Motorcycles and the open road are synonymous with freedom and adventure. And what better way to celebrate the spirit of two-wheeled exploration than by gathering with like-minded enthusiasts at some of the nation’s biggest motorcycle rallies? From the rumbling engines of Sturgis, South Dakota, to the sun-soaked shores of Daytona Beach, Florida, America’s motorcycle rallies are as diverse and dynamic as the riders they attract.
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Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (Sturgis, South Dakota)
Arguably the most famous motorcycle rally in the world, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally attracts hundreds of thousands of riders each year. It started in 1938 and is known for its scenic rides, such as the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. In recent years, attendance numbers have sometimes exceeded 700,000.
Daytona Bike Week (Daytona Beach and DeLeon Springs, Florida)
Daytona Bike Week draws hundreds of thousands of bikers to the Sunshine State every March. It’s a ten-day festival filled with street festivals, concerts, motorcycle races, bike shows, rallies, and more. Attendance numbers vary, but recent estimates suggest around 500,000 annually.
Bikes, Blues and BBQ (Rogers, Arkansas)
Known as one of the largest charity motorcycle rallies, it attracts attendees with its great food, blues music, and scenic routes in the Ozark Mountains. In the past, the BBB rally was held in Fayetteville, but due to logistical reasons, the rally was moved to Rogers in 2022. Each year, approximately 400,000 people attend.
Laconia Motorcycle Week (Laconia, New Hampshire)
Going strong since 1916, it’s the oldest national motorcycle rally in the U.S. With a week of music, vintage races, hill climbs, and a breathtaking tour around Lake Winnipesaukee. It attracts around 300,000 attendees each year.
Rolling Thunder (Washington, D.C.)
Though not a traditional festival, Rolling Thunder is an annual Memorial Day demonstration where hundreds of thousands of bikers ride through Washington, D.C., to honor POWs and MIAs. The event draws around 900,000 participants and spectators.
Arizona Bike Week (Scottsdale, Arizona)
This event attracts around 70,000 participants yearly with its concerts, stunt shows, and bike races. Its highlight is the charity ride through the stunning Sonoran Desert.
Lone Star Rally (Galveston, Texas)
This free, four-day rally takes place in Galveston and sees around 400,000 attendees each year. It features bike shows, live music, and vendors right on the Gulf Coast.
Americade (Lake George, New York)
Held in Lake George, this rally focuses more on touring than partying. With guided tours through the Adirondacks and Vermont’s Green Mountains, it’s a must for around 100,000 lovers of scenic rides.
Laughlin River Run (Laughlin, Nevada)
The largest motorcycle event on the west coast, this rally draws over 70,000 attendees who enjoy concerts, bike shows, and a scenic ride along the Colorado River.
Ohio Bike Week (Sandusky, Ohio)
This ten-day rally offers concerts, bike shows, and rides along the shores of Lake Erie. It draws crowds of around 300,000.
Leesburg Bikefest (Leesburg, Florida)
Known as the world’s largest three-day motorcycle rally and music event, it features 60 concerts, bike shows, and poker runs. Attendance is usually about 200,000 to 300,000.
Thunder in the Rockies (Loveland, Colorado)
Over Labor Day weekend, this rally sees about 45,000 bikers enjoy bike shows, live music, and a breathtaking ride through the Rockies.
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
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