2018 National Motorcycle Events Calendar

Americade (photo by M Romais)
Thousands of motorcyclists gather on the shore of Lake George, New York, every June for the Americade rally.

Your bike is tuned, your leathers cleaned and your credit card balance has been zeroed; it’s time to head out and use them all. Now if you’re looking for somewhere to ride, we have the lowdown on the major touring events this year. So grab your calendar, check our list and finalize your plans. Before you put up the kickstand, however, visit the event’s website to catch up on any last-minute changes.

Ride for Kids
28 Rides all over the U.S.

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation was created in 1991 by the founders of Ride for Kids, and is now the leading nonprofit organization funding research into childhood brain tumors. These Ride for Kids events get you out on your bike, and they also help fund free educational resources, college scholarships for brain tumor survivors and emergency financial aid for families. American Honda is the presenting sponsor of Ride for Kids.

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(800) 253-6530
rideforkids.org, curethekids.org

 

Progressive International Motorcycle Shows
Various Dates and Cities

Though the spring shows ended in late February, be sure to check the schedule for the fall 2018 shows, where you’ll be able to see all the current and new 2019 models from the major manufacturers. These shows also present products from many accessory manufacturers, and you can enjoy custom and classic bike displays, along with live entertainment. Check the website for the full schedule when it becomes available.

(800) 331-5706
motorcycleshows.com

 

Cambria Car/Motorcycle Show & Chili Cook-Off
Cambria, California
April 21

Hot chili, cool cars and motorcycles. What more could you want? Enjoy gourmet chili, lively music, raffle drawings and great beers while viewing some of the coolest cars & motorcycles on the Central Coast. Stay the night in one of Cambria’s many locally-owned hotels and B&Bs and enjoy spectacular riding along the coast.

(805) 927-3624
cambriachamber.org

 

36th Annual Laughlin River Run
Laughlin, Nevada
April 25-28

This popular event includes several poker runs, a custom bike show, concerts by big-name stars, casino action, a Ms. Laughlin River Run contest and RV parking if you bring your rig.

(949) 502-3434
laughlinriverrun.com

 

The Quail Motorcycle Gathering
Carmel-by-the-sea, California
May 5

This high-end vintage event features a gourmet barbeque lunch with offerings from local wineries and breweries, live entertainment and displays by leading motorcycle manufacturers, lifestyle vendors and more. While there will be judging classes for many vintage and classic categories, this year’s event will also feature café racers, electric motorcycles and the Arlen Ness Private Collection.

(831) 620-8879
signatureevents.peninsula.com

 

Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally
Myrtle Beach Area, South Carolina
May 11-20

Now in its 79th year, this rally has been rolling since 1940. Come party with about 200,000 other riders and ride the Grand Strand, take local tours and enjoy live bands, racing and the Myrtle Beach nightlife.

(336) 643-1367
myrtlebeachbikeweek.com

 

Run For the Wall XXX
A Cross-Country Ride to Washington, D.C.
May 16-25

Founded by Vietnam veterans, Run For the Wall recognizes the sacrifices and contributions made by all veterans who have served our nation. This cross-country ride takes various routes to reach Washington, D.C. for Memorial Day, and you’re invited to join at any of them along the way.

rftw.org

 

AspenCash Motorcycle Rally
Ruidoso, New Mexico
May 17-20

This event has new owners, and they have stated they’ll continue the tradition of the Golden Aspen and AspenCash Rallies. While details were not yet available at press time, previous rallies (held in the scenic mountains around Mescalero and Ruidoso) have featured live music, demo rides, a four-day trade show and a poker run…that’s where the “cash” part comes in.

motorcyclerally.com

 

Riding Into History
St. Augustine, Florida
May 19

This 19th annual event features a vintage Concours d’Elegance, and will be led by Grand Marshals racer Scott Parker and tuner Bill Werner. There’s also a charity bike ride and Grand Marshals dinner.

(904) 677-9452
ridingintohistory.org

 

Maggie Valley Spring Rally
Maggie Valley, North Carolina
May 24-26

The theme this year is “Hawgs, Mopars and Jeeps” as the rally combines car and bike shows. There will also be a Blue Ridge tour, a fashion show, vendors, concerts and a treasure hunt, in addition to the major street scene.

(336) 643-1367
(336) 580-1638
maggievalleyrallies.com

 

Run-A-Mucca Motorcycle Rally
Winnemucca, Nevada
May 25-27

Run on over to Winnemucca for this weekend rally featuring bike shows, concerts, a poker run, casino action and a tattoo contest. The raffle prize is a new Harley.

