Jeep Beach 2024 in Daytona is almost here: What you need to know
DAYTONA BEACH — With Bike Week motorcycles now in the rearview mirror, it's time for the annual Jeep Beach gathering to roll into the World’s Most Famous Beach.
Now in its 21st year, Jeep Beach takes place April 19-28 and has solidified its reputation as one of the biggest events in the world for owners and lovers of that iconic automotive brand.
For the uninitiated, here’s what you need to know about this year’s Jeep Beach:
When is Jeep Beach 2024?
This year’s event officially unfolds from April 19-28, with a roster of events that range from beachfront parties to the annual “Main Event” that features an array of vendors and a Jeep obstacle course in the infield at Daytona International Speedway.
This year's Speedway gathering also will include a new wrinkle, the inaugural Jeep Beach Radio Music Fest on April 26 in the Speedway infield.
On the bill for the show is country singer-songwriter Lee Brice (“One of Them Girls”), country star Craig Morgan, the Wailers, singer-songwriter Maggie Rose and California-based sibling duo the Wheeland Brothers.
A look back at Jeep Beach 2023: Jeep Beach party returns to Daytona's Hard Rock Hotel
Those registered for Jeep Beach can buy reduced price tickets to the music fest during registration. For others, general admission tickets are available for $75 at jeepbeach.com.
The multi-act music festival expands on a "post-Main Event" concert by pop singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat on the closing weekend of last year’s event.
How big is Jeep Beach?
Jeep Beach typically draws tens of thousands of attendees, according to Charlene Greer, the event’s executive director and chairwoman. In 2023, the event attracted more than 225,000 visitors and 25,000 Jeeps to Daytona Beach, a throng that represented all 50 states and 34 countries, according to the event’s official website.
In addition, a staff of more than 300 volunteers works a cumulative total of more than 6,700 hours over the event week, beyond time spent in year-round preparation.
Is there a charity component?
Absolutely. Incorporated as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity in 2017, Jeep Beach Inc. has donated over $4.1 million to area charities over the past decade through the event’s annual weeklong fund-raising efforts. Recipients include the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia & Flagler Counties; the NASCAR Foundation; the Childhood Cancer Foundation, as well as more than 70 additional nonprofit groups.
What's the schedule of events?
Here are a few of the highlights of the 10-day event:
Kickoff Night: 6-9 p.m. April 19; Ormond Brewing Company, 301 Division Ave., Unit 15, Ormond Beach.
Official Let’s Get This Party Started, meet-and-greet: 5-9 p.m. April 20; Destination Daytona, Interstate 95 and U.S. Highway 1, Ormond Beach.
Jeep Beach 5K and Fun Run: 7:30-11:00 a.m. April 21; Riverfront Esplanade, 249 N. Beach Street, Daytona Beach.
Jeep Beach Luau – Celebrating Jimmy Buffet’s Legacy: 5-9 p.m. April 23; One Daytona, 1 Daytona Blvd., Daytona Beach.
Jeeps At The Rock, beach party on the sand behind Hard Rock Hotel: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 24 and 25; Hard Rock Hotel, 918 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.
JB24 Main Event Show, with vendors, obstacle course and more, sponsored by Daytona Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 26 and 27; Daytona International Speedway, 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach.
World Famous Jeep Beach Parade: 6:45 a.m. April 28; The annual closing-day Jeep Beach Parade illustrates the event’s community-oriented mindset. Jeeps start cruising the beach early for the annual “Jeep Beach Sweep” to pick up and dispose of trash to leave the beach better than they found it.
What if I want more Jeep Beach information?
Visit jeepbeach.com for more details about Jeep Beach, its mission and events.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Jeep Beach 2024 in Daytona is just around the corner. A look.
