Oyster Run Motorcycle Rally: Everything You Need to Know

As a former resident of Anacortes, Washington, located on Fidalgo Bay in the Pacific Northwest, the annual Oyster Run motorcycle rally is a big deal. It is a major event each year for motorcyclists that sees 10,000 to 20,000 visitors.

The town is hopping, expect huge crowds and lots of noise, and expect to have fun. If you hate crowds and noise, avoid this area during the event.

Even tho the town’s main streets aren’t officially closed down, it is an impromptu parade of every kind of motorcycle you could ever expect to see, and then some.

About the Oyster Run Festival

The Oyster Run motorcycle rally is held on the fourth Sunday in September every year. It’s a celebration of motorcycles, and camaraderie in a community atmosphere in the Pacific Northwest, small town of Anacortes.

Locals tend to have either a love or hate relationship with the event, or sometimes you can find both feelings in the same person. With the noise level and sheer volume of motorcycles, parents of young children have difficulty getting them to sleep and sometimes the sound is startling and scary to them.

Other locals look forward to this event and the excitement it brings to the community. Many use this time to show off the friendly hospitality this town offers and join in the activities as well. Many love the fact that it is such a well-known and large gathering and are proud to host this event.

While there is no food place in Anacortes that is not good, a few favorites are Bob’s Chowder House, The Brown Lantern, Gere-A-Deli, Rockfish Bar and Grill, and many others you’ll enjoy trying out.

For motorcycle riders it is a chance to get together with other riders, to enjoy the open road riding their bikes with others, and to appreciate the beauty the Pacific Northwest offers.

Many riders travel together in groups starting at various starting points around the region and meet up in Anacortes to meet with friends for food, drink, music, and fun.

The event brings major businesses into the area and provides an economic boost to the local economy. Many riders opt to stay a few extra days in the area, helping local hotels, air BNB rentals, restaurants, bars, and local shops.

Festivities of the Oyster Run

Downtown Anacortes descends with thousands of motorcycles rolling into town throughout the day. Cruising the strip one can see bikers and every style of motorcycle imaginable. Some are even decorated.

Local vendors set up booths and stalls along the sidewalk with all types of goods from motorcycle gear and accessories, local shop products, and food options from seafood to classic American favorites.

Local bands and singers perform to the crowds, and it's common to see dancing in the streets. I had so much fun, especially watching children dancing in the daytime with their families.

There are also bike shows and contests related to the motorcycle genre. Exploring and admiring different motorcycles and swapping stories are among favorite things to do for many bikers.

Routes and Motorcycle Rides

For many travelers, the journey to Anacortes is usually one of the high points as well. Depending on where one starts their ride, they may cross stunning mountain passes, and see ocean and river views, wildlife, and the beauty of nature itself. Usually this time of year, the weather is good, but of course, that isn’t guaranteed.

Some bikers choose to stay a few days earlier or later than the rally itself and hop on a ferry to explore some of the San Juan islands. Riding over to Whidby Island is another scenic excursion that offers a lot to take in.

I’ve designed a Tshirt for the Oyster Run that can be ordered via Amazon if you’d like. Variations available also in long sleeve Tshirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, and others.

Safety and Organization

Safety and organization are important considerations for local authorities, organizers, and locals to keep everyone safe.

The Oyster Run has no ‘official organizing’ body because it is an unsanctioned event, but city officials and law enforcement work together closely to make sure this rally runs smoothly.

Managing traffic flow is a major point. Detours, road closures, and designated parking areas are planned carefully to help reduce congestion and help the safety of bikers, pedestrians, and car traffic.

There is a visible presence of law enforcement to help maintain order and prevent unwanted issues during the event.

As a side note, be careful with the double roundabout at Sharp’s Corner a few miles before coming into Anacortes on Highway 20. It seems many people do not know how to navigate double roundabouts, and there are many accidents on this one. I’ve personally nearly been hit several times at this particular one.

Small Beginnings

The Oyster Run originally started in 1981, and each year sees more growth than the last it seems. It began as simply a small gathering of bikers and has morphed into a major motorcycle rally drawing people from all over the country.

For many, it has become an annual tradition to meet other riders and connect up again with past friends while celebrating a motorcycle riding lifestyle.

Locals and visitors alike are proud to celebrate open roads, the Pacific Northwest, and the community of Anacortes.

Thanks for reading! I’d love to hear if you’ve ever been in Anacortes during the Oyster Run, and your experience.

By Val Garner all rights reserved

I’ve created a list of things to do, places to stay, and places to eat in Anacortes and nearby communities, to help in your planning. Great for either the Oyster run event, or any other time.

This article contains affiliate links, and I may receive a small commission after you click one of the links at no extra charge to you.