The Myrtle Beach Spring Bike Rally, often called Myrtle Beach Bike Week, fills the Grand Strand with motorcycles every May. The 2027 rally is set for May 7 to 16. This independent guide covers dates, the Murrells Inlet bar scene, South Carolina riding laws, places to stay and day rides, so you can plan a smooth trip.
What the spring rally is
The spring rally is a ten-day gathering of riders spread along the Grand Strand, the roughly 60-mile stretch of South Carolina coast from Little River down to Georgetown. There is no single fairground or gate. Bars, dealers, vendors and campgrounds host their own events, and riders move between them all week.
The rally traces its roots to May 1940, when a group of Carolina Harley-Davidson dealers organized a ride to Ocean Drive, which is now part of North Myrtle Beach. Today the dates are published by Myrtle Beach Bike Week, a private promoter. Its website says the event draws more than 300,000 visitors to the Grand Strand each year.
Where the action is
In 2008 the City of Myrtle Beach passed a package of rules aimed at ending the big May rallies. Since then, much of the spring activity has settled outside city limits, especially in Murrells Inlet. Stops along US 17 Business such as Suck Bang Blow, The Beaver Bar and Spokes & Bones draw big crowds, and the MarshWalk waterfront is a popular evening stop. In Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson and Jamin’ Leather host rally activity, and North Myrtle Beach has its own stops on the north end.
Plan ahead
May is the start of beach season, so rooms book early and traffic builds on US 17 and Ocean Boulevard. South Carolina lets riders 21 and older choose whether to wear a helmet, but anyone under 21 must wear one. Use the sections below to plan your dates, your stay, your rides and your stops. If this is your first big rally, start with our first-timer’s guide.
On this page
Organizer
Myrtle Beach Bike Week (MBBW Wholesale LLC)
This is an independent guide. Confirm dates and events with the organizer before you travel.
Plan this rally
On the ground
Around Myrtle Beach
Biker bars
Where riders gather
Ride routes
Rides from the rally
27
Miles
1 hr
Ride time
86
Miles
2 hr 10 min
Ride time
61
Miles
1 hr 45 min
Ride time
Where to stay
Rooms and campsites
Live deals
Rally deals
FAQ
Questions riders ask
When is the 2027 Myrtle Beach Spring Bike Rally?
The organizer lists the 2027 spring rally for Friday, May 7 through Sunday, May 16, 2027. Recent rallies have run ten days in early to mid-May, starting on a Friday and ending on the second Sunday after it. Plans can change, so check the organizer’s site and venue pages again before you pay any room deposits.
Do I need a ticket to attend?
There is no general admission ticket for the rally as a whole. You can ride the coast, look at bikes and browse most vendor areas without paying to get in. Some venues may charge a cover for concerts or special events, so check each venue’s website or social pages before you go. Parking, food and drinks are paid for separately.
Do I have to wear a helmet in South Carolina?
Only if you are under 21. South Carolina law requires operators and passengers under 21 to wear an approved helmet, and riders under 21 also need goggles or a face shield unless the bike has an approved windscreen. Riders 21 and older can choose. If you ride north into North Carolina, the law there requires a helmet for every rider and passenger.
Where do most riders hang out during the spring rally?
Murrells Inlet, on the south end of the Grand Strand, is the busiest area. Suck Bang Blow, Spokes & Bones and The Beaver Bar sit along or just off US 17 Business, and the MarshWalk boardwalk has waterfront bars. Myrtle Beach Harley-Davidson and Jamin’ Leather host rally activity in Myrtle Beach, and North Myrtle Beach has stops of its own.
Is the spring rally the same event as Atlantic Beach Bikefest?
No. Atlantic Beach Bikefest, now promoted by the Town of Atlantic Beach as the Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival, is a separate event held over Memorial Day weekend. It was founded in 1980 and has its own organizers and schedule. In 2026 it ran May 22 to 25. If your trip runs into late May, check local traffic plans for that weekend.
What is the weather like in mid-May?
NOAA’s 1991 to 2020 normals for Myrtle Beach show May highs near 79°F and lows near 60°F, with about 3 to 4 inches of rain over the month. Mornings can feel cool on the bike and afternoons warm in the sun. Pack a light layer, rain gear and sunscreen, and drink plenty of water between stops.