The 2026 Newburyport Bed Race will take place on Thursday, July 30th at 6 pm on Federal Street. This action-packed event is hosted by the Newburyport Lion’s Club and is one of the most popular local traditions hosted each year during the annual Yankee Homecoming celebration.
The Newburyport Bed Race is undeniably one of the most highly anticipated family-friendly events of the summer. If you’re not from the local area, you might ask, “what is Newburyport Bed Racing?” Although the answer may differ depending on who you ask, the Newburyport.com answer is, “a cherished tradition and exciting community event that boldly showcases the creativity and teamwork of local businesses and organizations while providing tremendously valuable, expansive brand recognition for all participating teams as they race their uniquely designed, homemade beds for a packed crowd of enthusiastic fans.”
Scroll down to view NewburyportVIP Prior Year Bed Race Videos 2015 – 2024
When is Bed Racing? If you ask a loyal fan, they are likely to say, “the Bed Race is always Thursday night of Yankee Homecoming, just before the Beatlejuice concert.” Although that is an accurate statement, the Newburyport.com official answer is, “see ya Thursday night on Federal Street at 6 pm sharp.” Unless mother nature brings severe weather, the Newburyport Lion’s Club Bed Race kicks off at the same time and same place every year!
Although most bed racing teams strive to cross the finish line first, speed is not the only way to win the Newburyport Bed Race. Teams also compete to impress judges and spectators by designing and building elaborate bed racing structures complemented by impressively coordinated team costumes. The Bed Race is definitely not a traditional race. If by chance you are a runner who discovered this article as you were trying to register for a road race, check out the Yankee Homecoming Road Race hosted annually by the Newburyport Lions Club on Tuesday night of Yankee Homecoming week.
Both the Bed Race and the Road Race are major annual events that take place during Yankee Homecoming week but they are actually hosted by the Newburyport Lion’s Club, as opposed to the Yankee Homecoming Committee. Although the Lions Club and Yankee Homecoming are separate groups, these two wonderful local organizations do an excellent job of behind the scenes coordination making this only noticeable in their individual branding on thier signs and volunteer t-shirts. These organizations set the standard for community events with close collaboration and cross promotion helping to significantly increase exposure for the the many local businesses and nonprofits participating in these events. Newburyport.com is proud to volunteer our services and local media platform providing broader more expansive awareness of these wonderful local traditions through our video highlights, feature articles and NewburyportVIP social media channel.
If you’re interested in participating, the registration fee is $40 per bed with a reduced cost of $30 for nonprofits. Visit the Lion’s Club website for Bed Race details and registration form. All 2026 participating Bed Racing teams are eligible for FREE Yankee Homecoming Parade registration in the 2026 Yankee Homecoming Parade. Contact NBPTlionsbedrace@gmail.com with questions.
Proceeds from Lion’s Club events benefit the Newburyport Lions Club local charities: eye exams, glasses for the needy, annual Thanksgiving dinner, visual aids for the blind, high school scholarships and local food pantries.
RELATED EVENTS
The 2026 Beatlejuice concert starts at 7:30 pm on the Waterfront Stage. This is part of the Yankee Homecoming Waterfront Concert Series.
2026 BEER & BITES starts at 5:30 pm in the Newburyport Tannery parking lot.
If you want to grab a quick bite to eat before the start of the Bed Race, Newburyport.com recommends arriving early for the Newburyport Rotary Club annual Beer & Bites Fundraiser from 5:30 – 7:30 pm in the Tannery parking lot. Visit the Newburyport Events Calendar to view more details and download the free, Newburyport App for direct access to the calendar.
NewburyportVIP Prior Year Bed Race Videos 2015 – 2024
