At Cycle Trader, we’re up for a good bike rally pretty much any time of the year. But there’s something just a little extra special about fall motorcycle rallies. Depending on where the rally is being held, the cooler weather generally makes for better camping, better riding, and better bonfire opportunities—where bonfires are permitted, of course.
If you have never taken your Harley-Davidson touring bike or other motorcycle to a biker rally, each one has its own particular attraction, from custom bike showcases to games and stunt shows, rallies are a great way to meet like-minded people who love a good time just as much as they live for the allure of the road.
Looking to get in on the fun? Here’s a list of some of our favorite autumn biker rallies for 2023. Maybe we’ll see you there!
Salisbury and Ocean City, Maryland; September 13-17
“Delmarva” is short for Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia, while “OC” is short for Ocean City. Together, Salisbury and Ocean City put on one of the largest motorcycle rallies on the East Coast. Salisbury events will be held at Shorebirds Stadium and will include vendors, food, motorcycle demonstrations, and entertainment. Ocean City will include more of the same, with a Boardwalk Motorcycle Parade on Saturday, as well as big-name concerts from Joan Jett and The Blackhearts, Billy Idol, The Struts, Shinedown, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more. With legendary musical acts like that, you absolutely have to hop on your Honda cruiser and experience this rally.
Reno, Nevada; September 21-24
With an expected attendance of more than 35,000 motorcycle enthusiasts, this rally is so big it spreads out to a variety of venues throughout the Reno area. Featuring poker runs, custom-built shows, vendors, parties, a tattoo expo, and live entertainment that includes a concert from Jimmie Van Zant, a portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Association.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; October 2-8
Primarily a riding event, the Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally began in 1940, with the fall rally being added more recently to accommodate the number of bike enthusiasts who love to hang out in Myrtle Beach. This year’s fall rally is expected to draw 25,000-plus visitors, to enjoy the ocean-view rides as well as the local hospitality. Rev up your Kawasaki sportbike and enjoy this fun, casual ride at the beach.
Daytona, Florida; October 19-22
Coinciding with the Daytona 200 motorcycle race at Daytona International Speedway, this year’s event is the 31st annual and is expected to draw in more than 100,000 bike enthusiasts. Featuring live music, motorcycle shows, custom bike builds, scenic rides, tons of vendors, and bike racing, Daytona is a great place for motorcycle enthusiasts to enjoy some sunny Florida weather and fun.
Panama City Beach, Florida; October 25-29
If you head to Biketoberfest but still crave more biker-related fun after it’s over, head across the state the following week to Panama City Beach for the Thunder Beach Fall Rally and join 60,000 other biking enthusiasts for fun on the sand. Known as the “Most Biker Friendly Free Rally in the United States,” Thunder Beach features vendors and exhibitors, a bike parade, beauty pageants, poker runs, live music, motorcycle stunt shows, tattoo contests, bike shows, and more.
Galveston, Texas; November 2-5
Known as the largest motorcycle rally in Texas, this year’s event is expected to bring in more than a half-million ralliers, and will include vendors, bike and car shows, a rodeo, tattoo and sound contests, demo rides, and the Miss Lone Star Rally contest, in addition to regional and national music acts.
You don’t necessarily need a bike to attend any of the above events, but if you want to be fully immersed in the culture, let Cycle Trader help you find the perfect ride. With thousands of new and used motorcycles to shop and compare, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye at a price that fits your budget. It’s not too late to pick out a bike, gather up your friends, and meet up at one of this year’s fall rallies. Trust us—it’s more fun than you can imagine!