(775) 623-5071
(800) 962-2638
runamucca.com

 

Americade
Lake George, New York
June 4-9

The 36th edition of the East’s largest touring rally offers big changes: Americade’s Expo has a new location adjacent to the Americade HQ, at the Fort William Henry Resort. They’ll have Americade’s first ever block party showcasing live music on multiple stages, stunt shows, riding demonstrations, demo rides, guided and self-guided tours, a Ride For Kids charity ride, and a lucky attendee will win a new Indian!

(518) 798-7888
americade.com

 

Laconia Motorcycle Week
Laconia, New Hampshire
June 9-17

Billed as “The world’s oldest motorcycle rally,” Laconia began in 1916 and is centered on Weirs Beach. It includes daily scenic “gypsy tours” (rides), a ride up Mt. Washington, bike shows and build-offs, live music, Superbike and vintage racing, and hill climbs.

(603) 366-2000
laconiamcweek.com

 

Motorcycle Sport Touring Association Rally (STAR)
LaCrosse, Wisconsin
June 10-14

The Motorcycle Sport Touring Association was founded in 1982, and its purpose is to bring together riders whose focus is motorcycle sport touring, regardless of the type or brand of motorcycle. “STAR” is its Sport  Touring Association Rally, an annual national event that features local rides and a raffle bike.

ridemsta.com

 

Concours Owners Group National Rally
Kerrville, Texas
June 11-14

The Concours Owners Group is for fans of the Kawasaki Concours sport tourer. Its “Three Sisters Rally” gets its name from three area roads that are known to some local riders as “The Twisted Sisters.” This 100-mile loop offers some of the best, most challenging motorcycle roads in the state. Once you’ve experienced the Sisters, head back to the rally site for seminars, socials, dinners and more.

cog-online.org

 

Mother Road Ride Rally
WillowBrook, Illinois, to Los Angeles
June 13-24

For you motoring history buffs, this ride follows most of the old Route 66 from east to west. It will include stops at several museums, the Ozark Trail, Walnut Canyon National Monument, the Painted Desert, Petrified Forest National Park and the Arizona ghost town of Oatman.

(352) 684-5293
ridert66.com

 

CMA National Rally
Hatfield/Mena, Arkansas
June 19-23

The Christian Motorcyclists Association bills this as the largest camp meeting, revival and family friendly gathering in the nation that involves motorcycle riding. It features a parade, bike games and scenic self-guided rides, and John Ogden Sr., CMA CEO/Chairman, will be the keynote speaker.

(870) 389-6196
cmausa.org

 

Thunder in the Valley
Johnstown, Pennsylvania
June 21-24

This rally offers scenic rides, a light parade, the Grand Thunder Parade, vendors and live concerts by Quiet Riot, Great White and Hells Bells.

(800) 237-8590
johnstownthunder.com

 

FIM Superbike World Championship Round
WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway, Monterey, California
June 22-24

Come see the top Superbike racers in the world slug it out on this hilly, curvy course in scenic central California. Camping is available at the track, and there’s plenty of nightlife in nearby Monterey.

(831) 242-8200 tickets
(831) 242-8201 info
mazdaraceway.com

 

CJMC Classic Japanese Swap & Show
Dixon, California
June 23-24

The CJMC is a national club dedicated to celebrating, preserving and having fun with early Japanese manufactured motorcycles. They support rides, meets, shows and swaps, and at this event attendees can help you find parts and support for your classic Japanese motorcycle.

(650) 464-2457 to show
(650) 948-2229 to swap
cjmc.org

 

American Voyager Association International Rally
Kerrville, Texas
June 25-28

Though it began as a club for owners of the Kawasaki Voyager, the American Voyager Association (AVA) now defines a “Voyager” as anyone who loves to ride and travel by motorcycle. Their national rally will feature seminars, guided and self-guided rides, a bike show and light show, a rider skills class and an awards banquet.

amervoyassoc.org

 

AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days
Lexington, Ohio
July 6-8

This major rally is held at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and includes demo rides, seminars, live music, swap meets, a bike show and a Wall of Death. Vintage competition includes road racing, trials, flat track and hare scrambles.

(800) AMA-JOIN
americanmotorcyclist.com

 

Gold Rush XXXI
Bowling Green, Kentucky
July 9-12

Though this is the rally of the Gold Wing Touring Association, all riders are welcome. In addition to the usual on-site bike shows and seminars, attendees can ride to the National Corvette Museum, the Historic Railpark and Train Museum, the Lost River Cave and historic Fountain Square Park.

(800) 960-GWTA (4982)
gwta.org

 

Women on Wheels 32nd Annual International Ride-In
Johnson City, Tennessee
July 10-12

This club is for women riders (Women on Wheels spells “WOW”), and consists of many local chapters. Its International Ride-In usually draws upwards of 250 participants to enjoy rides, listen to speakers and attend seminars.

