7 Reasons Why You Must Attend Friday the 13th 2024 in Port Dover

We've got a PD13 this September—arguably the best time of year for it. Will you be there?
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Editor's note: The September 13, 2024 edition of PD13 was a huge success. We saw A LOT of bikes come to town. Always worth the drive to Port Dover. The next one in on December 13, 2024. If the weather's right we'll be there. Otherwise, see you there on June 13, 2025!

Any rider worth their salt has heard of the massive motorcycle event in Port Dover, Ontario known as Friday the 13th or PD13. This event, started by a group of riding buddies who resolved to meet in Port Dover every Friday the 13th, is a must for bikers anywhere within a 500-kilometre radius.

First-timers can expect a free-for-all of custom bikes, hot leather, blinding chrome and everything brash and flamboyant in rider culture. A Mardi Gras for motorcycles, all nestled in the heart of one of Ontario's most popular tourism regions. Located along the north shore of Lake Erie, the historic town of Port Dover is a short drive from Buffalo, Hamilton, Toronto, Detroit, and all points in between. There's even a motorcycle route to accommodate the hordes of bikes that flock to Port Dover when the calendar calls for it!

We're looking forward to going this Friday, September 13th. The next one is in December so, you know what to do.

Here are seven reasons why you can't afford to miss this PD13.

1. The Ride

No matter what direction you’re coming from to get to PD13 you’ll find some great routes at CruisetheCoast.ca. The Friday the 13th route is fine, but you’re surrounded by lakes, Niagara Falls, and lots of winding roads through lush farmland. So don’t be afraid to get off the beaten path. You won’t be lost for long!

2. The People

Motorcyclists are a special bunch, and as much as we’re all individuals with our own preferences, we have more in common than we have differences. PD13 brings together somewhere in the range of 100,000 riders, so you’re bound to find your people here.

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3. The Party

When you get this many bikers all together in one little seaside town, you can bet it’s going to be a party. However, this is Canada, and here we don’t do keg stands, especially when everyone has to ride home. But there is lots of good music, crazy characters and tasty food—we’re sure you’ll be having a good time.

4. The Bikes

Thousands of bikes line the streets of Port Dover. Every make, model, colour, year, style, type, and custom version of any type of bike ever made, built, sold, bought, imagined, or dreamed up will be here. If you love seeing real bikes—not just what’s on Kijiji or the showroom floor, this is the best place in the world to be.

5. The T-Shirt

How else are you gonna prove you were there? Get the shirt, wear it with pride!

pd13 september 2024 shirt promo

6. Camping

Why ride all the way to Dover just to worry about parking or traffic? Commit to the weekend and stay over! By this time, if you haven’t booked a room you’re out of luck. Camping at Port Dover Kinsmen Park is a great (and cheap) way to fully immerse yourself in the PD13 experience. It’s still only $20 per person per night (an additional $20/ night will be charged for trailers/RVs). Port Dover Kinsem Park offers hot food (served by the Port Dover Scouts) and full service restrooms including hot showers! Get there early, there are no reservations.

The Port Dover Lions will also be offering camping at Silver Lake. Click here for more information.

7. Live Music

PD13 September 2024 Main Stage Live Music

Real live music to groove to, people-watch to, ride to almost non-stop for the duration of the event. From 11a am to 1 am on both Thursday and Friday. We’ve gone too long without live music—this is the place to get your fill!

See you there!!!

About Mike Jacobs

Mike is an avid Northern traveller, having spent years traversing its backroads, and visiting its remote lodges and fun cities by car, RV, motorcycle, and boat. There's always something new to discover in the North and Mike never shies away from the next great adventure. Mike is the chairman of the board for the Tourism Technology Company.

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