Like a freight train about to roll through a quiet country town the roar of Galveston’s annual Lone Star Motorcycle Rally is drawing closer. Fevered anticipation of tailpipe thunder has Island residents and retailers bracing for the 4-day event that will draw an anticipated 450,000 visitors. 

The sheer volume of motorcycles from all over the country on display and cruising through every street and alley of the island is more than a sight to see. The Grand Canyon of motorcycle events, Lone Star is the largest four-day rally in the country and requires more than one angle to photograph and more than one day to uncover all its hidden treasures. 

Custom bike, car and truck contests, vendors selling everything from leather goods, jewelry, bike parts and accessories to BBQ and foods of all kinds line streets adjacent to The Strand from 20th to 24th Streets as well as along the Seawall (21st to 25th Streets), Harborside and Pier 21 areas. 

The popular Miss Lone Star Rally Pageant will entertain Lone Star attendees along with more than 30 live concerts, including national headliners, Vince Neil of Motley Crue, performing all the Mötley Crüe hits, and Bret Michaels, formerly of Poison.

Thursday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. Beach Central Park (21st and Seawall), singer-songwriter and music icon Michaels on Friday, Nov. 2, 8 p.m. Beach Central Park, Count’s 77 (Danny Koker of Counting Cars TV fame fronts this ’70s influenced band) Sunday, Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. Sangerfest Park (20th and The Strand), Budweiser Stage, crowd favorite ’80s tribute band Hairball, ACDC tribute Highway To Hell, as well as national and local talent like Bobby Friss and the Zach Tate Band. Long-time official Lone Star Rally emcee and national land-speed motorcycle record holder, Jay Allen, will be on hand to introduce the bands and said he looks forward to connecting with his riding family from Texas. “Being a host for a world-class rally like Lone Star is a true honor,” Allen said. Many local bars, restaurants and clubs work hand-in-hand with the Lone Star Rally offering specials and live local entertainment that make for a weekend that encapsulates the motorcycle lifestyle at it’s finest.

A growing reputation as one of the premiere events to attend among bikers nationwide, Lone Star Rally has steadily gained in popularity since it’s inception in 2001. 

“The rally offers a broad range of entertainment opportunities for all ages and, it’s totally free! From custom bike builds and paint demonstrations to classic car and rat rod shows; shopping amid hundreds of vendors; plus more than 30 bands playing on two stages... it’s four non-stop days of fun, all showcased within the stunning backdrop of historic Galveston,” said Sharon Damante, media liaison for the Lone Star Rally.

Not just for motorcycles anymore, the Lone Star Rally is also host to several car and truck shows including the 6th Annual Drive In Car Show that features pre-1972 hot rods and muscle cars. Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pier 21 Harbor House Hotel.  For more information on contests, events, entertainment, vendor applications and more visit www.LoneStarRally.com