Fort Myers Beach is about to get loud—in the best possible way.
ROAR Offshore returns September 11–13, 2026, bringing a weekend of colorful catamarans, flying spray and close racing to the beach. There is even a welcome party on Thursday evening, September 10, for anyone who wants to start the fun a little early.
If you have never watched offshore powerboat racing, imagine a pack of boats charging across the water at more than 90 miles per hour. You hear the engines first. Then the boats burst into view, bounce across the chop and crowd together through the turns. It is fast, noisy and difficult to ignore.
This year's ROAR is different from the event of years past, so forget the old October dates and long list of racing classes. The 2026 weekend has been reimagined around one especially competitive class: APBA Super Stock. The official ROAR Offshore website is the best place to follow announcements as race day approaches.
ROAR Offshore is a sanctioned powerboat racing weekend held just off Fort Myers Beach. Margaritaville Beach Resort is the host resort and race headquarters, giving the event a lively beachfront home near Times Square.
The refreshed event is led by world-champion racers Shaun Torrente and Cole Leibel. Instead of mixing boats with wildly different designs and speeds, the 2026 race focuses on Super Stock catamarans with closely controlled equipment.
That may sound like a technical detail, but it makes the race easier—and more fun—to follow. When the boats are fairly evenly matched, the crews make the difference. A smart turn, clean start or perfectly timed move can change the whole race.
Photo Credit: Key West Express
Super Stock boats are enclosed-cockpit catamarans measuring about 28 to 32 feet. Each one uses twin 300-horsepower Mercury Racing outboards and carries a two-person crew: a driver and a throttleman.
They can reach roughly 80 to more than 100 miles per hour, according to the official event information. More importantly for spectators, they tend to race close together. Instead of waiting for widely separated boats to pass, you may see several teams fighting for the same turn at once.
The course is designed as a four-mile closed circuit with a rolling start behind a pace boat. Once the field is released, things get exciting in a hurry.
The official welcome party is scheduled from 7–10 p.m. at Margaritaville Beach Resort. It is the warm-up before the boats have their own warm-up.
Friday gives fans their first real look at the boats on the water. The main event page currently lists practice from 11 a.m.–noon, qualifying from 2–3 p.m. and a dock party at Bonita Fish Company from 4:30–9 p.m.
Saturday brings qualifying heats, a racers meet-and-greet at Yucatan Beach Stand, a Speed Cat Run and an evening pit party in Times Square. It is a full day, so build in time for lunch, shade and a quick recharge.
Sunday starts with a morning warm-up before the championship race. The main event page currently lists the race for 1 p.m., followed by awards at Margaritaville Beach Resort.
Race schedules and beach weather have something in common: they can change. The organizer describes the program as provisional, and all on-water activity depends on weather, water conditions and final approvals. Check the live ROAR schedule and official event details before heading out.
The four-mile course runs off Fort Myers Beach, making the shoreline part of the fun. Margaritaville Beach Resort is the official host and promotes beachfront race views, while nearby beach areas may also offer a look at the action.
Pick a spot with an open view of the water and stay outside every marked safety area. Then settle in and watch the race take shape across the course. Binoculars are helpful, but you will not need them to know when the boats are coming.
The official site promotes premium VIP viewing, although it does not currently give one admission rule for every viewing area or weekend activity. Check directly with ROAR before buying anything or assuming a particular space is open to the public.
Think beach day, with a few race-day extras:
Before packing a large chair, umbrella, canopy or cooler, check the latest event and venue rules. The less time you spend rearranging your gear, the sooner you can enjoy the race.
Big beach events bring extra traffic, and the closest parking spots can disappear early. Give yourself more time than usual, arrive with a backup plan and pay close attention to parking signs.
ROAR may be the main attraction, but it does not have to be the whole weekend. Use the Key West Express Fort Myers Beach Prepare, Plan & Go guide to find more ideas nearby.
Looking for somewhere to stay? Browse our Fort Myers Beach hotel guide, including our look at Margaritaville Beach Resort. When everyone gets hungry after a day by the course, the Fort Myers Beach restaurant guide can help your group find its next stop.
And if all that speed leaves you wanting another adventure, Key West Express departs from Fort Myers Beach for Key West. Take a look at the current fares and sailing schedule and keep the getaway going across the Gulf.
ROAR Offshore is one of those Fort Myers Beach weekends that can turn an ordinary beach day into a story you’ll still be telling months later. Come early, find a great view, protect your ears and let those Super Stock boats put on the show. When the last engines quiet down, keep the waterfront fun going with a trip across the Gulf to Key West aboard Key West Express. Check the latest Key West Express fares and sailing schedule, then get ready for your next adventure.
Hero Image Photo Credit: Piqsels