding is not. September in the Wildwoods usually brings highs in the mid-70s, smaller crowds than summer and ocean water in the low 70s. From a base in Wildwood you can run Ocean Drive across the barrier islands, cross Delaware Bay on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, follow Route 47 along the bayshore or head inland to the Pine Barrens.
Wildwood also still hosts motor-themed events in the fall. The Race of Gentlemen, a beach race for vintage cars and motorcycles, ran October 1 to 4, 2026, with entry through Morey’s Piers.
What this guide covers
The rally’s history, why it ended and what to watch for before you count on a revival.
Timing, budget categories, routes in and parking.
How Wildwood, North Wildwood, Wildwood Crest and Cape May compare for riders.
Five day rides with distances and map links.
Practical tips if you have never ridden to the Wildwoods.
This site is an independent guide. We are not connected to the rally’s former organizers, the City of Wildwood or any tourism agency.
On this page
Organizer
The rally has no active organizer. For current Wildwood events check the City of Wildwood and the Wildwoods tourism website.
Plan this rally
On the ground
Around Wildwood
Biker bars
Where riders gather
Ride routes
Rides from the rally
12
Miles
40 min
Ride time
28
Miles
About 1 hour
Ride time
37
Miles
3 hr one way
Ride time
Where to stay
Rooms and campsites
Live deals
Rally deals
FAQ
Questions riders ask
Is Roar to the Shore happening in 2027?
No 2027 dates have been announced. The rally last ran in September 2019, and Wildwood denied its permits for 2020. As of October 2026 we found no organizer announcement, no permit news and no active event website. If that changes, we will update this page. Until then, treat any calendar listing that shows future Roar to the Shore dates with caution and confirm it with the City of Wildwood.
Why was Roar to the Shore canceled?
Organizers said the city denied permits for 2020 after an outlaw motorcycle club held its national gathering during the 2019 rally, including a group walk down Atlantic Avenue. Local officials had discussed arrests and police demands at the event that fall. As reported at the time, the city felt the rally no longer fit the image it wanted for Wildwood.
What happens in Wildwood on that September weekend now?
Since 2025 the weekend after Labor Day has hosted the Thunder Over the Waves Airshow, a free show over the beachfront. The 2026 show ran September 11 and 12, and organizers reported more than 133,000 visitors at the 2025 debut. Expect crowded streets and busy hotels if the airshow returns on a similar date in 2027.
Is September still a good time to ride to Wildwood?
For many riders, yes. Average September highs at Wildwood run in the mid-70s with lows near 61, and the ocean stays around 73 degrees. Summer crowds thin out after Labor Day. The catch is hurricane season, which peaks around September 10, so watch the forecast closely and keep your plans flexible.
Do I need a helmet to ride in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey requires every operator and passenger to wear a securely fitted helmet with a neck or chin strap and reflective material on both sides. State law also requires operators to wear approved goggles or a face shield. Visiting riders follow the same rules once they cross into New Jersey, whatever their home state allows.
Is this the official Roar to the Shore website?
No. This is an independent trip-planning guide. We have no connection to the rally’s former organizers, the City of Wildwood or the Greater Wildwoods Tourism Improvement and Development Authority. We research public sources, list where our facts come from and update pages when new information appears.