Atlantic Beach Hosts 45th Annual Black Pearl Bike Festival Amid Memorial Day

The 45th annual Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Black Pearl Cultural Heritage and Bike Festival, also known as Black Bike Week, kicked off with thousands of bikers gathering along the Grand Strand to celebrate culture, camaraderie, and motorcycles. Attendees, including many loyal visitors who have traveled for years, emphasized the event as more than just a bike rally, highlighting its cultural significance and the opportunity to connect with others who share their passion. The festival features live music, parties, meet-and-greets, and even virtual reality rides, with large crowds lining Ocean Boulevard and Highway 17 South to watch the bikes. Many participants appreciate the event as a vacation and a way to relax among their community, with some making special modifications to their bikes to accommodate physical needs. The small town of Atlantic Beach becomes a hub of activity during the weekend, with traffic controls in place to manage the influx of visitors. The festival not only celebrates motorcycle culture but also serves as a meaningful cultural heritage event for Black riders and enthusiasts.