The Ultimate 2025 Motorcycle Rally Roundup: Dates, Origins & Highlights
Feb 24th 2025
At Fox Creek Leather, we’ve spent decades riding alongside fellow enthusiasts across America’s most celebrated rallies. From sandy beaches and mountain passes to desert highways and historic city streets, 2025 promises to continue that tradition of adventure for all who love two wheels. Whether you’re a seasoned rider mapping out next year’s journey or a first-timer eager to experience the camaraderie, these rallies offer scenic rides, live concerts, charity events, and more. Below, you’ll find key details—dates, locations, attendance figures, and historical origins—to plan your perfect riding season.
2025 Motorcycle Rally Roundup
Daytona Bike Week
Official website
Dates: February 28 – March 9, 2025
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
Historical Attendance: ~500,000 riders in recent years
Cost/Registration: Free to explore Main Street; ticket fees for speedway events.
Highlights: The Daytona 200 race, scenic coastal loops, nightly live music, and massive vendor expos.
Historical Origins
Daytona Bike Week began with the Daytona 200 back in 1937, a beach-and-road course race that put Daytona Beach on the map for motorsports. Organized first by local motorcycle clubs, it took a hiatus during World War II but came roaring back under the guidance of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr. Over time, it evolved from a one-day race into a ten-day festival that celebrates motorcycle culture in all its forms. Today, it’s one of the largest and oldest rallies in the U.S., melding high-speed track action with lively street parties and iconic coastal rides.
Arizona Bike Week
Official website
Dates: April 2 – April 6, 2025
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Historical Attendance: Up to 300,000 riders (unofficial estimates)
Cost/Registration: Wristband/pass for concerts and main vendor areas.
Highlights: Desert rides, stunt shows, and top-tier rock/country music headliners.
Historical Origins
Arizona Bike Week originated in 1998 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, aiming to combine local motorcycle culture with major music acts and attractions. In its early years, it was relatively small but grew rapidly thanks to its unique desert backdrop and lively entertainment. Local businesses and tourism boards soon recognized its potential, investing in expanded venues, improved road routes, and big-name concert bookings. Today, it’s one of the Southwest’s premier biker gatherings, drawing enthusiasts nationwide who come for scenic desert runs by day and thrilling performances by night—solidifying its reputation as a rising star in the rally circuit.
Outer Banks Bike Week
Facebook Page
Dates: April 19 – April 27, 2025
Location: Outer Banks, North Carolina
Historical Attendance: ~35,000 (recent estimates)
Cost/Registration: Free to attend; $30–$75 for guided tours/poker runs.
Highlights: Coastal cruising, “Blessing of the Bikes,” and a relaxed beach-town vibe.
Historical Origins
Founded in 2002 to boost off-season tourism, Outer Banks Bike Week quickly found a loyal following among riders seeking quieter coastal roads with spectacular ocean views. The event’s easygoing atmosphere was a stark contrast to the high-octane parties of bigger rallies, which appealed to bikers looking for scenic rides and genuine Southern hospitality. Over time, organizers introduced group rides along the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, charity poker runs, and local seafood feasts, all while preserving the region’s laid-back charm. Today, it’s a beloved tradition that pairs the allure of the Atlantic coastline with classic motorcycle camaraderie.
The One Moto Show (Portland)
Official website
Dates: May 2–4, 2025
Location: Portland, Oregon
Historical Attendance: Over 10,000 in 2024; 2025 expected to surpass this
Cost/Registration: Friday: $15–$20, All-Day: $65, Weekend Pass: $115 (2025 pending)
Highlights: 300+ custom builds, electric prototypes, “Flat Out Friday” racing, local food, art/music, family-friendly vibe
Historical Origins
Launched in 2009 in Portland, The One Moto Show began as a grassroots celebration of “weird, rare, and classic” bikes displayed in abandoned warehouses. Organized by Thor Drake of See See Motor Coffee, it quickly grew from a modest local event into a global phenomenon blending mechanical creativity, art, and music. Each year, the show features over 300 custom builds and fosters a welcoming community atmosphere for both hardened bikers and curious newcomers. In 2025, the focus stays true to Portland’s DIY spirit—showcasing the city’s rainy-day workshop culture and hosting unique features like “Flat Out Friday” indoor racing.
Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally (Spring)
Official website
Dates: April 30 – May 4, 2025
Location: Panama City Beach, Florida
Historical Attendance: ~60,000–70,000 per rally (spring/fall)
Cost/Registration: Free rally; optional ticketed concerts or VIP upgrades.
Highlights: Bike shows, beach parties, and a relaxed Gulf Coast atmosphere.
