Jeep Beach 2023 is almost here. What you need to know
DAYTONA BEACH — With Bike Week motorcycles and spring breakers 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 20th year, Jeep Beach takes place April 23-30 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 2023?
This year’s event officially unfolds from April 23-30, 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 a new wrinkle, a "post-Main Event" concert by pop singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat on Saturday night, April 29. The music will be followed by a fireworks show.
How big is the event?
Jeep Beach typically draws tens of thousands of attendees, according to Charlene Greer, the event’s executive director and chairwoman. In 2022, 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.
A look back at Jeep Beach 2022: Jeep Beach returns to Daytona: What you need to know
In addition, a staff of more than 300 volunteers works a cumulative total of 5,000 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 $3.8 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 nine-day event:
◼ Jeep Beach Official Welcome Meet and Greet: Time TBD, April 22; Destination Daytona, Interstate 95 and U.S. Highway 1, Ormond Beach.
◼ Jeep Beach 5K Fun Run: 7:30 a.m. packet pickup April 23; Riverfront Esplanade, 249 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach.
◼ Jeep Beach Rally & Concert: 6-9 p.m. April 24; Broken Spoke Saloon, 1151 U.S. Highway 1, Ormond Beach.
◼ Jeep Beach and Boots, a meet and greet night to celebrate first responders and military: 6-9 p.m. April 25; One Daytona, across from Daytona International Speedway, West International Speedway Boulevard.
◼ Jeeps At the Rock, beach party behind Hard Rock Hotel: Time TBD April 26 and 27; Hard Rock Hotel, 918 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach.
◼ Jeep Beach Main Event, with vendors, obstacle course and more, sponsored by Daytona Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram & Fiat: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 28 and 29; Daytona International Speedway Infield, 1801 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach. On Saturday, April 29, the event will be capped by a concert by pop singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat on the Speedway infield. The show will be followed by a fireworks display.
◼ Jeep Beach Parade: Time TBD April 30. 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 2023: Get ready for annual event in Daytona Beach
