Leesburg Bikefest was first held in 1997. It was the vision of Joe Shipes, vice president of the Leesburg Partnership. In an effort to show off the newly renovated downtown Leesburg, and to attract a different crowd, The City of Leesburg opened its downtown streets to motorcycles only - no cars were allowed during the event. Approximately 5000 bikers were attracted to the first year of Leesburg Bikefest. Leesburg Bikefest has grown rapidly from that start, with 2005 attendance reaching an estimated at 125,000.

The last four years have seen continued growth in both the vendors and attendees. An estimated 300,000 visitors actually visited Leesburg with thousands more watching the "Live Streaming" video on the Internet. The City of Leesburg, Florida does a great job of welcoming bikers, year after year. It's safer for bikers, and it makes it really nice for pedestrians who just like to walk around and admire some nice looking chrome and iron. It*s like one big bike show! There are also professional bike shows with prizes awarded.

The whole city seems to get involved, folks are friendly, and the entertainment, whether it is rock or country, is top notch, and there are 7 stages. Even the police officers are friendly!

You get great entertainment.You can*t go wrong! More and more motorcycle riders are making the Leesburg Bikefest in Leesburg, Florida an annual tradition!