The 2025 Fort Smith Steel Horse Rally: Where the Thunder Rolls and the Spirit Rides On

Motorcycles line the center of Garrison Avenue while a large American Flag hangs over the center of the street during the Steel Horse Rally in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

The Fort Smith Steel Horse Rally is revving up for its 10th Anniversary, promising an unforgettable weekend where the rumble of motorcycles meets the heart of community and charity. This isn’t just another rally—it’s a celebration of service, freedom, and the open road.

 

As a non-profit 501(c)(3) event, the Steel Horse Rally honors "All Who Serve"—veterans, military, law enforcement, and first responders. It’s a family-friendly gathering where all motorcycles are welcome, uniting riders from across the country in the name of horsepower, and giving back. If you live for the ride and the roar of engines echoing down historic Garrison Avenue, this rally is for you.

 

 

Parking & Admission Details

A flyer for the 2025 Steel Horse Rally including a map of the Garrison Avenue parking zone in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Parking

One of the most iconic sights of the rally is seeing thousands of bikes lined up in the middle of historic Garrison Avenue. It’s the ultimate photo op and a badge of honor for riders who roll into town to be part of something bigger than themselves. 

 

Only motorcycles will be permitted on Garrison Avenue, with parking allowed nose-to-nose along the yellow line in the center of the street. Motorcycles with trailers are not permitted to park on Garrison. All bikes must be cleared from the middle of the street by midnight.

 

Admission

There’s no fee to attend the rally, but donations are warmly welcomed. If you want to fuel the mission, donations can be made at the Steel Horse Rally booth in Vendor Village or online.

 

Learn about other ways to donate here.

 

The event offers exclusive VIB (Very Important Biker) packages. VIB access includes a reserved 2025 Steel Horse Rally T-Shirt in the size of your choice, and exclusive access to the VIB Area in front of the Steel Horse Rally Stage. The VIB package also offers line skipping benefits at the SHR Handle Bar as well as a 10th Anniversary SHR Charity Cup, Swag Bag, & more. 

 

 

Event Schedule

A frontwoman throws her arms into the air as she sings accompanied by a band at the Steel Horse Rally

The Steel Horse Rally isn’t just about the bikes—it’s about the experience, the energy, and the excitement that fills the streets of Fort Smith. From thrilling exhibitions to live music that shakes the pavement, here’s what’s rolling through town:

 

Friday, May 2

• Rally Begins: 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM

• Poker Run: 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

• Garrison Avenue Parking: 6:30 PM - 11:59 PM

 

Saturday, May 3

• Vendors Open: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

• Highest Peak Run: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

• Garrison Avenue Parking: 9:00 AM - 11:59 PM

• Cops & Cones Exhibition: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

• Strongman Showdown: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Bikes & Badges Vintage Show: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

• Thunder Through the Valley Parade: 4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

• Live Music & Entertainment: 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM

• Bikini Contest: 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

• Live Music Continues: 9:00 PM - 11:59 PM

 

From the roar of engines in the parade to the high-octane live shows, every moment is designed to keep the energy high and the spirits even higher.

 

 

Fuel Up & Stay the Weekend: Accommodations

An back-lit exterior shot of the Element by Westin hotel on a sunny day in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

If you’re riding in from out of town, you’ll want a solid place to park, rest, and recharge. These spots have rally-friendly rates, so book early before they fill up!

 

Hotels Offering Rally Room Rates

 

Alternative Lodging

 

Wherever you rest your head, Fort Smith is rolling out the red carpet for riders ready to experience the rally in full throttle.

 

 

Ride Smart: Helmet Laws

A man rides through the Steel Horse Rally with a furry, cartoonish, muppet-like, helmet.

Since the rally is a two-state event spanning Arkansas and Oklahoma, here’s the lowdown on helmet laws:

 

• Arkansas: Helmets are required for riders under 21.

• Oklahoma: DOT Approved helmets are required for riders under 18.

 

Find more detailed information here.

 

And because the rally is all about respect, there’s a no-politics policy in the parade—this event is about unity, the ride, and honoring those who serve.

 

 

Join the Celebration

A police officer gives a thumbs up as he rides down Garrison Avenue at the Steel Horse Rally.

If you live for the freedom of the ride, the roar of an engine, and the fellowship of the road, there’s no better place to be than Fort Smith, Arkansas, on May 2-3, 2025.

 

The Steel Horse Rally isn’t just a gathering—it’s a movement, a tradition, and a way to give back while doing what we love. So, shine up that chrome, pack your saddlebags, and roll into town for a weekend of horsepower, heart, and high spirits.

 

Visit thesteelhorserally.com for updates, to donate, and to ready up for the ride of a lifetime.