The 30th Annual Ponoka Rally and Swap Meet rolls into the Ponoka Stampede Grounds from July 24 to 26, 2026, bringing three decades of vintage motorcycle tradition to central Alberta. Organized by the Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group (CVMG) Central Alberta Section, the free weekend event draws riders and collectors from across the province and beyond to celebrate classic bikes and community spirit.
Spectators can wander the grounds at the junction of Highway 2A and Highway 53 without paying admission, taking in a show and shine where owners proudly display their machines. A chili cook-off, poker rally, and group rides fill the days, while a sprawling swap meet offers parts, memorabilia, and hard-to-find items for restorers. “The event lasts the whole weekend and offers a variety of activities,” notes the Town of Ponoka, which promotes the rally as a local attraction.
This year marks a milestone for the rally, which began in the late 1990s and has grown into one of western Canada’s premier vintage motorcycle gatherings. Past editions have honoured industry figures like Glenn Turple of Turple Bros. Motorcycles in Red Deer and celebrated brand milestones such as Yamaha’s 70th anniversary. The CVMG Central Alberta Section, a not-for-profit with about 70 members, uses funds from spring and fall swap meets to support the rally and donate to central Alberta food banks and other causes.
Bill Hoar, a Ponoka resident and the rally coordinator, can be reached at 403-783-6946 for more information. The CVMG section also holds monthly meetings on the last Wednesday of each month at the South China Sea Restaurant in Lacombe, with supper at 6 p.m. and the meeting at 7 p.m.
The Ponoka Stampede Grounds, also home to the famed Ponoka Stampede rodeo on the Canada Day long weekend, provides a fitting backdrop for a weekend of vintage chrome and camaraderie.