Historical Origins
Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally started in 1999 as the “Bike & Beach Bash,” an informal gathering of bikers who wanted a laid-back alternative to more crowded events. Panama City Beach’s welcoming attitude and scenic shoreline made it an instant success. Over the years, the rally formalized into a free, biannual event with multiple venues hosting contests, custom shows, and live music. Despite its growth, Thunder Beach still embraces its original “biker-friendly” ethos, emphasizing accessibility, local business partnerships, and community involvement. Today, it’s often hailed as one of the most relaxed rallies on the Gulf Coast.
Steel Horse Rally
Official website
Dates: May 2 – May 3, 2025
Location: Fort Smith, Arkansas
Historical Attendance: ~210,000 in 2024 (similar expected in 2025)
Cost/Registration: Free general entry; $75–$150 VIP passes for exclusive perks.
Highlights: Thunder Through the Valley Parade, Bikes & Badges vintage show, and charity-driven events.
Historical Origins
Launched in 2015, the Steel Horse Rally was conceived as a nonprofit event to support veterans, first responders, and local charities in the Fort Smith area. From its earliest days, it distinguished itself with a strong emphasis on giving back, channeling rally proceeds into community programs. The name “Steel Horse” underscores the bond between riders and their motorcycles, reflecting the spirit of the American frontier that resonates in Arkansas. Today, the event has grown rapidly, adding parades, bike shows, and a dynamic vendor scene, all while keeping charity at the heart of its mission.
Myrtle Beach Bike Week (Spring)
Official website
Dates: May 9 – May 18, 2025
Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Historical Attendance: 350,000–400,000 annually (spring + fall combined)
Cost/Registration: Mostly free; certain concerts/venues may charge.
Highlights: Coastal rides along the Grand Strand, extensive vendor expos, and lively beachside nightlife.
Historical Origins
Myrtle Beach Bike Week traces its roots back to the 1940s, starting as “Harley Week,” a smaller gathering for regional riders. Over decades, it gradually expanded, as returning vets and touring bikers found the coast an ideal location for warm-weather riding and relaxation. By the 1990s, the rally had evolved into a massive tourism draw, prompting local businesses to adapt with specialized biker-friendly accommodations and events. Despite challenges like city ordinances and multiple expansions, Myrtle Beach Bike Week has stayed true to its laid-back, sun-and-fun heritage, making it a spring mainstay for beach-loving motorcyclists.
Rolling to Remember (Formerly Rolling Thunder)
Official website
Main Demonstration Ride: May 25, 2025 (Memorial Day Weekend)
Location: Washington, D.C. (Pentagon North Parking Lot start)
Historical Attendance: Historically up to 500,000 at its peak
Cost/Registration: Free to ride; $20–$50 donations encouraged for veteran causes.
Highlights: Candlelight Vigil, advocacy panels for POW/MIA issues, and a massive demonstration ride through the capital.
Historical Origins
Originally called Rolling Thunder, this rally was founded in 1988 to raise public awareness of POW/MIA soldiers. Led by veterans and activists, it quickly became a powerful Memorial Day tradition, drawing hundreds of thousands of bikes rumbling through Washington, D.C. Over time, the event expanded beyond POW/MIA advocacy to address broader veteran concerns, eventually rebranding as “Rolling to Remember” under AMVETS leadership in 2020. Yet the core mission remains unchanged: to honor fallen and missing service members, stand in solidarity with veterans, and remind the nation of the sacrifices made for freedom.
Americade Touring Rally
Official website
Dates: May 27 – May 31, 2025
Location: Lake George, New York
Historical Attendance: Tens of thousands (varies yearly)
Cost/Registration: Rally pass typically required for the expo, guided tours, and demos.
Highlights: Scenic Adirondack rides, large vendor expo, stunt shows, and a family-friendly environment.
Historical Origins
Americade began in 1983 when Bill Dutcher launched “Aspencade East,” inspired by a New Mexico touring rally. It later adopted the name “Americade,” reflecting a broader focus on multi-brand motorcycle enthusiasts. Lake George provided the perfect setting: winding mountain roads, quaint communities, and ample lodging options for riders. Over the years, Americade has evolved into one of the largest touring rallies in the country, known for its friendly vibe, organized group rides, and top-tier vendors. Despite its growth, it retains a strong emphasis on family-oriented activities and scenic exploration, living up to its touring-focused roots.
Laconia Motorcycle Week
Official website
Dates: June 14 – June 22, 2025
Location: Laconia, New Hampshire
Historical Attendance: Historically up to 375,000; more recent tallies ~188,000
Cost/Registration: Free general rally; some races/charity rides may have fees.
Highlights: Hill climbs, mountain-lake riding, vintage bike shows, and a deep historical legacy.
