During the Atlantic Beach Bikefest held May 24-25, multiple fights broke out, leading to twelve attendees being hospitalized for non-life-threatening injuries and six others signing medical waivers. Contrary to widespread social media rumors and inaccurate media reports, there were no mass casualties, and the event did not shut down.
Festival organizers and Atlantic Beach officials confirmed that while music paused temporarily during these disturbances, performances resumed afterward and the event continued as scheduled until 3 a.m. on May 25. The festival recommenced later that day with large crowds and no further significant incidents reported.
Attendees highlighted the strong sense of community and cultural significance of the event, which has been a cornerstone of Atlantic Beach’s Black community since its inception in 1980 by the Carolina Knight Riders motorcycle club. The festival draws hundreds of thousands nationwide every Memorial Day weekend, celebrating Black motorcyclists and their history in a city that was historically among the few southern beachfronts welcoming Black families during segregation.
Local authorities emphasized thorough preparedness and swift response by emergency services, aiming to maintain safety while preserving the event’s vibrancy and cultural importance.
For background:
- The Atlantic Beach Bikefest, also known as Black Bike Week, is a major annual motorcycle gathering with concerts, races, and street festivals.
- The event has faced security challenges over the years, including fatal violence in 2014, prompting increased law enforcement during festival weekends.
- Despite such issues, Bikefest remains a vital celebration of Black culture and unity.
Sources:
- Town of Atlantic Beach Bikefest History
- Wikipedia Black Bike Week
- The State Reporting on Past Bikefest Incidents
Source: Fights broke out and some people were hurt, but Atlantic Beach Bikefest hasn't shut down