New for this year, in partnership with Markham After Hours, the Glow Ride Bike Rave Series is a high-energy, music-fueled group bike ride where participants light up their bikes and bodies for a rolling dance party through the city. Inspired by the legendary UBC bike raves, it blends cycling, rave culture, and community vibes into one unforgettable night. Riders deck out their bikes with LEDs, bring portable speakers, and follow a mapped route with pop-up dance stops along the way. It’s a celebration of freedom, movement, and reclaiming public space with joy. All wheels and all people welcome—just bring your lights, tunes, and party spirit.
On every second Friday between June and October, join us at 7PM at the Millennium Bandstand on Main Steet Unionville. For the full schedule and updates follow Markham After Hours on Instagram.
What to Expect
- Music-powered group rides through city streets and trails
- LED-lit bikes, glow sticks, rave wear and wild energy
- Pop-up dance party stops at parks or plazas
- Safe, inclusive, no-drop rides inclusive to all skill levels
- Open to every type of people and bikes
Each event is an opportunity to take back the streets, celebrate active transportation and connect with others through music and movement. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or new to night rides, all are welcome to join the party on wheels.
History: From UBC Bike Raves to City-Wide Glow Rides
The roots of the Bike Rave go back to the student-led bike raves at the University of British Columbia in the early 2010s. These informal, word-of-mouth gatherings started as riders lit up their bikes, brought portable speakers and took over campus and Vancouver streets for night rides.
What started as a campus phenomenon quickly spread to the wider cycling community. As more people got on board with the idea of dancing on bikes under the stars, the rides evolved into larger, more organized events. Leading to groups in the GTHA such as the Neon Riders, Toronto Cruiser, Hamilton Glowriders and other public and underground bike rave groups.
