Tennessee Motorcycle & Music Revival's History

There are few festivals in the world that manage to combine the exhilarating power of motorcycles with the soulful resonance of live music quite like the Tennessee Motorcycles & Music Revival (TMMR). Held annually in the scenic hills of Middle Tennessee, TMMR has grown into one of the most unique and exciting events for motorcycle enthusiasts and music lovers alike. For anyone who has a passion for the open road and a love of live music, this festival is the perfect celebration of freedom, culture, and the power of community.

In this blog, we’ll take an in-depth look at the history, highlights, and lasting impact of the Tennessee Motorcycles & Music Revival. From its humble beginnings to its present-day status as one of the premier motorcycle festivals in the country, TMMR has carved out a special place in Tennessee’s vibrant cultural landscape.

The Origins of the Tennessee Motorcycles & Music Revival

The Tennessee Motorcycles & Music Revival was conceived with the idea of celebrating two passions: motorcycles and music. Tennessee, with its deep musical roots—home to the likes of Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and the legendary music scene of Nashville—is also one of the most motorcycle-friendly states in the U.S. The idea behind the festival was to unite the two by creating an event that would cater to motorcycle riders while also offering an incredible musical experience.

The TMMR first took place in 2017 and was met with immediate success. It offered a unique platform for motorcycle enthusiasts to showcase their rides, partake in scenic group rides through the picturesque Middle Tennessee countryside, and immerse themselves in the sounds of live music. The inaugural festival set the tone for what would become a hallmark event in the motorcycle and music communities, offering not just a gathering of like-minded individuals, but a celebration of everything that makes Tennessee a special place to live, ride, and create.

One of the most attractive features of the TMMR is its location: the event is held at the Loretta Lynn Ranch, just an hour from Nashville, Music City USA. This historical venue, owned by the queen of country, Loretta Lynn, and home of the MX Amateur National Motocross Championships for over 40 years, provides the perfect backdrop for the event, surrounded by rolling hills, scenic byways, and picturesque views. For motorcycle riders, the setting offers ample opportunities to explore the great outdoors while being part of a larger community that shares their love for freedom and adventure.

What to Expect

The Tennessee Motorcycles & Music Revival is far from your typical music or motorcycle event. It is a place where these two worlds collide in spectacular fashion. Each year, TMMR offers an exciting variety of activities, including live music performances, scenic rides, racing, hill climbs, wood trail riding, custom bike shows, and more. Below are some of the highlights you can expect from this unforgettable festival.

Scenic

For many attendees, the motorcycle rides are the heart and soul of the TMMR experience. Tennessee’s winding roads, sweeping vistas, and charming small towns make it a paradise for riders. The festival offers scenic group rides through these stunning landscapes, allowing participants to experience the beauty of Middle Tennessee while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow bikers.

Riders can join in several group rides, each designed to showcase the state’s natural beauty and open roads. Lead by local riders, the rides roll through Tennessee’s countryside, where they can explore winding back roads, rolling hills, and quiet lakes. Many guests arrive early to do their own sight-seeing visiting the iconic music cities of Nashville or Memphis or riding the music pathways that wind through small southern towns with historic musical roots and genuine southern hospitality.

Motorcycle Shows

A major highlight of TMMR is Bill Dodge's BC BC Moto Invitational and V-Twin Visionary Performance Show, which attracts some of the best custom bike builders and vintage motorcycle collectors from across the country. These shows are a celebration of the craftsmanship, innovation, and artistry that goes into creating these stunning machines.

The BC Moto Invitational, curated by renowned custom motorcycle builder Bill Dodge, is a highlight of the Tennessee Motorcycles & Music Revival. This invitational showcases custom, bespoke motorcycles crafted by some of the most talented builders across the country, emphasizing authenticity and artistry without the constraints of competition or politics.

The V-Twin Visionary Performance Motorcycle Show is a prominent ride-in event that celebrates performance-based American V-Twin motorcycles. Presented by Harley-Davidson, this show brings together motorcycle enthusiasts, builders, and riders to showcase their custom and high-performance machines.

The Revival All-Class Bike Show is hosted by the organization Bikers Who Care, the show welcomes motorcycles of all classes and offers free entry to participants. This show provides an inclusive platform for motorcycle enthusiasts to display a diverse range of bikes, fostering community engagement and appreciation for various motorcycle styles. The event has consistently attracted significant participation, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of TMMR.

