Cavalier Motorcycle Ride In North Dakota Rally Guide + What to Expect
Every Father’s Day weekend, the small town of Cavalier, North Dakota hosts the annual Cavalier Motorcycle Ride-In — one of the largest motorcycle rallies in the state. The quiet streets of Cavalier transform into the thunder of engines, live music, vendors, and thousands of riders gathering from across the Midwest. This North Dakota motorcycle rally is a celebration of freedom, friendship, and small-town charm.
The Cavalier Motorcycle Ride-In started back in 1997 as a simple Thursday night bike night and sidewalk sale in downtown Cavalier. What began as a small-town gathering has grown into a full three-day motorcycle rally that draws riders from across North Dakota, the Midwest, and even Canada. Nearly three decades later, the Ride-In is still going strong — which means they must be doing something right.
The Cavalier Motorcycle Ride-In spans three full days of riding, live music, raffles, vendors, and more chrome than Main Street knows what to do with. From Friday through Sunday, downtown Cavalier turns into a biker playground filled with everything from custom builds to well-loved road warriors. Here’s what you can expect if you’re thinking about attending this North Dakota motorcycle rally.
Friday: Vendors, Food & Kickoff Events
Vendors and food trucks line Main Street throughout the weekend, but Friday kicks off the Cavalier Motorcycle Ride-In with vendors, food, and events that set the tone for the weekend.. From custom gear to local eats, there’s no shortage of places to wander between rides.
Some of the standout vendors included:
Asphalt Jacks Leathers – every biker’s dream setup at a motorcycle event, packed with jackets, patches, and riding essentials.
Local coffee shop vendors serving hot or iced coffee (because not everyone runs on exhaust fumes alone).
Braun Metal Works – easily some of the best prices on metal sculptures we’ve ever seen.
A wide variety of food vendors offering everything from classic fair food to quick grab-and-go options.
And that’s just scratching the surface.
Friday also features the Pubs & Pipes Fun Run, which includes drink specials, pit stops around town, and chances to win prizes along the way. It’s a laid-back way to explore the area and connect with other riders.
The night wraps up with the Evening Street Dance. This year featured Matt Farris, bringing high-energy country and rock that kept the crowd on their feet well after sunset.
Saturday: The Group Ride & Fun Run
Saturday is when the engines really start stacking up. We joined the organized Fun Run, with registration opening early and kickstands up at 10am. By our best guess, there were easily around 200 bikes rolling out together — everything from baggers to trikes.
We headed west through the North Dakota prairie toward Walhalla for our first stop at a local bar. After about an hour of catching up with other riders, we fired the bikes back up and headed east to Pembina. That stop was longer, with food, live music, and plenty of cold drinks waiting. Conversations ranged from life adventures to past motorcycle trips, and before long it felt less like a rally and more like riding with old friends.
From Pembina, the group crossed briefly into Minnesota, taking in scenic miles before turning west again toward Cavalier. This wasn’t just a ride — it was a full tour of the Red River Valley’s beauty.
One of the things we appreciate most about riding in this part of North Dakota is the contrast. Coming from the western side of the state, where oilfields dominate the landscape, the farmland and tree-lined roads around Cavalier feel like a completely different world.
The ride was well organized at every stop. Groups left together, and no one was left behind unless they chose to break off — which makes this a great event for newer riders or anyone riding two-up who prefers a structured pace.
After returning to Cavalier, the biker games kicked off with events like the Slow Race, tattoo contests, and burnouts that drew a crowd. Raffles and live auctions ran throughout the afternoon, and once the sun went down, the street dance kept the party going late into the night.
Is the Saturday Fun Run Worth It?
If you’re attending the Cavalier Motorcycle Ride-In, the Saturday Fun Run is absolutely worth joining. It’s well organized, scenic, and welcoming to riders of all experience levels. Whether you’re riding solo or two-up, the structured pace and group coordination make it easy to relax and enjoy the ride without worrying about getting separated. More than anything, it feels like what motorcycle rallies are supposed to be — shared miles, good conversations, and a reminder of why we ride in the first place.
Sunday: Wrapping Up the Weekend
Sunday morning wraps up the Cavalier Motorcycle Ride-In with a pancake breakfast before riders load up and begin the journey home. It’s a slower-paced sendoff after a full weekend of miles, music, and memories.
While we chose to spend Sunday visiting family nearby before heading back west, the closing breakfast is a tradition many riders look forward to as a final chance to connect before parting ways.
The Ride-In is more than just horsepower and chrome — it’s about community. The weekend raises money for local causes, including Veterans Honor Flight, with 100% of proceeds going directly to those who served. It’s a family-friendly, biker-welcoming rally that supports a meaningful cause.
If you’re wondering whether you should attend at least once, the answer is an easy yes. Between scenic rides through the Rendezvous Region, small-town hospitality, old-school biker games, live music, food trucks, and vendors offering everything from local crafts to biker essentials, the Cavalier Motorcycle Ride-In delivers a full weekend experience. And knowing it supports our nation’s veterans makes it even better.
Tips for Attending the Cavalier Motorcycle Ride-In
Arrive early for the Saturday Fun Run.
Registration opens early, and with hundreds of bikes lining up, it’s worth giving yourself time to get settled and fueled up before kickstands go up.
Fuel up before the ride.
With group stops and coordinated departures, you don’t want to be scrambling for gas at the last minute.
Bring cash.
Many vendors accept cards, but smaller booths, raffles, and some local stops may prefer cash.
Book lodging early.
Hotels and camping spots in and around Cavalier can fill quickly during rally weekend. If you’re coming from out of town, plan ahead.
Expect a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
This isn’t a massive corporate rally — it’s a community-driven North Dakota motorcycle event. It’s friendly, laid-back, and great for riders of all experience levels, including those riding two-up.
Check the weather (and then check it again).
June in North Dakota can bring perfect blue skies and 75-degree riding weather… or it can decide you need to test your cold tolerance in the middle of summer. It might be sunny when you leave the house and feel like you’re freezing your ass off an hour later. Pack layers. Wind happens. Rain happens. Sometimes both before lunch. It’s all part of the adventure.
