A Good Ol’ Time at Laconia Motorcycle Week
By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper
The year 2026 marks the 103rd year of the Laconia Motorcycle Week, which sees riders from all over the Lakes Region and far beyond make their way to the area for the excitement of motorcycle races and more in New Hampshire.
This year’s event (fondly dubbed Bike Week) takes place June 13 to 21, with Rally Headquarters at Lakeside Ave. in Weirs Beach starting at 8 am daily. Stop by and say hello, and get information about events taking place during the week.
The following are just some of the many happenings during the week:
A Top Cop for Kids Motorcycle Skills Challenge will happen on June 12 to 14 at NH Motor Speedway (NHMS) in Loudon. ProRider 603 will set up a timed motorcycle skills challenge for regional police officers as well as non-police and civilian riders to test their skills among fellow riders. Top Cop for Kids Motorcycle Skills Challenge is presented by Whelen and benefits the New Hampshire Chapter of the Speedway Children’s Charities. Registration and practice start at 8 am on June 12 and 13, with the June 14 schedule of registration beginning at 7 am. The Challenge starts at 9 am with the Trophy Presentation immediately following the Challenge. Visit www.speedwaycharities.org for more information.
The 20th Annual Peter Makris Memorial Ride will be held on June 13. Registration runs from 8:30 to 9:30 am with kickstands up at 10:30 am. The extremely popular event is something visitors look forward to each year, and it starts and ends at Naswa Resort in Weirs Beach. The day begins with a 9:45 am opening ceremony and blessing of the bikes at the Naswa. The annual event honors the legacy of Peter Makris, who was a community leader, veteran, and champion of first responders. Join the scenic motorcycle and boat ride through New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, escorted by the NH State Police to the New Hampshire Motor Speedway for a lap around the track. Returning to the Naswa, there will be live music performed by the James Montgomery Band and a lakeside After-Party celebration at the NazBar. Proceeds support the Laconia Fire Department’s Life-Saving Fund and Water Rescue Boats, Easterseals Veterans Count, and the Lakes Region CERT Team. To date, the event has raised over $575,000, with $275,000 going directly to support veterans and their families in New Hampshire. For information on the ride, visit www.naswa.com/PMMR
For those who love high-powered motorcycle stunt riding, plan to stop at the Bully Baggerz & Jaxen Cole Stunt Show, held at the RIOTS Tent at the Weirs Beach Drive-In during the week. The daring stunt show features incredible performances by Bully Baggerz and professional stunt rider Jaxen Cole, showcasing amazing motorcycle control, precision riding, wheelies, burnouts, and gravity-defying tricks. Visit www.laconiamcweek.com for details.
The popular Laconia HD H.O.G. Ride to Bentley’s Saloon happens on June 14 at 9 am at Laconia Harley Davidson. Kickstands go up at 10 am with arrival at the saloon (in Maine) at noon. It is an 82-mile, one-way ride with no stops; all riders are welcome. Laconia Harley Davidson is located at 239 Daniel Webster Highway in Meredith. Visit www.laconiamcweek.com for details.
The Mae-West Memorial “for the love of pets” Ride to benefit local animal support will happen on June 15, leaving from Rally Headquarters at Weirs Beach at 8:30 am. The event is a scenic motorcycle ride during Laconia Motorcycle Week that supports local animal welfare organizations. The ride travels through the picturesque towns and backroads of the Lakes Region before ending at the Notch Biergarten at Beans & Greens Farm in Gilford. Participants can enjoy food, drinks, live entertainment, and camaraderie with fellow riders while supporting a meaningful cause. Riders receive a commemorative event t-shirt with their donation while supplies last. The charity ride is a favorite mid-week tradition during Laconia Motorcycle Week, bringing together motorcycle enthusiasts who share a passion for riding and helping animals in need.
