Arkansas events
Arkansas motorcycle events, rallies and bike nights
Arkansas motorcycle events start with Bikes, Blues and BBQ, one of the big rallies in the country, held in Fayetteville in late September. Around it, the calendar fills with fall color rides in the Ozarks and Ouachitas, charity rides and poker runs, toy runs and weekly bike nights from Little Rock to Bentonville. Dates change year to year, so check the organizer, and find local meets in the free Rippin' app.
- Biggest
- Bikes, Blues and BBQ
- When
- Late September
- Where
- Fayetteville
- Post your own
- Free in Rippin'
The big one
Bikes, Blues and BBQ in Fayetteville
Bikes, Blues and BBQ has been held in Fayetteville since 2000 and grew into one of the big motorcycle rallies in the country. It's run as a nonprofit that raises money for local charities. Dickson Street, near the University of Arkansas, has long been the heart of it, with bikes lining the street, music, vendors and barbecue. The Parade of Power, a long parade of motorcycles through town, is a highlight for many riders.
It usually lands in late September, when the Ozarks are just starting to cool. Check the organizer for this year's dates and venues, book rooms early across northwest Arkansas, and expect heavy traffic all week on the Pig Trail, US 62 and every road around Fayetteville.
Rally week rides
Rides to take during rally week
- The Pig Trail (AR 23)The classic rally day ride, south from the Fayetteville area through the Ozark National Forest. Go early in the morning to beat the crowds.
- Eureka Springs on US 62An hour northeast, with steep streets, Victorian buildings and plenty of rider-friendly stops. Park once and walk.
- The Boston Mountains Scenic LoopOld US 71 south through Winslow and Artist Point, an easier ride than the Pig Trail and much quieter.
- Scenic 7 and the Buffalo RiverA long day east to AR 43, Boxley Valley and Jasper. See the best motorcycle roads in Arkansas for routes.
Every year
Other recurring Arkansas motorcycle events
These come around most years. Dates move, so confirm with the organizer before you plan.
- Fall color ridesFrom mid-October into early November, Scenic 7, the Pig Trail and the Talimena Byway turn into an unofficial meet, with riders out every good weekend.
- Charity rides and poker runsClubs, dealers and veterans groups run charity rides and poker runs in spring and fall, often ending with food and a raffle.
- Holiday toy runsToy rides roll through Little Rock, northwest Arkansas, Fort Smith and Jonesboro in November and December. Check the events map then.
- Distinguished Gentleman's RideEvery May, riders dress sharp on classic and vintage-style bikes and ride for men's health. Look for an Arkansas ride on the DGR site.
A day's ride
Big rallies near Arkansas
- Lone Star RallyGalveston, Texas, usually in November. A long day south, or two easy ones. It's on the Rippin' events map.
- Barber Vintage FestivalBarber Motorsports Park near Birmingham, Alabama, every October, with vintage racing and a huge swap meet.
- Sturgis Motorcycle RallySturgis, South Dakota, every August. A multi-day ride north, and a rite of passage for plenty of Arkansas riders.
Typical months only. Dates change year to year, so check each organizer.
Every week
How to find bike nights in Arkansas
Bike nights are where you find riders to ride the Ozarks with. Rippin' puts them on the same map as turf, segments and poker stops.
Upcoming Arkansas events from the app are listed right below.
- 1
Open Meets
In Rippin', open meets and events. It covers bike nights, meets, rallies, swap meets, charity rides and toy runs.
- 2
Set your area
Pick Little Rock, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Fort Smith, Hot Springs or Jonesboro. Events show nearest first.
- 3
RSVP
Tap RSVP so the organizer knows you're coming and riders can see who else is going.
- 4
Ride in together
Start a group ride so the crew is on one live map on the way there.
Live from the app
Arkansas on Rippin' right now.
3 upcoming events and 0 rider-added roads in Arkansas on the map today. This list updates whenever the site is rebuilt; the app always has the latest.
- Fri Jan 8AMA Partzilla Arenacross East Rounds 7-8Little Rock
- Fri May 7Steel Horse Rally 2027Fort Smith
- Wed Sep 29Bikes, Blues & BBQ 2027Rogers
No Arkansas roads are in the app yet. Add the one you love from Segments and a person on our team checks it before it goes live. How roads get added.
Add yours
Post your Arkansas motorcycle event in Rippin'
Arkansas's events map is early, so a bike night or charity ride you post gets seen. Any rider can post an event in Rippin' for free: name, time, place and a short note. A weekly bike night can repeat, so you post it once.
Shops, clubs and brands that host a lot of events can use Organizer Pro ($8.99/mo) for unlimited and recurring meets, official events on the calendar and recurring ride plans. A cafe, general store or dealer on the Ozark roads can also become a poker stop, so every rider who rolls in gets a card. Read more on motorcycle events in Rippin'.
By season
Arkansas's motorcycle event calendar
| Season | What's on | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec to Feb) | Toy runs in December, local meets | Ice on mountain roads |
| Spring (Mar to May) | Charity rides, poker runs, DGR in May | Storms, flash floods |
| Summer (Jun to Aug) | Evening bike nights, Sturgis trips | Heat, afternoon storms |
| Fall (Sep to Nov) | Bikes, Blues and BBQ, fall color rides, Barber, Lone Star Rally | Rally week traffic, game days, craft fair crowds |
Typical timing only. Check each organizer for this year's dates. For weather by month, see the best time to ride a motorcycle in Arkansas, and the Arkansas hub has the rest of the riding guide.
FAQ
Questions riders ask.
When is Bikes, Blues and BBQ?
It usually takes place in Fayetteville in late September. Check the organizer for this year's dates and venues.
Where is Bikes, Blues and BBQ held?
In Fayetteville, in northwest Arkansas. Dickson Street, near the University of Arkansas, has long been the center of the rally.
What are the best rides during Bikes, Blues and BBQ?
The Pig Trail early in the morning, US 62 to Eureka Springs, the Boston Mountains Scenic Loop, and a long day east to Scenic 7 and the Buffalo River.
When is the best time for fall color rides in Arkansas?
Usually mid-October into early November, with peak color around late October in the Ozarks and Ouachitas.
How do I find bike nights in Arkansas?
Open meets and events in Rippin', set your area and browse what's nearest. If your regular night isn't listed, post it and set it to repeat.
Can I post my own motorcycle event in Rippin'?
Yes, any rider can post a meet or event for free. Organizer Pro adds unlimited and recurring meets and official events for shops and clubs.
See what's on near you.
Download Rippin' free, find Arkansas meets and bike nights on the map, and post the ones we're missing.
Free on iPhone and Android. How Rippin' works
