HEAR THE RUMBLE: The Ozarks have long been a favorite destination location for motorcycle riders, and this is definitely the case during Rally Week, September 20 - 23, 2023. Bikes, Blues & BBQ attracts motorcyclists from throughout North America and beyond as they converge on Northwest Arkansas. The Rally takes place in Rogers with hundreds of thousands of bikers and residents expected to make a pit stop in this city along with stops in Eureka Springs and other cities throughout the region. There are fourteen official rides that can be found on the main website. These rides are built for different skill levels and interests.

Riders will enjoy a few of their favorite things while giving back to an underserved community. Attractions that have made Northwest Arkansas a favorite destination location all year long, but especially during rally week include scenic rides great food, a wide variety of lodging options, restaurants and bars, and a welcoming atmosphere. Rally week additions include vendor tents, food trucks, live music  and the Frisco Inferno BBQ Competition. 

fourteen official rides that can be found on the main website. These rides are built for different skill levels and interests. Over the course of its 21 year history, the event has raised more than $3 million for local charities. Even though the event will be anchored in Rogers it will remain regionally focused to showcase activities throughout Northwest Arkansas. In recent years, festivities expanded to several cities as the rally grew in popularity.

THE CHAMBER AT WORK: The Chamber and Destination Rogers have convened meetings and provided resources to help business owners learn how to maximize their revenue as Rally attendees visit our area. Staff have participated in planning meetings with the City of Rogers, Bikes Blues and BBQ and Pig Trail Harley Davidson team members to elevate the experience for visitors and members of our community.

Bikes, Blues and BBQ is the world’s largest charity motorcycle rally that benefits women, children and the under-served members of the Northwest Arkansas community. Rogers officials are excited about not only the benefits local charities will receive but also the regional economic impact especially as hospitality businesses navigate the recovery from the pandemic. It’s also an opportunity for Rogers to utilize its new infrastructure that’ s been put in place for opportunities like this.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING:  The economic and entertainment value that Rally Week brings to our region is significant. Attendance to Bikes Blues & Barbecue has dwindled from the pre-pandemic estimates of 300,000. But organizers and the city of Rogers are looking for those numbers to come rumbling back in the future. In previous years an estimated 170,000 out-of-town visitors were among the 300,000 total attendees, and the estimated figure came to a nearly $69 million overall economic impact. While the post pandemic numbers may not reach that mark, the impact on our region is impressive. 

WHATS NEW: The Bikes, Blues, and BBQ Motorcycle Rally made Rogers the hub for the event for the first time in 2022 with scheduled events, live music and activities at Butterfield Stage in Downtown Rogers. Additional vendor booths made The Embassy Suites, Rogers Convention Center and the Walmart Amp the Uptown Base, and Pig Trail Harley Davidson welcomed riders to Rally Off Exit 86. The 2023 Rally brings all this and more. As the community learned what worked and what didn't, numerous new features have additional food trucks and vendors in the Frisco Plaza. Downtown Rogers has also add designated motorcycle-only parking and designated motorcycle only traffic. Rotary Club of Downtown Rogers brings back Frisco Inferno for its 8th year and it is located near the Frisco Caboose in the 400 block of S 1st Street.  You may purchase your tickets for the tasting event fundraiser online, at the Rotary Booth or at the event. 

MAP KEY

• STREET CLOSURES IN RED: Poplar St. and Cherry St. between 1st St. and Arkansas St., and 1st St. south of Cherry St. (Frisco Caboose)
• MOTORCYCLE ONLY PARKING IN ORANGE: The loop of Walnut St. to 1st St. to Cherry St. to 2nd St. will be designated motorcycle-only parking on Saturday, 9/23, after 12 p.m. The same section will be designated motorcycle-only parking on Saturday, 9/23, after 12 p.m.
• MOTORCYCLE ONLY TRAFFIC IN GREEN: The loop of Walnut St. to 1st St. to Cherry St. to 2nd St. will be designated motorcycle-only traffic after 5 p.m. on Thursday 9/21 and Friday 9/22. and Saturday after 12 p.m.
• The festival ends daily by 11 p.m.
  
  

ENTERTAINMENT 

• For a complete list of entertainment throughout NW Arkansas, download the free Stages.live APP at https://stages.live/
• See the complete Rally Week Schedule at https://bikesbluesandbbq.org/event-schedule/
• For lodging and tourism information, visit https://www.destinationrogers.com/

For more information, including  additional Ride Maps, visit 
https://bikesbluesandbbq.org/

For more information on events, schedules, mapped rides, and more, visit bikesbluesandbbq.org.