Historical Origins
Laconia Motorcycle Week dates back to 1916, when a group of Boston riders organized a “Gypsy Tour” to New Hampshire. Officially sanctioned by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) in 1923, it’s recognized today as America’s oldest motorcycle rally. Through the decades, Laconia has weathered changing social attitudes, economic shifts, and even riotous moments in the mid-1960s. Yet it remains a cornerstone of New England’s motorcycling culture, drawing generations of enthusiasts for scenic touring, races at the local motor speedway, and camaraderie around Weirs Beach. Its heritage, combined with picturesque surroundings, cements Laconia’s iconic status.
Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival
Official website
Dates: July 10–13, 2025
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin (venues include Veterans Park, H-D Museum, local dealerships)
Historical Attendance: 2024: 60,000 at Veterans Park
Cost/Registration: 2-Day GA: $199, 1-Day GA: $109, GA+: $299, VIP: $699, Museum Combo: $45
Highlights: Headline concerts (Stapleton, Hank Jr.), behind-the-scenes tours, charity group rides
Historical Origins
Harley-Davidson’s grand anniversary gatherings date back to milestone celebrations in Milwaukee, where the motor company was founded in 1903. Originally held every five years, these events offered factory tours and historical exhibits for devoted fans. In 2023, Harley-Davidson rebranded the event as an annual “Homecoming,” blending its century-plus heritage with music-festival elements to attract newer audiences. The 2025 edition underscores the brand’s 122-year Milwaukee legacy with bigger concerts, expanded museum programming, and organized rides converging on the city from across the country. It’s a celebration that merges Harley’s storied past with its ongoing evolution in motorcycling culture.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Official website
Dates: August 1 – August 10, 2025
Location: Sturgis, South Dakota
Historical Attendance: ~470,000–500,000; can hit 700,000 on milestone anniversaries
Cost/Registration: Free rally entry; concert venues (Buffalo Chip, etc.) require tickets.
Highlights: Black Hills rides, big-name concerts, bike shows, and a globally recognized biker experience.
Historical Origins
Sturgis began in 1938, founded by Clarence “Pappy” Hoel and the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club. Originally a small local event known as the Black Hills Classic, it revolved around motorcycle races and stunts. Post–World War II, attendance soared, attracting riders from across the country. The rugged beauty of the Black Hills, combined with a daring, free-spirited vibe, cultivated Sturgis’s legendary status. Despite significant changes over the decades—including leaps in attendance and evolving event infrastructure—it has retained its maverick spirit. Today, Sturgis is widely regarded as the ultimate U.S. motorcycle rally, a bucket-list destination for bikers everywhere.
Bikefest Lake of the Ozarks
Official website
Dates: September 10 – September 14, 2025 (estimated)
Location: Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Historical Attendance: ~50,000 in recent years
Cost/Registration: Generally free; certain poker runs/contests may charge.
Highlights: Waterfront parties, charity poker runs, and the “Biker Apparel Bikini Contest.”
Historical Origins
Bikefest Lake of the Ozarks evolved as a regional festival celebrating Missouri’s scenic lake country. Initially, local bars and restaurants joined forces to attract riders with live music and waterfront cruising. Over time, word spread about the area’s winding roads and natural beauty, helping Bikefest grow into a well-attended event with plenty of attractions. Beyond the bikini contests and vibrant nightlife, organizers emphasize community involvement through charity poker runs benefiting local causes. Despite its relatively newer status compared to century-old rallies, Bikefest has carved out a niche for laid-back lakeside fun mixed with great riding routes.
Myrtle Beach Bike Week (Fall)
Official website
Dates: September 26 – October 5, 2025
Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Historical Attendance: 350,000–400,000 annually (combined spring + fall)
Cost/Registration: Largely free; some paid concerts or venues.
Highlights: Second round of coastal riding, vendor expos, and beachside nightlife if you missed spring.
Historical Origins
The fall edition of Myrtle Beach Bike Week emerged as a complementary event to the spring rally, offering bikers a cooler-weather alternative along the same sun-soaked Grand Strand. Although it shares the same roots—dating back to the 1940s’ gatherings—this fall meet-up has developed its own loyal following. Riders who prefer less congested roads and milder temperatures appreciate the autumn vibe, while local venues welcome a second influx of customers. Over time, the rally has grown steadily, embracing the same beach-friendly spirit and vendor-packed fun, proving Myrtle Beach’s bike culture isn’t just a one-season affair.
