Bikes, Blues, and BBQ

Bikes, Blues & BBQ Returns to Northwest Arkansas: Music, Motorcycles, and Mouthwatering Barbecue

Rogers, Ark. — 

The rumble of engines, the aroma of hickory smoke, and the sound of live blues will once again fill the Ozark hills as Bikes, Blues & BBQ returns for its 2025 rally. From October 1 through October 4, the streets of Rogers and the surrounding region will transform into a celebration of motorcycles, music, and community giving.

The event began in 2000 with modest roots. What started as a “Bike Night” at Jose’s Mexican Restaurant in Fayetteville soon blossomed into a full-fledged rally thanks to local leaders like Richard Watson, then the city’s police chief, and Chamber of Commerce president Steve Ward. That first year attracted just over 300 riders. Today, Bikes, Blues & BBQ has grown into one of the nation’s largest motorcycle rallies with an estimated 400,000 attendees, drawing riders from all 50 states and beyond.

But it’s not just about bikes and barbecue. Over the years, the rally has raised more than $3 million for local charities, making it the largest charitable motorcycle rally in the United States. Beneficiaries include organizations that serve women, children, and underserved communities across Northwest Arkansas.

This year’s schedule is packed. Each morning, beginning at 10 a.m., riders can participate in demo rides hosted by Pig Trail Harley-Davidson in Rogers. Vendor booths will line downtown streets, offering everything from motorcycle gear to handcrafted leather goods. In the evenings, live music will take over venues such as the Railyard Live stage on Cherry Street and the Pig Pen Stage at Pig Trail Harley-Davidson, where local and national acts will keep the crowds moving.

One of the most anticipated traditions, the Frisco Inferno Barbecue Competition, returns Friday and Saturday. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Downtown Rogers, the event includes a sauce-tasting contest Friday night, followed by Saturday’s fierce barbecue showdown. For many, the contest is a highlight of the rally, showcasing pitmasters from across the region.

Visitors will also be spoiled for choice when it comes to dining outside of the competition. Local favorites such as Smokin’ Joe’s Ribhouse and Wright’s Barbecue serve up plates piled high with ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. Downtown Rogers adds to the culinary lineup with newer spots like Oz Smokehouse, blending traditional barbecue with a modern Ozark twist.

For lodging, riders will find plenty of options — but they’ll need to plan early. Rogers offers convenient chain hotels like Embassy Suites, Aloft, and Hyatt Place. Those looking for a scenic retreat often book rooms in Eureka Springs at historic hotels like the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa or cozy inns and cabins tucked into the hills. Campers, meanwhile, flock to The Farm Campground near Eureka Springs, the official campground for the rally.

The rally’s impact on Northwest Arkansas is impossible to miss. Streets fill with chrome and leather, restaurants and shops enjoy booming business, and hotels report sold-out weekends. Yet, despite the size, organizers continue to emphasize that Bikes, Blues & BBQ is a family-friendly event. For many, it’s as much about community as it is about motorcycles.

As the Ozarks prepare for another influx of riders, the message remains the same as it has been for 25 years: enjoy the music, savor the food, ride safely, and give back to the community.