Two major motorcycle rallies roaring back to Muskegon this July

MUSKEGON, MI – Both Rebel Road and Muskegon Bike Time are preparing to welcome back motorcycle enthusiasts to downtown Muskegon this July.

Thousands of motorcyclists attend the annual festivals held on coinciding weekends — both of which were canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Muskegon Bike Time is scheduled for July 15-18 at Hot Rod Harley-Davidson, 149 Shoreline Drive, where participants are invited to camp or park RVs.

The event features free concerts and a lineup of activities including a Harley-Davidson demo truck, an arm-wrestling championship and a cornhole competition.

Self-guided scenic rides throughout the Muskegon area are also promoted by the festival.

Muskegon Bike Time spokesperson Tim Lipan said in a news release the event is an economic boom to businesses in the area.

“All of the events surrounding this special motorcycle weekend provide a huge economic impact to the local economy and showcases all we have to offer in Muskegon and along the lakeshore,” Lipan said in a statement.

Related: Muskegon summer festivals ‘cautiously’ preparing to return in 2021

Rebel Road, one of Michigan’s largest motorcycle rallies, is scheduled for July 15-17 at Hackley Park, 350 W Webster Ave. An estimated 100,000 people attended previous festivals.

Motorcyclists historically filled W. Western Avenue during the rally, but organizers said due to Muskegon’s downtown social district, this year’s Rebel Road will be focused on Hackley Park and its surrounding areas instead.

Finalized plans for the rally are still being developed, but organizers expect to have food vendors, concerts, beer sales and stunt shows.

Updates will be shared on Rebel Road’s Facebook page and website at rebelroad.org.

All proceeds from Rebel Road benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon County.

Related: Fund created to support 5 Muskegon summer festivals through COVID-19 pandemic

The two major motorcycle rallies join other Muskegon festivals that are planning to return this summer, including the Lakeshore Art Festival, Unity Christian Music Festival and Taste of Muskegon.

Other large events like Rockstock, the Michigan Irish Music Festival and Electric Forest have been canceled.

Five Muskegon festivals, Unity Christian Music Festival, Lakeshore Art Festival, Rebel Road, Rockstock and Taste of Muskegon, collaborated to create a community fund after being canceled last year.

The Muskegon Summer Festival Fund hosted by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County is accepting donations to assist those five festivals through the COVID-19 pandemic.

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