Every fall, a familiar rumble can be heard as motorcycles converge along Fayetteville’s Dickson Street Entertainment District (and throughout NWA) for the annual Bikes, Blues & BBQ rally!

Hundreds of thousands of bikes will hit the road across Northwest Arkansas on Sept. 21-24 during Bikes, Blues & BBQ – one of the largest charitable motorcycle rallies in the U.S.

For riders, there’s the Poker Run, a parade and bike show, scenic rides, demo rides and plenty of vendors to choose from. Enter the Stokes Air Battle of the Bikes to see how your ride stacks up. Or simply take in a close-up view of all makes and models, from stock bikes straight off the lot to individually customized choppers. Between the tricked-out custom jobs, Harleys, metric bikes, cruisers, vintage stock and sport bikes — it’s a sight like no other!

For the lady riders, Bikes, Blues & BBQ has tons of vendors with women’s apparel and accessories. There’s also the Miss BBB Contest, lady demo rides and more.

This year, blues lovers can look forward to NBC’s “The Voice” star and Fayetteville native Barrett Baber, Leah and the MoJo Doctors, Joe Giles and the Homewreckers, and piano wizard Jason D. Williams. Feel the rhythm and visit Blues Alley Saloon at the Washington County Fairgrounds for nothing but the blues.

Love all kinds of music? The rally offers other genres, too, including Americana, Bluegrass, ’80s hairbands, country, funk and classic rock. Artists include Divas on Fire, Oreo Blue, The Dead Metal Society, The Nace Brothers, Members Only and Full House. It’s non-stop entertainment at Bikes Blues & BBQ.

All about the BBQ? A $6 donation lets you cast a vote for your favorite, finger-lickin’-good barbecue during the People’s Choice Competition. The main barbecue event is the Kansas City Barbecue Society portion of the Arkansas State BBQ Championship. Contestants will put their best meat forward for a chance to win thousands in prize money.

Because hundreds of thousands of bikes aren’t enough, there’s also a car show at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale. These custom cars, street rods, vintage treasures and rat rods will take part in the Dickson Street Cruise car parade, too. Grab some grub from one of the many food trucks and don’t miss it!

Courtesy: Explore N.W. Arkansas

The typically tranquil hills and valleys around the Lake of the Ozarks will come alive with the rumblings of thousands of motorcycles as they roll in for one of the biggest bike rallies in the Midwest, Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest, September 15th thru 18th.

This four-day event draws over 35,000 motorcyclists and spectators alike to the Lake area for scenic rides, live music, vendor villages, two bike giveaways, entertaining contests and activities, custom bikes, food and drink specials and a great festival atmosphere.

Make plans to come out to the festivities, we hope to see you there.

The website changes are progressing nicely.  We are still on track for a relaunch around mid October, so stay tuned.