13 of the Biggest, Baddest Biker Events that will Make 2018 Rock!
Get set to put some extra miles on your Harley next year when H-D hosts a massive Milwaukee block party and Kid Rock shakes up Sturgis.
After the road-ripping fun of 2017, what can you expect for 2018? More fun and more motorcycle rallies with old and new friends! Take a look at the new 2018 Harley-Davidson models, then plan on riding to these rallies across the United States next year. Below are 13 events we think you’ll enjoy, including Harley’s 115th anniversary and the Big Three: Daytona, Sturgis, and Laconia.
40th Annual Colorado Motorcycle Expo
January 27 & 28, Denver, Colorado
Kicking off the year on January 27 and 28 is the Colorado Motorcycle Expo (CME) in Denver. CME is in fact several motorcycle events rolled into one great weekend. Not only does the CME include the country’s largest indoor motorcycle swap meet with over 800 booths, but there’s also a huge bike show featuring vintage bikes and cool customs, plus, just in case that doesn’t get your attention, these added bonuses will: a wet T-shirt contest, live music, and onsite tattooing and piercing.
Held at Denver’s National Western Complex, the Colorado Motorcycle Expo is the motorcycle social event of the winter. While in town, stop by the massive Sun Harley-Davidson, Colorado’s oldest H-D dealership.
77th Daytona Bike Week
March 9-18, Daytona Beach, Florida
Dubbed “The World’s Largest Motorcycle Event,” Daytona Bike Week celebrates its 77th anniversary from March 9 through 18 in Daytona Beach, Florida. An annual pilgrimage for many, the event historically attracts more than 500,000 bikers. You can expect the usual highlights here: streets lined with vendors, wet T-shirt contests, bike shows, and an endless parade of motorcycles of every make and model imaginable.
Located on Florida’s Atlantic coast, the city is known for Daytona International Speedway, which hosts February’s iconic Daytona 500 NASCAR race. The beach itself has hard-packed sand where driving (and riding) is permitted in designated areas. Established in 1994, Bruce Rossmeyer‘s Daytona Harley-Davidson and its 109,000 square foot showroom is the area’s premier source for everything Harley.
Arizona Bike Week
April 11-15, Scottsdale, Arizona
Presented by Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, Arizona Bike Week 2018 will be held from April 11 to 15 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, which boasts over 300,000 square feet of exhibition space located on 386 acres of pristine desert at the base of the McDowell Mountains. Arizona Bike Week is a rider’s dream. Whether you prefer organized runs and events or carving out your own path, there’s plenty of options for everyone. The scenic terrain and amazing spring weather make for some of the best riding in the country.
Spend a few days exploring the Sonoran Desert and checking out some of the local events, then rev it up at the biggest party of all: Arizona Bike Week, featuring top name builders and vendors, plus nightly concerts by national headliners. The 2018 headlining artist has not yet been announced, but judging by the event’s previous acts, it’s guaranteed to be an impressive show. Throughout the years, Arizona Bike Week has hosted performers that include Foreigner, Cheap Trick, Bret Michaels, Heart, George Thorogood, and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The biggest motorcycle event in the Southwest for over 20 years, Arizona Bike Week will also host hundreds of vendors, flat track racing, stunt shows, bike shows, and an estimated attendance of over 100,000 bike enthusiasts.
22nd Leesburg Bikefest
April 27-29, Leesburg, Florida
Leesburg, Florida, is the place to be during the last weekend of April for the 22nd anniversary of Leesburg Bikefest. A three-day motorcycle and music event, Bikefest is spread out over 30 city blocks from April 27 through 29 and presenting 60-plus concerts (past headliners include Queensryche and Fuel), 200 vendors, amazing bike shows, five hotbody contests, and an expected quarter-million people! Also in Leesburg is Gator Harley-Davidson, which will also have its own vendors, bars, and activities during the rally, with a shuttle running every 20 minutes between the dealership and the downtown Bikefest.