A Ride to the Racetrack on June 16 with registration at 9 am at Laconia Harley-Davidson. The ride will help New England children in need. The event offers a truly unique riding experience during Laconia Motorcycle Week with a special group ride to New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. This H.O.G.-led ride departs from Laconia Harley-Davidson in Meredith and goes to the Speedway. Registration is $20 per rider (all are invited to participate), with proceeds benefitting the NH Chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, the official charity of NHMS. Before taking off, there will be a safety briefing at 9:45. Kickstands go up at 10 am. Visit www.nhms.com for information.
Those who attend the exciting Tower Street Hill Climb Expo every year or for those who are watching the Climb for the first time will see lots of vintage motorcycles race for time up the “original” hill climb at Weirs Beach. Hosted by the United States Classic Racing Association (USCRA), the event will take place on June 16 and will feature vintage motorcycles racing up the legendary Tower Street hill in Weirs Beach. Spectators can watch the action up close as riders push their machines to the limit in a tribute to the early days of motorcycle racing during Laconia Motorcycle Week. The event also includes antique motorcycle displays and additional rally activities throughout the Weirs Beach area.
If you like fireworks, be at Weirs Beach on June 17 for great 10 pm fireworks, sponsored by Atlas Fireworks & Progressive Insurance. The rain date for the fireworks display will be June 18 at 10 pm.
Among other great events will be the Covered Bridge Gypsy Tour, taking place on June 17 from 10:30 am to 5 pm. The tour covers 170-plus miles, with the tour leaving Rally Headquarters at Weirs Beach at 10:30 am. The guided tour will include up to six covered bridges throughout scenic New Hampshire. (If you are a fan of covered bridges, this is the tour for you!)
For many Bike Week attendees, the Gunstock Amateur Hill Climb is something they cannot miss. The event takes place on June 17 and is considered one of the most exciting motorcycle events during the week. Riders compete in a dramatic uphill race on the slopes of Gunstock Mountain Resort, pushing their motorcycles to the limit as they race toward the summit. The adrenaline-filled event features multiple classes of motorcycles along with stunt shows, vendors, food, and live entertainment throughout the day. Spectators can watch riders battle gravity and terrain. Admission is charged, and is free for kids. The event runs from 9 am to 5 pm. The event and camping are at 719 Gunstock, Cherry Valley Rd. in Gilford. Call 603-293-4341 or visit www.gunstock.com. For camping information, visit https://www.gunstock.com/camping/summer-camping/bike-week-camping.
The U.S. Classic Racing Association kicks off the two-wheeled on-track action with the FIM North American Vintage Championships running June 12 to 14 from 8 am to 5 pm at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. A variety of classes, ranging from 1950s tank shifters to modern small bike twins, provide a wide range of vintage racing action. Visit www.nhms.com for more information.
June 18 will bring the 33rd Annual POW/MIA Freedom Ride - the Ride to the Rock and 38th Anniversary of the Vigil. Meet at Winnipesaukee Crossing (Lowe’s) at 5 pm with kickstands up at 6 pm sharp. The event is in honor of POW/MIAs and families and Blue and Gold Star families in New Hampshire.
The beloved AMA Gypsy Tour to NH Motor Speedway in Loudon will take place on June 14 for the USCRA FIM North American Vintage Races, leaving Rally Headquarters on Lakeside Ave. in Laconia at 10:30 am.
If antique motorcycles are your thing, plan to attend the June 18 Laconia Antique Motorcycle Ride-In. The event will feature pre-1985 makes and models and a ride over back roads for 50 miles, ending at Twin Barns Brewing in Meredith. Spectators are welcome to check out the great old bikes! (Riders meet between 8:30 and 10 am at Rally Headquarters.) Visit www.laconiamcweek.com for details.
Jelly Roll and other musicians will perform at the Bank of NH Pavilion in Gilford on various dates throughout the week. Get tickets at www.banknhpavilion.com.
These are just a few of the many events, with more as well. In addition, Motorcycle Week at NH Motor Speedway will offer many events, all motorcycle-related, during Bike Week in Loudon.
For a listing of events and other information, visit www.laconiamcweek.com.