Welcome to the 2026 Steel Horse Rally that roars into downtown Fort Smith, Ark. on May 1st & 2nd in downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas. See the very special Welcome Message from Steel Horse Rally President and Founder Dennis Snow. All of the information you need is always available about the charity motorcycle event is on the official Steel Horse Rally webpage at www.TheSteelHorseRally.com and in the Steel Horse Rally Guide.
“We are very proud to announce the return of the Steel Horse Rally Unsung Hero. This recognition honors deserving individuals from the military, law enforcement and first responders who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.” said Dennis Snow, president of the Steel Horse Rally. “This is very special because the rally is dedicated to all who serve. We debuted this special honor during the rally last year, and we invite you to join us for the 2026 Steel Horse Rally Unsung Hero presentation on Sat., May 2nd at 7 p.m. at the Steel Horse Rally main entertainment stage in the parking lot across from the First National Bank. (at 601 Garrison Ave.)”
The 2026 Steel Horse Rally will bring back crowd favorites including the Cops and Cones Motorcycle Exhibition and the Steel Horse Strongman Showdown. The 2026 Cops and Cones, hosted by the Fort Smith Police Department, will be Saturday, May 2nd starting at 10 a.m. at Garrison Ave. & 12th Street. The Steel Horse Strongman Showdown will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 2nd at Riverfront (Glass) Pavilion at 100 North B Street. This officially-sanctioned event features professional and amateur men and women athletes lifting tremendous amounts of weight. Top finishers at this event can advance to Regional Strongman Competitions.
There will also be 80+ vendors in three vendor areas in the 601 block parking lot, 800 block parking lot and in the 1001 block of Garrison Avenue that will open starting at noon on Friday, May 1st and reopen at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 2nd.
“This year, as part of the VIB or ‘Very Important Biker’ package, we are proud to announce the new Challenge Coin as well as the license plate, the official Steel Horse Rally T-shirt and several other goodies from area businesses who support the rally.” Snow said.
“If you would like to purchase and individual challenge coin or license plate, you may do so at the official Steel Horse Rally Tent in the 800 block of Garrison Ave on May 1st & 2nd, 2nd tent from Garrison Avenue, against the wall with the mural.” Snow said. “I would advise you to get your items early, because the supply is very limited and these will sell out.” There will also be a limited number of official 2026 Steel Horse Rally Pins & Patches at this booth for a charitable donation to the Steel Horse Rally.
The 2026 Steel Horse Rally will feature great live music and entertainment on the Steel Horse Rally Stage at 601 Garrison Ave. (across from First National Bank). The Steel Horse Handle Bar will be located near the stage along with the Very Important Biker Area right in front of the stage.
The 2026 Steel Horse Rally will see the return of the Steel Horse Rally Bikes & Badges Vintage Motorcycle Show on Saturday, May 2nd from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the US Marshals Museum, 789 Riverfront Drive in Fort Smith, Ark. All participants of the Steel Horse Rally Bikes and Badges motorcycle show are invited to ride their vintage bikes near the front of the Thunder through the Valley Motorcycle Parade that stages at 3 p.m. on Sat., May 2nd at Riverfront Park at 121 Riverfront Drive and begins at 4 p.m. After the parade, the People’s Choice Award Winner will be announced from the Steel Horse Rally Stage at the corner of 6th Street (“Steel Horse Alley”) and Garrison Ave.
The Steel Horse Rally continues to help local charities and the 2026 Steel Horse Rally official charities include the Arc for the River Valley, Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs, and Buddy Smith Group Home. When people make a $5 charitable donation for the navy blue official 2026 Steel Horse Rally Charity Cup, 100 percent of the donation will go to these three charities. The SHR Charity Cup and armband will allow those age 21 or older to walk through the entire rally and downtown Entertainment District with an adult beverage in the cup during the charity event. The Steel Horse Rally Charity Cups are available for $5 each at participating Fort Smith businesses, and at the Steel Horse Rally Handle Bar located in the First National Bank Parking Lot at 6th St. and Garrison Ave.
The biggest draw to the Steel Horse Rally continues to be parking your motorcycle in the middle of Garrison Avenue: one of the widest historic downtown streets in America. The only rule is park your motorcycle with your front tire on the yellow line starting at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, May 1st, and 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 2nd.
“There are so many people that we need to thank. First an foremost our incredible team of volunteers who are the fuel for the Steel Horse Rally. We also sincerely thank our sponsors that support the 2026 Steel Horse Rally make it possible to offer all of these family-friendly events in downtown Fort Smith free of charge,” Snow said. “We would like to thank Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, Fort Smith Harley-Davidson, First National Bank of Fort Smith, Cheap Sleep, Horton Law, Belle Point Beverages, Garrison Goodies, and all of the fine sponsors that continue to support the Steel Horse Rally. Also our Lodging Partners include the Wyndham and Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Fort Smith.”