Laconia Motorcycle Week 2026
| Event starts: | 2026-06-13 11:00:00 |
|---|---|
| Event ends: | 2026-06-21 11:00:00 |
| Participants: | Join 0 bikers |
| Map: |   |
| Open in navigation | Google Maps Waze |
Milestone: 103rd Anniversary3
Official Slogan: "In Laconia, We Ride" (This rally is famous for prioritizing actual riding over just parking and partying).4
Top Events Schedule (2026)
While the daily schedule is packed, these are the "Anchor Events" you shouldn't miss.
| Event | Tentative Timing | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Peter Makris Memorial Run | Sat, June 13 | The official kickoff. A massive charity ride starting from the NASWA Resort that typically laps Lake Winnipesaukee. |
| Gunstock Hill Climb | Wed, June 17* | The signature event. Thousands gather to watch amateur and pro riders attempt to scale the 70-meter ski jump at Gunstock Mountain. It is loud, dusty, and historic. |
| The Loudon Classic | Fri-Sun (First Weekend) | Held at NH Motor Speedway. It is the longest-running motorcycle race in America. Expect intense bagger racing and superbike action. |
| Mt. Washington "Ride to the Sky" | Mid-Week (Thu) | A guided ride up the Mount Washington Auto Road. Warning: This road has no guardrails and sheer drops; it is for experienced riders only. |
| Gypsy Tour Rides | Daily | Daily rides leaving from Rally Headquarters at Weirs Beach to various scenic points in New Hampshire. |
| (Note: Mid-week event days like the Hill Climb are projected based on tradition; double-check the final schedule closer to June.) |
Must-Ride Routes
Laconia is defined by its roads. If you go, you must ride at least one of these loops:
1. The Kancamagus Highway ("The Kanc")5
Route: Route 112 (Lincoln to Conway)
Distance: ~35 miles (one way)
Why: Widely considered one of the best motorcycling roads in the US. It cuts through the White Mountain National Forest with sweeping curves, elevation changes, and zero gas stations or stoplights for the entire stretch.
2. Lake Winnipesaukee Loop
Route: Follows Routes 11, 28, and 25 around the big lake.6
Distance: ~97 miles
Why: The classic rally loop. You’ll pass through Weirs Beach, Meredith, Wolfeboro, and Alton Bay. It’s scenic but can be slow-moving due to rally traffic.
3. Evan’s Notch
Route: Route 113 (Maine border)
Why: If "The Kanc" is too crowded, go here. It is tighter, more technical, and usually empty of tourists.
Logistics & Tips
Where to Stay:
Weirs Beach: The epicenter. Stay here if you want to walk to the vendors, bars, and concerts. It is loud and expensive.
Meredith / Gilford: slightly quieter but very close to the action.7
Lincoln / North Conway: Great if you prefer riding "The Kanc" and mountains over the bar scene.
Traffic Warning: "Weirs Beach" creates a bottleneck. Route 3 becomes a parking lot on weekends. If you want to ride, leave early (before 9:00 AM) to escape the Weirs, and return late.
Police: New Hampshire is generally biker-friendly, but they are strict about speed in the small towns and noise (decibel checks are common in certain areas, though less so than in past decades).
Weather: New England in June is unpredictable. It can be 85°F (29°C) one day and 45°F (7°C) with rain the next. Pack rain gear and layers.
The "Laconia Passport"
Pick up a "Rally Patrons Passport" at HQ. It’s a scavenger hunt that encourages you to ride to different dealerships and scenic spots to get stamps. Completing it usually earns you an exclusive sweatshirt or patch (a badge of honor among locals).