Thunder on Cocoa Beach 2023

All the fun of Thunder on Cocoa Beach is free for the general public, however, if you’re wanting a VIP experience with reserved parking, catered refreshments, shade, and seating, head to the Thunder on Cocoa Beach Website to get your tickets today. 

Buy your Thunder on Cocoa Beach Tickets 

Schedule of Events 

Thunder on Cocoa Beach is one of the most highly anticipated events on the Space Coast. Here’s what you can expect for the weekend! 

Note: Event schedule is subject to change. Download the Thunder on Cocoa Beach App for schedule updates, course information, a live stream, and so much more.

App for Android 
App for iPhone 

• MAY 18 2023 (THURSDAY)

  • 6pm – 10pm - High Octane Kick-Off Party Rusty’s and Fishlips at the Port

  • 6pm – 10pm - Vip Party Fishlips at the Port

  • 10pm-close - Thunder on Cocoa Beach After Party brought to you by Xinsurance at JT's Social Bar (inside the Cocoa Beach La Quinta Inn)

• MAY 19 2023 (FRIDAY)

  • 9am-5pm - Registration & Inspection: Race Village- Racer Village Flounder Dr

  • 5pm – 10pm Thunder on Cocoa Beach Block Party – Downtown Cocoa Beach- Meet the racers

  • 6pm-10pm Coconuts on the Beach VIP PARTY under the tent on the beach *while supplies last

  • 110pm-close - Thunder on Cocoa Beach After Party brought to you by Xinsurance at JT's Social Bar (inside the Cocoa Beach La Quinta Inn)

• MAY 20 2023 (SATURDAY)

  • 10am - 4pm VIP Chalet Lori Wilson Only

  • 10pm-close - Thunder on Cocoa Beach After Party brought to you by Xinsurance at JT's Social Bar (inside the Cocoa Beach La Quinta Inn)

• MAY 21 2023 (SUNDAY)

  • 9am-4pm - Launching @ Scorpion Marine

  • 9am-4pm - Power Boats in Dry Pits: Race Village Flounder Dr.

  • 10am - Start of 1st Race

  • 6pm - Awards Presentation- TBA

Where To Stay Cocoa Beach for Thunder on Cocoa Beach

The course for Thunder on Cocoa Beach stretches from the Sandbar Sportsbar & Grill all the way down to Coconuts on the Beach with the finish line at Lori Wilson Park. That means no matter where you stay in Cocoa Beach, you’ll have amazing views of the Super Boats hitting speeds of over 175 mph! 

There’s plenty of space for you at these Cocoa Beach and Port Canaveral Hotels. Check rates and availability of all the host hotels here.

Road Closures for Thunder on Cocoa Beach

The Super Boats will be brought into Downtown Cocoa Beach for the Boats on the Street Block Party on Friday Night. Orlando Avenue on A1A will be closed on Friday night at 2nd Street North.  Minutemen Causeway will be closed at 3:00pm from Brevard Avenue to the Beach Plaza. The boats will be coming down Orlando Avenue to get into position - plan ahead and make sure you don't get stuck in traffic. Streets will reopen for a seamless race-day. 

Where To Park in Cocoa Beach for Thunder on Cocoa Beach

The Parking Garage will be open, but you will need to use St. Michael's Way (which is the alley behind the garage) and Veterans Way to enter the parking garage off the A1A. 

Paid parking will be available at Lori Wilson Park all four days of Thunder on Cocoa Beach. Parking proceeds will benefit Freedom Fighter, the official charity of Thunder on Cocoa Beach for 2021.

Metered parking is also available throughout Cocoa Beach. Check out this website for a comprehensive list of all the parking spaces in Cocoa Beach, and the opportunity to download the Passport Parking Mobile App for a seamless parking experience. 

How to Get Around Cocoa Beach for Thunder on Cocoa Beach

Now is a great time to utilize the Cocoa Beach Trolley. The trolley service runs Monday through Saturday from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm and on Sunday from 7:45 am to 5:40 pm from Port Canaveral to 13th Street in Cocoa Beach. A ride on the trolley costs $1.50 with a special rate of .75 for seniors, veterans, disabled, and students. There is no charge for children under 5 or for transfers to fixed-route bus service. Please have the exact fare ready when riding a bus/trolley. Drivers are not equipped to make change. The Cocoa Beach Trolley is route #9.

Click here for Trolley Map and Schedule. 

Cocoa Beach is a very easy city to get around with easy access to and from The Beachline Expressway 528, I-95, and SR A1A. Further, rideshare drivers like Uber and Lyft are plentiful in the area, making getting around even easier.

More to Explore! 

The fun doesn't stop after the races have finished for the day! check out this blog to discover other incredible things to do on Florida's Space Coast this season. 

Summer on the Space Coast