Top Motorcycle Events Every Harley Rider Should Attend

The 2026 riding season is packed with events that every Harley rider should have on their calendar, including local meetups and charity rides to iconic national rallies. Here are some of the best Harley events in NC and beyond. You may know that nothing brings fellow riders together like hearing the roar of a V-twin and the thrill of an unforgettable experience of a lifetime, if you are already part of the Harley‑Davidson® riding tribe here in North Carolina.

Cox’s Harley‑Davidson® Local Rides & Community Events

Before you travel to take part in cross‑country rallies, don’t miss the amazing motorcycle culture happening right here in Asheboro:

International Motorcycle Day – Each summer, Cox’s H‑D® hosts this event, and it provides a perfect way to participate in the motorcycle lifestyle with food, drinks, and the chance to meet other riders right in North Carolina.
Local Motorcycle Nights – Whether it’s Don Julio Bike Night or casual Thursday night cruises around Asheboro, these gatherings are great for connecting with fellow Harley riders, sharing stories, and showing off your ride.
Chili, Cycles & Ciders – Combining great food and good times with fellow riders, this fall event brings some delicious flair to the Harley community.
Motorcycles for Mammograms – This event is a true example of how the Harley community rides with heart. This charitable ride supports breast cancer awareness and brings riders together in a meaningful cause.
Randolph’s Type 1 Rally at Cox’s – This free fun day brings riders and families together for Games, music, raffles, and, more importantly, to support Type 1 Diabetes research, showcasing the real heart of the Harley community.
Jim’s Kids Ride & Car/Truck Show and Harleys Day of the Dead Fiesta – Enjoy these local events that mix riding culture with community engagement.

Myrtle Beach Bike Week (May & Fall 2026)

If you take just one drive down I‑95 and through South Carolina’s Grand Strand lies one of the most legendary motorcycle experiences in the Southeast: Myrtle Beach Motorcycle Week. This event is held in spring (May 8‑17, 2026) and again in the fall (late Sept.–early Oct.). This rally draws riders from across the East Coast. Expect:

Ocean‑side cruising routes
Live music and concerts
Motorcycle shows and vendor displays
Endless opportunities to meet fellow Harley riders

Kick Off the Season With Daytona Bike Week (Feb. 27–March 8)

Known as one of the most iconic rider events in the country, Daytona Motorcycle Week offers something for every Harley enthusiast. Held annually in Daytona Beach, Florida, this week-long extravaganza features street festivals, live music, motorcycle shows, and more. Riders from Asheboro, NC, and across the country make the trip to be part of this legendary tradition. Highlights include:

Sunset rides along the Atlantic
Big‑name entertainment and races at Daytona International Speedway
Hundreds of thousands of riders sharing stories and routes

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The Mother of All Rallies (Aug. 7–16, 2026)

No list of must-attend events would be complete without mentioning the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, as it is recognized by most as the largest and most iconic motorcycle gathering in the world. Here’s why you should make Sturgis part of your bucket list:

10 days of rides, concerts, races, and culture
Scenic Black Hills routes perfect for Harley touring
Vendor rows offering gear, custom parts, and trophies galore

Sturgis remains a home away from home for riders looking to connect with the larger Harley‑riding community.

H.O.G. Rallies & Touring Rides

The Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) calendar features several big rides and rallies perfect for adventurous riders in 2026. These include:

Run to Daytona H.O.G. Touring Rally (Feb 23–27) – A strong kickoff event for riders chasing scenic group runs.
Smoky Mountain H.O.G. Rally (May 27–30) – A ride through Tennessee’s foothills, including legendary roads like the Tail of the Dragon.
Open Road Posse Ride & Route 66 Rides (June) – Multi‑day adventure rides across iconic routes for those who live for the journey.
H.O.G. Ride Home Rally (Oct 14–19) – Starting in Hickory, NC, and ending at the Harley‑Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, this ride offers a great mix of local roots and long‑distance challenge.

Plan Your Best Riding Year Yet

If you want to stay in the know with the best motorcycle rallies in NC and national events, check back at Cox’s Harley‑Davidson® of Asheboro for updates, ride planning ideas, and your next great adventure. We will keep you in the know about all the local Harley events in NC, connecting you with your riding family and classic national rally experiences. 2026 is packed with opportunities to gear up and roll.