Motorcycling Events Near Washington, D.C.

Jan 5, 2023

In 1790 the U.S. Congress passed the Residence Act, approving the creation of our national capital, Washington, D.C. The city was named in honor of George Washington, and Congress held its first session there in 1800. D.C. offers tourist attractions: the White House, the Capitol Building, the National Mall—that draw visitors from across the country, and the world. If you’re a bike guy or gal, consider stopping by any one of these five great motorcycle events in the D.C. area. Also read the Motorcycle Riding Trips in Washington, D.C. article to get more trip ideas. 

1. The Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom

TBD (usually December)

Washington, D.C.

This nationally famous The Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom ride had its first demonstration in 1988 and was organized to bring full accountability to service members who are listed as missing in action or prisoners of war. The rally is held annually on Memorial Day weekend, and in 2018 boasted over 500,000 participating riders.

Starting just southwest of Washington, D.C. at the Pentagon in Virginia, and progressing into the city to circle around the National Mall in a grand procession, the famed Rolling Thunder ride hasn’t yet been announced for ‘23. Vist the Rolling Thunder Washington, DC Facebook page for more updates. In year’s past, this ride was one of the world’s largest single day motorcycle ride events.

2. Progressive International Motorcycle Show - Washington D.C. 

TBD

Editor’s note: Washington D.C. isn’t a stop during this year’s IMS tour. Let’s hope it returns to the schedule in ‘24 and beyond. 

Rent a motorcycle for the Washington, D.C. installment of the Progressive International Motorcycle Show. The “world’s largest consumer motorcycle show tour,” the IMS tour is now in its 40th year and continues to pursue its goals of connecting that portion of the public interested in motorcycles and motorsports with the newest models.

Visit this event and kick the tires on new motorcycles. You’ll also have the opportunity to shop for  motorcycle gear and accessories and get the inside scoop on models with brand representatives. This is a great event for those who are enthusiastic about the latest and most cutting-edge bikes, but it’s also a treat for those interested in custom motorcycles (even the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show is part of the Progressive IMS tour)!

According to event organizers, “The top two reasons consumers attend the shows are to see new bikes and to evaluate and purchase aftermarket parts, gear and accessories.” So there you have it.

3. 2023 Baltimore/Washington Ride for Kids

September, 2023

Turf Valley Resort

Ellicott City, Maryland 21042

The Baltimore/Washington Ride for Kids is dedicated to the noble cause of curing childhood brain cancer. “Ride with us to cure childhood brain cancer,” says the organizers. “More U.S. children die from brain tumors than any other disease.” 

Whatever make or model of motorcycle you have (provided, of course, that it’s street-legal), you can register for this event to help end this disease.

Via the Baltimore-Washington Pkwy, the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, Maryland is about an hour away from D.C., so this event is ideal if you’d like to combine it with a trip to our nation’s capital. You can register now, and receive a Ride for Kids T-shirt, ride pin, and breakfast and lunch with your registration.

(Also, note that if you are a survivor of pediatric brain cancer, or the parent, guardian, or sibling of a patient or survivor of pediatric brain cancer, you can register for free.)

4. Timonium Motorcycle Show - Baltimore

February 10-12, 2023

Maryland State Fairgrounds

About an hour from D.C. via the Baltimore-Washington Pkwy and I-695 N, the Timonium Motorcycle Show is close enough to D.C. to make a quick riding trip feasible. Billed as “The Country’s Most Complete Motorcycle Show,” this event has a swap meet, celebrity guests, and cash prizes in its bike show.

Jam On Productions, the organizers of this event, say it’s been “bringing motorcycle enthusiasts and bikes together for over 40 years.” Come to the Timonium bike show and become a part of its long and storied history.

5. Toys For Tots Charity Ride

TBD

Hampton Roads Harley-Davidson dealership hosts all types of motorcycling events throughout the year, including an annual Toys for Tots charity ride. This year’s event is still TBD but visit the “events” tab on Hampton Harley’s Facebook page to stay abreast of upcoming events.

Toys for Tots, which was started by Major Bill Hendricks of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in 1947, and officially adopted by the Marine Corps in 1948, has been providing toys to needy children across the country ever since. Join the Toys for Tots ride this year, provide toys for this great organization, and become a part of its proud tradition.

Whatever motorcycling event you plan on attending in the D.C. area, Riders Share will help you find a motorcycle rental. Whether your intention is to enjoy one of these events, or sightsee in our nation’s capital, there’s a bike rental for you.