36th Annual Mississippi Memorial Day Blowout
May 25-27, Gulfport, Mississippi
Celebrating its 36th anniversary, the annual Mississippi Memorial Day Blowout offers a wide array of events including three different racing classes, street war racing, eight bike show classes, and live music. Past blowouts have also featured swap meets, flea markets, tattoo contests, plus food, beer vendors, and wet T-shirt contests. The event happens May 25 to 27 in Gulfport, Mississippi. Just a few miles east of Gulfport, you’ll find Mississippi Coast Harley-Davidson, which serves the Biloxi area.
Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom XXXI
May 25-28, Washington D.C.
The 31st anniversary of the Rolling Thunder Ride For Freedom demonstration will be held Sunday, May 27 in Washington D.C. Activities surrounding the ride happen May 25 through 28. “In 2018, things will be even bigger and better,” promise the event’s promoters, who estimate that approximately 900,000 bikes were present for 2017.
The founders of Rolling Thunder were ordinary men who organized a protest in the nation’s capital during the 1988 Memorial Day weekend to demand from our leaders a full accounting of all POW/MIAs. The protesters’ arrival was announced by the roar of their motorcycles. Approximately 2,500 motorcyclists from all over the country converged on Washington, D.C. that day and the foundation had been laid for the annual “Ride for Freedom” to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall.
Located in Fort Washington, Maryland, Harley-Davidson of Washington, D.C. is the oldest motorcycle dealership in the D.C. metro area. The home of Rolling Thunder, they honor and support our military, emergency responders, and soldiers who never made it home.
36th Annual Americade
June 4-9, Lake George, New York
The most welcoming rally with the best roads in the northeast, Americade celebrates its 36th year from June 4 to 9 in Lake George, New York. (The opening celebration kicks off on June 4 for all pre-registered attendees.) All are welcome at Americade: Harleys, Hondas, Yamahas, Suzukis, KTM’s, Indians, Victorys, Ducatis, etc. A true rider’s rally, Americade claims to host the most factory demos at any event in the U.S. and the largest concentration of motorcycle vendors in a single location in America. Also expect to see stunt shows and motorcycle parades. Past rallies have included seminars presented by industry experts, custom bike shows, charity poker runs, vintage bike shows, and guided rides into the mountains.
Located in the beautiful sprawling countryside of Washington County, New York, McDermott’s Harley-Davidson in Fort Ann is only miles from the historic Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs and the beautiful Green Mountains of Vermont.
Laconia Motorcycle Week
June 9-17, Laconia, New Hampshire
Celebrating 95 years of riding legacy in 2018, Laconia Motorcycle Week happens June 9 through 17 in Laconia, New Hampshire. The event’s legacy as “the world’s oldest motorcycle rally” continues because of unmatched scenic riding throughout the beautiful state of New Hampshire. Residents and businesses alike enthusiastically welcome motorcyclists during the rally. However, being that New Hampshire comprises the second largest demographic of motorcyclists in the country and is host to the oldest annual American motorcycle rally, New Hampshire opens its doors to motorcycle enthusiasts all year long. In fact, the local motto is: “In Laconia… We Ride!”
Located in the heart of New Hampshire’s spectacular Lakes Region with scenery that never quits (including an ocean just a ride away), Laconia Harley-Davidson will have its own party during the rally with custom bike builds, live music all day, and H.O.G.-led scenic rides, plus food and drinks. Top aftermarket manufacturers will also be on-site.
78th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
August 3-12, Sturgis, South Dakota
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip is riding right to the top of its fans’ wish list for 2018 with the announcement of its headline entertainer: the great “American Bad Ass” himself, Kid Rock! Rock will be returning for a hard-hitting, hit-heavy bash at the 78th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota on August 9, just one night after country music star Eric Church takes the same stage. The 2018 rally promises 10 days of rocking and riding from August 3 to 12. One of the biggest motorcycle events of the year, you can expect the annual mayor’s ride, military appreciation day, lots of foot-stomping concerts, and 500,000 of your closest friends. Black Hills Harley-Davidson will be happy to rent you a bike for the event or will help make sure you have your ride up to speed.
