Wheels and Waves 2026 – Biarritz, France
Overview
Wheels and Waves 2026 celebrates its fifteenth anniversary as a premier multidisciplinary festival that seamlessly blends motorcycle culture, surfing, skating, and various forms of artistic expression. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlantic coast, the event transforms Biarritz into a vibrant hub where freedom and creativity take center stage. Attendees can expect a unique atmosphere that honors vintage aesthetics while pushing the boundaries of contemporary outdoor lifestyle through high-energy competitions and soulful gatherings.
The festival is renowned for its diverse programming, which includes the iconic Punk’s Peak sprint race and the El Rollo flat track competition. These events bring together world-class riders and enthusiasts who share a passion for custom machinery and the thrill of the ride. Beyond the roar of engines, the event fosters a deep connection with the ocean, hosting surf contests that draw top-tier talent to the famous breaks of the Basque Country, ensuring there is never a dull moment for fans of action sports.
At its core, the gathering is about the community and the shared stories of those who live for the road and the waves. The ArtRide exhibition serves as a cultural cornerstone, showcasing photography, painting, and sculpture that reflect the rebellious and innovative spirit of the festival. Whether you are exploring the vintage village or enjoying live music performances as the sun sets over the ocean, the experience is designed to be immersive, authentic, and unforgettable for every visitor.
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Event Highlights
- Punk’s Peak Sprint Race: A legendary mountain road race where vintage and custom motorcycles compete in a high-speed sprint for glory.
- El Rollo Flat Track: An adrenaline-fueled dirt track race held at the Saint-Jean-de-Luz hippodrome featuring various bike categories and skill levels.
- ArtRide Exhibition: A curated showcase of international artists and photographers whose work captures the intersection of motorcycle and surf culture.
- The Village: A central meeting point featuring artisan vendors, custom builders, and local food stalls that serve as the heart of the festival.
Why Attend
This event is the ultimate destination for anyone who finds beauty in mechanical craftsmanship and the raw energy of board sports. It is ideal for custom motorcycle builders, surf enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a festival that prioritizes authenticity over commercialism. Attending allows you to witness some of the most creative bike builds in the world and participate in a culture that celebrates the spirit of adventure and individual expression.
The benefits of attending go beyond the entertainment, offering a chance to network with industry icons and like-minded individuals from across the globe. You will experience the unique charm of the Basque region while enjoying world-class competitions and high-quality art installations. It is a rare opportunity to see several subcultures merge into one cohesive and inspiring week-long celebration that leaves every participant with a renewed sense of creative energy.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: June 10 to June 14, 2026
- Event Duration: Five consecutive days of racing, surfing, and cultural exhibitions
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are available for purchase online through the official festival website or at the main entrance of the Village.
- Admission Type: Options include 5-day full passes or individual day tickets for specific locations and race events.
- Ticket Pricing: Entry prices range from $32 for single-day access to $105 for a full event pass covering all primary festival sites.
- Special Seating Options: Natural amphitheater-style seating is available at race locations and beach fronts on a first-come, first-served basis.
- VIP Options: Premium packages include access to the VIP lounge area, exclusive viewing platforms for races, and invitations to private evening soirées.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Biarritz, France
- Venue Name: Cite de l’Ocean and various locations around the Basque Country
- Google Maps Address: 1 Avenue de la Plage, 64200 Biarritz, France
Worried about accommodation? Hotels near this event sell out quickly, and prices tend to rise fast. Check out these accommodation options:
Contact Information
- Email: info@wheels-and-waves.com
- Phone Number: +33 5 59 23 00 00
- Official Website: https://wheels-and-waves.com/en/biarritz/
- Social Media Links:
- https://www.instagram.com/wheels_and_waves/
- https://www.facebook.com/wheelswaves
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsYyzxkvo_cAUGSDA0N2xTg
- https://www.tiktok.com/@wheels.and.waves
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Biarritz Pays Basque Airport is located approximately 3 miles from the main festival village at Cite de l’Ocean.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: Biarritz Train Station provides regional and TGV high-speed connections and is about 2 miles from the venue.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: Local Chronoplus bus lines 10 and 13 serve the Cite de l’Ocean stop regularly throughout the day.
- Parking Availability: Dedicated parking areas for motorcycles are located near the main entrance, with public lots available for cars in the surrounding area.
- Directions by Car: The venue is easily accessible via the A63 motorway, taking exit 4 for Biarritz and following signs for the coastline and Cite de l’Ocean.
What is this event?
Wheels and Waves is a unique festival that combines motorcycle racing, surfing, and skateboarding into a single cultural experience. It focuses on custom culture and the artistic expression associated with these diverse outdoor lifestyles.
The event features various competitions across different locations in and around Biarritz, alongside art galleries and a central festival village. It acts as a global meeting point for creators, riders, and fans of vintage and modern aesthetics.
Why is it popular?
The popularity of the event stems from its authentic atmosphere and the high quality of the custom motorcycles and art on display. It successfully captures the spirit of freedom that defines the motorcycle and surfing communities.
Its location in the Basque Country provides a scenic backdrop that enhances the experience for international travelers and locals alike. The festival has grown into a world-renowned brand because it remains true to its grassroots origins while hosting professional-level events.
Tips before you go
- Wear comfortable shoes as the festival spans multiple locations including beaches, racetracks, and hillsides.
- Download the official event app or keep a digital schedule handy to track the various race start times and locations.
- Bring layers of clothing because the weather on the Atlantic coast can shift rapidly from hot sun to cool ocean breezes.
- Book your accommodation early as hotels and campsites in Biarritz and nearby towns fill up months in advance for the festival.
- Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the outdoor events and help reduce the environmental impact on the site.
Attendee Experiences
- The energy at Punk’s Peak was absolutely electric and seeing those vintage bikes fly was the highlight of my year.
- I loved how I could watch a surf heat in the morning and then walk over to an incredible art gallery in the afternoon.
- The festival village has such a friendly vibe and I spent hours talking to builders about their custom motorcycle projects.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
Is the event suitable for families and children?
The festival is a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages and offers plenty of visual entertainment that children can enjoy. The village area is spacious and features food stalls and music that cater to a wide demographic of attendees. Parents should be aware that some racing areas can be loud, so ear protection for younger children is highly recommended.
Can I participate in the races with my own motorcycle?
Participation in races like Punk’s Peak or El Rollo usually requires a pre-registration process and a selection by the event organizers. You must submit your bike details well in advance to ensure it meets the specific category requirements for the competition. While not everyone can race, there are many organized group rides that all attendees can join throughout the week.
Do I need to bring my own surfboard to the festival?
If you plan to enter the official surf competitions, you should bring your own equipment that matches the specific contest rules. However, there are many local shops in Biarritz where you can rent surfboards if you just want to catch waves during your free time. The local breaks are world-famous and can get crowded, so it is best to plan your surf sessions early.
What happens if it rains during the outdoor events?
The organizers typically proceed with the festival schedule unless the weather conditions become a safety hazard for the participants and the public. Some racing schedules might be shifted or delayed slightly to ensure the track surfaces are safe for the riders to compete. Most of the village and the ArtRide exhibition are sheltered or indoors, providing plenty of options if the weather turns.
Are there vegetarian or vegan food options available at the venue?
The festival village hosts a variety of local food trucks and artisan vendors that provide a wide range of culinary choices. You can easily find high-quality vegetarian and vegan meals among the many stalls serving traditional Basque and international cuisine. The organizers make an effort to ensure that diverse dietary needs are met within the central social areas of the event.
