The roar of engines. The rush of the ocean. The thrill of pure speed. Thunder On Cocoa Beach is back.
The 17th Annual Thunder On Cocoa Beach, produced by the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA), returns May 15–17, bringing one of the most electrifying offshore powerboat racing events in the country to Florida’s Atlantic Coast.
The excitement kicks off Friday night with a free, family-friendly Downtown Block Party, where fans can get up close with the powerful race boats, meet the teams, and soak in the energy with live music, vendors, and a vibrant coastal atmosphere. It’s the ultimate way to launch a weekend built on speed and spectacle.
Then, all eyes turn to the water. On Saturday and Sunday, more than 50 elite race teams will unleash their machines on the Atlantic, tearing across the waves at speeds reaching 160 mph in a battle for the checkered flag. The intensity, the sound, and the spray—it’s an experience you don’t just watch, you feel.
Fans can stay close to the action all weekend long at the Port Canaveral race village, where race teams and boats will be on full display in a free, open-to-the-public setting-offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the power and precision behind the sport.
As a featured stop on the 2026 IHRA Offshore Series National Championship, Thunder On Cocoa Beach continues to grow as a premier destination for race fans, teams, and thrill-seekers from across the country. “I am very excited that we could include Thunder On Cocoa Beach in our Offshore Series National Championship,” said IHRA President Leah Martin. “It is an excellent venue for IHRA to deliver a world-class event for race fans around the globe.”
The 2026 IHRA Offshore Series raises the stakes with a massive $2 million total prize purse, including $650,000 in tow money for powerboat teams and a $250,000 purse for personal watercraft competitors. Fans everywhere can catch the action live on IHRA.TV, Speed Sport 1, and Speed Sport 2.
From the beach to the boardwalk, Thunder On Cocoa Beach delivers a full weekend of adrenaline, entertainment, and unforgettable moments on Florida’s iconic Space Coast.
Founded in 1970, the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) is a leader in motorsports, producing world-class racing across multiple disciplines while promoting innovation, safety, and community engagement.
For tickets and more information, visit IHRA.com.