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BIKES, BLUES & BBQ MOTORCYCLE RALLY GUIDE

Two people riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles
Two people riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles
July 21, 2025

What motorcycle enthusiast doesn't like their bike, the blues, and good BBQ?

Join other bikers from around the country for the annual motorcycle rally celebrating a few of our favorite things while giving back to an underserved community.

Love motorcycles, blues, and mouthwatering BBQ? Then mark your calendar for one of the most exciting biker events in the country.

The Bikes, Blues, and BBQ Rally rolls into Northwest Arkansas—bringing scenic rides, live music, and serious barbecue competition to Benton and Washington Counties. More than just a good time, this family-friendly rally supports local charities and invites riders of all levels to explore the Ozarks together.

Ready to rally with purpose? Here's everything you need to know before you ride.

WHEN IS THE BIKES, BLUES & BBQ ANNUAL EVENT?

From October 1 - 4, 2025, the Bikes, Blues, & BBQ annual event, hosted throughout Benton and Washington County, Arkansas, will feature group rally events including scenic rides, concerts, and cooking competitions.

Established in 2000, Bikes, Blues, & BBQ began as a small community gathering aimed at celebrating motorcycling culture and regional traditions. It quickly grew, evolving into the world's largest charity motorcycle event, reflecting the passion of its founders and supporters.

WHAT THE BIKES, BLUES, & BBQ RALLY IS ALL ABOUT

Bikes, Blues, and BBQ (sometimes abbreviated BBB or BBBBQ) is a 501c3 Non-profit motorcycle rally with a purpose that benefits women, children, and the underserved members of the Northwest Arkansas community.

Funds raised during past rallies have supported the construction of the Children's Safety Center of Washington County, providing vital resources for thousands of families each year.

Their executive director states that:

"Here at Bikes, Blues, and BBQ, we take great pride in giving back. As the world's largest charity motorcycle rally, we have generated over $3,000,000 for local non-profits. From donations to the Boys and Girls Club and the Children's Safety Center to the Area Agency on Aging, we are proud to give back to our community. We cannot do it without you, and we hope you can come to help us Rally with a Purpose."

What's amazing is that Bikes, Blues & BBQ is the world's largest charity ride! As a family-friendly event, the rally is inclusive of all members of the community.

They in no way condone or accept racism, white supremacy, bigotry, fascism, intolerance, or hate speech at rally events.

RIDING IN THE OZARKS

If you have not experienced the roads of the beautiful Ozark Mountains, then you are in for an unforgettable experience.

The Ozarks feature some of the most scenic and well-maintained roads in the country, making them ideal for riding motorcycles. Full of elevation changes, gorgeous scenery, and abundant wildlife, visitors might want to visit a local state park, ride the famous Pig Trail, see the end in Jasper, or explore the towns that make up the area.

Stop at Hawksbill Crag or Whitaker Point during the scenic rides for iconic photographs showcasing the Ozark's natural beauty.

There will be fourteen official rides listed on the main website. These rides are designed for riders of different skill levels and interests.

The 125-mile-long ride on the Ozark Mountain Pig Trail is one of the country's premier motorcycling experiences, but is for advanced riders. Two additional easy rides from Rodgers are Eureka Springs and Harrison, each filled with plenty of rolling hills and natural beauty.

Novices are welcome to join in for the BBB Parade and more as they feel comfortable.

Safety Tips for Riders:

  • Watch for wildlife, especially deer, particularly at dawn and dusk.

  • Prepare for varying weather conditions by packing rain gear and layers.

  • Traffic can be heavy, so consider using the event’s shuttles or arriving early for convenient parking near key venues.

Read more about the different rides here.

THE BBQ

The main event for BBQ takes place in historic downtown Rogers at the 9th Annual Frisco Inferno Barbecue Competition and Tasting:

  • Sauce Tasting Contest: Friday, October 3, 2025 from 7:00 - 9:00pm

  • BBQ Contest: Saturday, October 4, 2025 from 12:00 - 3:00pm

Hosted by the Rotary Club of downtown Rogers, the event will feature a beer garden, live music, and loads of BBQ from up to 25 amateur teams.

Pro Tip: Don’t miss Wright’s Barbecue in Fayetteville, renowned for its brisket, or Tusk & Trotter in Bentonville, offering an upscale twist on Southern favorites.

WHERE TO STAY?

The official campgrounds can be found on the website.

Still, for those that need a little more comfort when they are out of the saddle, Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville have all the amenities you could ever need, with a local flair.

As this regional event attracts many attendees, booking your stay in advance is essential.

HOW MUCH IS THE BIKE RALLY?

There is no cost to attend Bikes, Blues and BBQ Vendor Areas in the Rodgers Convention Center, the Main Stage Beer Garden, or the Blues Alley Saloon, but a few items require passes and/or tickets:

  • VIP Package (only 100 available)

  • People's Choice BBQ Competition Tasting

  • Bike Show Entry

CAN I RENT A MOTORCYCLE?

Yes, you can rent a bike at the motorcycle rally event.

Fly in with your gear and head to Pig Trail Harley-Davidson® of Rogers, which will offer various bikes for rental during the rally. These include Ultra Classic®, Road King®, Road Glide®, and Heritage Softail® Classic models.

To discuss rentals, contact Kyle Johnson at Pig Trail Harley-Davidson at 479-636-9797. Just make sure your motorcycle insurance has rental bike coverage.

WHAT KIND OF BLUES WILL THERE BE?

Over the years, the schedule of events has continued to get better and better.

Past musical acts have included:

  • 90lb Wrench

  • Chris Cameron Band

  • Dead Metal Society

  • Earl and Them

  • Gary Hutchison

  • Green Acres

  • John Dooly

  • Shotgunbillies

  • Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal

  • The Juice

  • The Suede Diablos

WHAT ARE THE MOTORCYCLE LAWS IN ARKANSAS?

Arkansas requires all motorcycle riders and operators under 21 to wear a DOT-approved helmet. Everyone, regardless of age, must wear eye protection. This can range from protective glasses, goggles, or transparent face shields.

And, of course, a valid motorcycle insurance policy is required to ride a motorcycle legally in Arkansas.

WRAPPING UP

There is no doubt that the Benton/Washington County area is a spectacular place to host this event. The question is, will you be attending?

The Bikes, Blues & BBQ event would be a great way to spend time with friends and family and enjoy all of the weekend's activities.

If you’re a BBQ, Blues, and Motorcycles fan, then this Rally is a must-do.

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*Data accuracy is subject to this article’s publication date.