Red River Memorial Day Rally returns this May from Thursday, May 25 to Monday, May 29. Bringing 20,000 bikers from around the nation, its party atmosphere draws thousands.
This year’s event has been overshadowed by an outlaw motorcycle gang shootout, which resulted in three fatalities and five injuries, and emphasizes the inherent risk associated with conflicts among such groups at public events.
Event Description
Red River, New Mexico, offers one of the country’s premier bike rallies this Memorial Day weekend: one of its largest bike rallies draws thousands of motorcyclists who come to enjoy riding through stunning mountain passes, listening to live music, and tasting from an array of vendors offering delectable cuisine.
Be ready for an exhilarating ride as more than 20,000 bikers of all backgrounds descend upon Main Street for this vibrant party! Enjoy live music at various venues throughout town, food and merchandise vendors, fun activities for kids, and more fun activities before taking an Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway ride, which showcases northern New Mexico’s stunning landscapes.
Unfortunately, this year’s annual rally was marred by tragedy when rival outlaw biker gangs engaged in a gun battle, killing three individuals. After this tragic event occurred, Red River hosted a public meeting where residents discussed its future. Mayor Linda Calhoun confirmed that it will no longer occur annually following this year.
Red River offers an incredible 4th of July parade and celebration featuring classic cars, horses, and patriotic floats, as well as fireworks displays and live music performances. If you’re in the mood for some history lessons, then visit Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of fascinating adobe structures and insights into its rich Native American culture.
Vendors
The Red River Memorial Day Rally brings thousands of people from all backgrounds together every year for an eventful Memorial Day weekend experience in Red River, New Mexico. The rally features local shops and restaurants as well as live music performances from top bands, vendors selling products, tattoo contests, charity rides, and so much more! It takes place from Thursday to Monday of Memorial Day weekend.
2022 will mark the 41st annual memorial ride, and over 20,000 bikers will gather to participate. On Main Street, they’ll enjoy plenty of food and merchandise vendors, live music in multiple venues around town, tattoo contests for both men and women, a parade ride to Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial State Park in Angel Fire, as well as incredible riding areas like Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway’s 83-mile loop ride.
Tragic circumstances were precipitated by members of the Bandidos motorcycle gang squaring off with other outlaw groups in a bar, prompting police to close it due to gunfire. Three were killed and five injured as a result; local businesses closed for the remainder of their weekend as a result; Red River has stated its commitment to continuing hosting some form of rally in future years.
Food & Drink
Since 1977, the Red River Memorial Day Ride has drawn motorcycle enthusiasts from across the nation to this charming little adventure town in northern New Mexico. This event serves to honor our fallen American heroes while simultaneously celebrating open road travel freedom.
Over 25,000 bikers come together annually in this picturesque mountain town for an extraordinary party, complete with music and entertainment options like motorcycle shows, food vendors, and much more. Witness incredible displays of custom bikes at these bike shows while live music pumps your soul forward!
Enjoy a cold beverage at any of the many beer gardens throughout town – Ponderosa Lodge provides suds from Blue Dragon Brewery of Cimarron, while Red River Brewing Company brews its own. Also, enjoy watching the parade go through town or head east out of town to Vietnam Veterans Memorial State Park in Angel Fire for their flag retirement ceremony and vigil service.
This weekend, you can also experience classic and modern cars coming into town for an impressive car show, plus family-friendly activities such as cornhole tournaments to raise funds for our local first responders.
Live Music & Entertainment
Discover a thrilling experience at this highly-anticipated event. Marvel at incredible motorcycles as you browse a selection of vendors selling leather apparel and specialty patches. Live music provided by talented bands will add an electrifying vibe, while contests like tattoo competitions or bikini bike washes will allow participants to have fun while potentially earning prizes!
Red River Memorial Day Ride has been an annual tradition in Taos, New Mexico, for over 40 years and is widely considered one of the nation’s premier rallies. Attracting over 20,000 attendees every year to line Main Street during this week-long party, attendees also can ride across the Sangre de Cristo Mountain range via Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway’s 83-mile loop ride!
Once the excitement of their day has settled down, visitors can head back into town for some live entertainment and refreshments at local bars and breweries. Listen to songs played by local and visiting musicians, playing genres ranging from rock and country music to jazz and alternative. Finally, wrap up their visit by experiencing the town’s legendary torchlight parade and fireworks show!
Red River cannot be held accountable for the shooting that took place at its Memorial Day Rally this year; nonetheless, the town would like to thank everyone who attended and contributed to making this year’s event successful. We look forward to welcoming back everyone next year for an even larger and better Memorial Day Rally!