Bikes, Blues & BBQ
Official website
Dates: October 1–4, 2025
Location: Rogers, Arkansas
Historical Attendance: ~400,000 annually, generating an estimated $30 million for the local economy
Cost/Registration: General Admission: Free, VIP: $150–$300, Charity Rides: $50
Highlights: National-act music, custom/vintage bike shows, BBQ cook-off, craft beer tastings
Historical Origins
Established in 2000, Bikes, Blues & BBQ was initially designed to bolster regional tourism and raise funds for local charities like Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Over the past two decades, it has donated more than $2.3 million to community causes, setting it apart from many profit-driven rallies. Concerts, bike shows, and mouthwatering barbecue competitions became staples, quickly gaining national attention and drawing enthusiasts from across the U.S. Today, the event’s laid-back yet lively vibe in Rogers, Arkansas, continues to attract around 400,000 visitors annually, upholding its reputation as one of America’s largest and most charitable motorcycle gatherings.
Barber Vintage Festival
Official website
Dates: October 3 – October 5, 2025
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Historical Attendance: Tens of thousands (including international vintage enthusiasts)
Cost/Registration: Ticket required for races, museum access, and certain seminars.
Highlights: Vintage motorcycle racing at Barber Motorsports Park, huge swap meets, and classic-bike seminars.
Historical Origins
The Barber Vintage Festival centers around Barber Motorsports Park, established by George Barber—an avid motorsports enthusiast and collector. The festival launched to highlight the park’s world-renowned museum, which houses one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections on the globe. Racing legends and restorers flock here, drawn by the circuit’s challenging layout and the chance to showcase two-wheeled history. Over time, the event expanded to include swap meets, educational seminars, and meet-and-greets with iconic riders. Today, it’s a high point for classic-bike aficionados, blending Southern hospitality with a deep appreciation for motorcycle heritage and craftsmanship.
Biketoberfest® (Fall Daytona Beach Bike Week)
Dates: October 16–19, 2025
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
Historical Attendance: ~100,000 riders annually
Cost/Registration: GA: Free, Pin Pass: Free (limited), Camping: $50 deposit + $21/night, Vendors: Varies
Highlights: Scenic Ormond Beach Loop, coleslaw wrestling at Cabbage Patch, free posters/pins at Daytona Speedway, live music, more laid-back vibe than spring
Historical Origins
Biketoberfest® began in 1992 as a modest, four-day alternative to the spring Daytona Bike Week, catering to riders drawn by milder fall weather and a laid-back atmosphere. Inspired by both Oktoberfest traditions and Daytona’s racing heritage, the event started with about 5,000 attendees but grew quickly as vendors, bike shows, and regional charity rides were added. Although it never rivals the spring rally’s crowd size, Biketoberfest® holds its own in fostering camaraderie, vintage bike appreciation, and Southern hospitality along the Florida coast. Today, it’s recognized as a must-visit fall gathering for riders seeking scenic loops and a more relaxed Daytona experience.
Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally (Fall)
Official website
Dates: October 22 – October 26, 2025
Location: Panama City Beach, Florida
Historical Attendance: ~60,000–70,000 (spring/fall editions)
Cost/Registration: Free admission, with optional VIP/concert passes.
Highlights: A laid-back autumn beach rally featuring custom bike shows, coastal rides, and nightly music.
Historical Origins
This fall edition traces back to the original Thunder Beach concept, which began in 1999. Organizers saw value in offering a second annual rally, giving bikers another chance to gather along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Much like its spring counterpart, the fall Thunder Beach champions an accessible format—no main gate fees—while encouraging local businesses to host events and concerts. Despite occasional hurricane-season concerns, the rally persists, buoyed by supportive fans seeking sunny skies, cool breezes, and that signature PCB hospitality. It has since grown into one of the most anticipated end-of-season get-togethers for Southeastern riders.
Lone Star Rally
Official website
Dates: November 6 – November 9, 2025
Location: Galveston Island, Texas
Historical Attendance: Known to draw “hundreds of thousands”
Cost/Registration: Typically free to attend; concerts/showcases may have fees.
Highlights: 40+ music acts, custom bike shows, parades along the Galveston seawall, and classic Texan hospitality.
Historical Origins
Launched in the early 2000s, Lone Star Rally combined Texas culture with the allure of a coastal destination. Galveston’s historic charm and accessible seawall made it an instant hit, inviting bikers to experience local parades, bar-hopping, and waterfront concerts. Though initially modest, word spread among the biker community, and attendance surged. Today, it proudly stands as North America’s largest four-day rally, featuring custom shows, vendor markets, and a vibrant nightlife scene. The event’s emphasis on live music and Texas-style festivities fosters a welcoming, carnival-like atmosphere, drawing repeat visitors year after year to this Gulf Coast spectacle.
Closing Note
From the historic roots of Laconia and Sturgis to the modern-day vibe of Arizona Bike Week and Thunder Beach, each rally has a story that has shaped the biker community we know today. Here at Fox Creek Leather, we’ve witnessed firsthand how these events bring riders together in celebration of freedom, friendship, and the open road. We hope this guide helps you chart out your 2025 rally circuit.
Ride safe, have fun, and we hope to see you on the road!