For three days in mid October, the City of New Port Richey is overrun by motorcycles ... and it's all sanctioned by the local Chamber of Commerce. During the Cotee River Bike Fest, downtown streets are blocked off to all traffic except motorcyclists (and pedestrians), which are free to roam and park wherever they like.

Most bikers come just for the fun and comraderie, but many are here to compete in one of the twenty different classes of bike shows held on Saturday and Sunday. Trophies and cash prizes go to the winners. And this isn't just a Harley-Davidson event ... you'll find all different types of bikes here, from Japanese "rice-rockets", to choppers, to tricked out custom builds.

No event like this would be complete without live entertainment, and the Cotee River Bike Fest organizers always put on a good show with two separate stages - one in the middle of Grand Avenue, and one at the Sims Park Amphitheater. As one might expect at this type of event, most of the bands are hard rockers, but you'll also find some Blues, with a little Country thrown in for good measure.

A host of other events and activities go along with the Bike Fest ... a "Miss Cotee River Bike Fest" bikini contest, sanctioned wrestling matches, and motorcycle skills riding exhibitions. There's also an around-the-town Poker Run that will take you to a few local watering holes before ending up back at Sims Park for the payouts.Activities & Facilities

Hotel or B&BRestaurantPlaygroundPicnic shelterDogs allowedArts/crafts vendorsLive musicShort hiking trailsPaved bike trails

• Cotee River Bike Fest official website

Note: The dates of annual events and festivals are subject to change from year to year. Before planning your trip, be sure to check the links above for the actual dates, times, and schedule of activities.