(402) 477-1280
womenonwheels.org

 

4th Annual Deadwood 3-Wheeler Motorcycle Rally
Deadwood, South Dakota
July 10-15

Trike riders will be able to enjoy poker runs and destination rides, seminars, vendors, a trike show and parade, awards dinner, live music and both an ice cream and a watermelon social.

(800) 274-1876 ext. 1102
d3wr.com

 

BMW Motorcycle Owners of America 46th International Rally
Des Moines, Iowa
July 12-15

Rally attendees will be able to enjoy approximately 125 vendors, about 100 seminars, live entertainment, rider training classes, local self-led rides and many door prizes, including a grand prize BMW.

(864) 438-0962
bmwmoa.org

 

Brothers of the Third Wheel National Trike-In
Dodge City, Kansas
July 12-15

For trike riders this event offers daily group rides, a trike show and parade, camping, vendors and access to the Boothill Museum.

(520) 789-7265
btw-trikers.org

 

Star Days
Provo/Lehi, Utah
July 16-20

This 20th annual event is presented by the official riding organization of Yamaha’s Star motorcycles. It includes a SwampAZZ ride full of twisty roads and mountain passes, a ride to a veterans home, a Feed the Children food drop banquet, and the auction of a Yamaha motorcycle. There will also be vendors, a motorcycle safety class, a Star motorcycle owner maintenance seminar and Yamaha/Star motorcycle demo rides.

(520) 292-0200
stardays.org

 

BMW Riders Association National Rally
Wellsboro, Pennsylvania
July 19-22

Held at the County Fairgrounds in Wellsboro, this rally offers three days of camping, vendors, seminars and door prizes. You’ll be less than 30
minutes away from “The Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania,” so plan on some great scenic rides.

(866) 924-7102
bmwra.org

 

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Sturgis, South Dakota
August 3-12

Prepare to camp with a couple hundred thousand of your closest friends. In addition to the huge street scene enjoy rides to Mt. Rushmore, the tattoo contest, beard and mustache contest, military appreciation day and concerts by Trace Adkins, Steppenwolf, Foreigner, Kid Rock and others.

(605) 720-0800
sturgismotorcyclerally.com

 

The Rally in the Gorge
Hood River, Oregon
August 22-26

With its location near Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams, this rally is specifically geared to entertain sportbike, dual-sport and sport-touring riders. Enjoy the seminars, door prizes and auction at the rally site, and then sample the great riding to local museums and the Stonehenge Replica.

(206) 650-9102
soundrider.com

 

Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials
Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah
August 25-30

Have you ever wanted to attempt to set a land speed record? This officially sanctioned event offers AMA national and FIM world record opportunities. Everyone can have a shot at running the Bonneville Salt Flats course in many classes including streamliners, or you can “run watcha brung” to take a shot at the records!

bonnevillespeedtrials.com

 

Wing Ding 40
Knoxville, Tennessee
August 28-September 1

Now in its 40th year, this is the official rally of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, but will appeal to all touring riders. Come for factory demo rides, vendors, a bike show, light show and parade.

(800) 843-9460
wing-ding.org

 

Golden Aspen Motorcycle Rally
Ruidoso, New Mexico
September (dates TBA)

The Golden Aspen has new owners, and details of the rally were not yet available at press time. The rally is usually held in September, so please check the website for updates as they become available.

motorcyclerally.com

 

Bikes, Blues & BBQ
Fayetteville, Arkansas
September 26-29

This 19th annual event offers factory demo rides, live music, poker runs, the Arkansas state BBQ contest, the “Battle of the Bikes” show and contest, the Miss BBB contest, a parade and a car show.

(479) 527-9993
bikesbluesandbbq.org

 

Barber Vintage Festival
Birmingham, Alabama
October 5-7

Billed as “The World’s Largest Motorcycle Museum,” Barber hosts not only museum tours but vintage racing at the track, stunt shows, an autograph session with motorcycle celebrities and vendors.

(205) 298-9040
barbervintagefestival.org

 

CMA Changing of the Colors Rally
Hatfield/Mena, Arkansas
October 17-21

This rally of the Christian Motorcyclists Association features praise and worship, seminars, a parade, bike games and scenic self-guided rides along with camping and vendors.

(870) 389-6196
cmausa.org

 

Biketoberfest
Daytona Beach, Florida
October 18-21

This smaller, less frenzied version of Daytona’s spring event offers bike shows, racing at Daytona International Speedway, a huge street scene with lots of live music, and about 100,000 fellow riders to share it with.

(386) 255-0415
biketoberfest.org

 

Lone Star Rally
Galveston, Texas
November 1-4

Come to Texas for this celebration that offers bike games and shows, a poker run and scavenger hunt, entertainment, bike builder competitions, bike giveaway and a car and truck show. Best of all, it’s all right downtown so there’s no admission fee.

(832) 437-2318
lonestarrally.com

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