The first Sturgis Rally, known as the Black Hills Classic, was held in August 1938 with a race of nine participants and a small audience. By 2015, the City of Sturgis is proud to have celebrated the 75th annual event with a record attendance of an amazing 750,000-plus participants spanning over a 10-day period. Sturgis is located in the Black Hills of S.D., only minutes away from Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devils Tower, Custer State Park, and some of the most scenic riding in the country.
Harley-Davidson 115th Anniversary
August 29-September 2, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Celebrating 115 years of freedom, Harley-Davidson’s anniversary extravaganza happens August 29 through September 2 at H-D’s homebase in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The company says that, “for our 115th anniversary, we’re throwing parties for the people. Celebrations all about riding, racing, meeting new friends, and connecting with people from all over the world who share a passion for the freedom of two wheels. Those with the simple pursuit of chasing their own horizons and following their dreams.”
Plans are still being formalized but expect it to be an event to remember. The company’s 110th anniversary celebration saw a bike parade with over 6,000 motorcyclists and music from 28 headliners, including legendary superstars like ZZ Top, Aerosmith, Kid Rock, John Fogerty, Joan Jett and the Doobie Brothers.
19th Annual Bikes, Blues & BBQ
September 26-29, Fayetteville, Arkansas
Bikes, Blues and BBQ (BBB) is the world’s largest charity motorcycle rally. Over the past 18 years, BBB has donated over $1.5 million to local charities. A “rally with a purpose,” the 19th Annual Bike, Blues and BBQ happens September 26 through 29 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This not-for-profit motorcycle rally benefits women, children, and the underserved members of the Northwest Arkansas community and has a multi-year commitment to the new Children’s Hospital in town. Highlights from past years include lawn mower pulls, firefighter poker runs, “Miss Bikes, Blues and BBQ” contests, classic car shows, the “Battle of the Bikes” custom-motorcycles show, and the “People’s Choice Arkansas State BBQ Championship.”
Located about 20 miles north of Fayetteville in the town of Rogers, Pig Trail Harley-Davidson is the largest H-D dealership in Arkansas. Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, you’ll enjoy great riding in all directions from their 47,000 square foot facility. A scenic 40-minute ride takes you to their second shop in Eureka Springs with “the best burger ever” at their Rockin Pig Saloon located just up the street.
Biketoberfest 26
October 18-21, Daytona Beach, Florida
This annual Daytona Beach motorcycle rally draws more than 100,000 visitors. Held this year from October 18 to 21, Biketoberfest is one of the last big events of 2018. Bikers, motorcycle enthusiasts, and curious travel seekers will enjoy Florida’s beautiful fall weather, live music, and watching the pros compete in Daytona International Speedway’s motorcycle races. October is an amazing time of year in the Daytona Beach area — not too hot, not too humid — just perfect for putting those knees in the breeze. Will there also be a sneak-peek at the new 2019 Harleys? If so, you’ll want to check them out at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson and its massive 109,000 square foot showroom.
Las Vegas Bike Fest
October 11-14, Las Vegas, Nevada
Tens of thousands of motorcyclists in a sea of neon might seem to be a clash of cultures, but here’s what happened at the 2017 Las Vegas Bike Fest, and why you need to attend the 2018 event from October 11 to 14: three brand-new motorcycles were given away; $5,000 in shopping sprees was handed out; free beer Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night; over $100,000 in cash and prizes given out; bands all day and night on two stages; a large variety of vendors; free bike parking; five bike shows; a free shuttle from the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino to rally central; and tons of unique activities, including “Biker Bingo,” a facial hair contest, poker runs, and a “Miss Las Vegas BikeFest” contest.
While in Sin City, you’ll also want to stop by the beautiful Las Vegas Harley-Davidson, which in 2014 moved to the fabulous Las Vegas Strip across from the world-famous “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. Also in town is the 104,000 square foot Red Rock Harley-Davidson.
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