Live Music

Of course, no festival in Tennessee would be complete without incredible live music, and the Tennessee Motorcycles & Music Revival certainly delivers in this regard. The festival hosts a diverse lineup of bands and solo artists, representing a variety of musical genres, including country, rock, blues, and southern rock.

Over the years, the event has featured an incredible lineup of musicians, including legendary rocker Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top, Matt Sorum of Guns N' Roses, and country star, Lee Brice. TMMR has earned widespread acclaim for spotlighting extraordinary artists—some, like the American country rock band, Red Clay Strays and award-winning guitar protégé’ Grace Bowers, and others have gone on to achieve even greater success playing stages all over the world. At TMMR you never know who you are going to hear there “first”.

The festival’s setting at Loretta Lynn Ranch provides the perfect atmosphere for live music. Whether you’re kicking back under the stars, enjoying a cold drink, and tapping your feet to the rhythm, or rocking out with thousands of fellow festival-goers, the energy of the live performances is infectious. It’s the kind of experience that makes you feel like you’re part of something much bigger than just a festival—it’s a celebration of the spirit of music, freedom, and adventure.

Two-Wheeled Playground

At Tennessee Motorcycles & Music Revival, guests are encouraged to bring all of their toys and partake in a variety of motorcycle activities on the 3,500-acre Ranch.  Dubbed, a two-wheeled playground, TMMR is dedicated to motorcycle enthusiasts looking for adventure, skill-building, and fun on two wheels. This unique space includes a variety of motorcycle experiences, such as:

• Hill Climb Drags – Riders test their bikes and skills on steep inclines.
• Hillbilly Hooligans– A dirt oval track where racers can slide and speed around corners.
• Stunt Shows – High-energy performances showcasing incredible motorcycle tricks.
• Off-Road Courses – Trails designed for adventure bikes and off-road riders.
• Demo Rides – Opportunities to test ride the latest models from Harley-Davidson.
• Mini Bikes – Races and games for mini bike riders.
• Biker Games – Fun games designed for riders of all skill levels.

The two-wheeled playground adds an interactive, high-energy element to TMMR, making it more than just a music festival—it’s a motorcycle rider’s dream destination.

The Annual Harley-Davidson Creek Party

The Harley-Davidson Creek Party is next-level! Bikes, Hurricane Creek, epic competitions, live music, a hog roast with Led Sled, and Danger Dan running the show—pure mayhem in the best way! Don't miss it!

Community Spirit

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Tennessee Motorcycles & Music Revival festival is the sense of community that permeates the event. Attendees are not just visitors; they are part of a larger family of motorcycle enthusiasts and music lovers who come together to celebrate their shared passions coming in from all over the world. Many say Loretta Lynn’s Ranch is a magical destination that radiates true Southern hospitality.

Throughout the festival, you’ll find yourself connecting with people from all walks of life. Whether you’re a seasoned rider with years of experience or someone who’s just starting out, the TMMR community is inclusive, friendly, and welcoming. There is a sense of respect for one another, and the shared love of motorcycles and music creates a bond that transcends differences.

Beyond the bikes and the music, TMMR is also about enjoying the simple pleasures of life—good food, good company, and the freedom to be yourself. The festival's location at Loretta Lynn Ranch adds an extra layer of charm, with its rustic setting and inviting atmosphere. Visitors can camp on-site, enjoy the local food trucks, and take part in various activities that showcase the best of the culture.

Lasting Impact

The Tennessee Motorcycles & Music Revival has quickly become a major event on the calendar for motorcycle enthusiasts and music fans alike. It’s more than just a festival—it’s an experience that brings people together to celebrate the open road, the beauty of Tennessee’s landscapes, and the power of music.

The festival has had a significant impact on the local community in Waverly County and beyond, providing an economic boost to local businesses, hotels, and restaurants. It has also helped put Tennessee on the map as a premier destination for motorcycle tourism, attracting visitors from across the U.S. and beyond.

As the TMMR festival continues to grow and evolve, it remains true to its roots—celebrating the freedom of motorcycles and the soul-stirring power of music. For those who attend, it’s an unforgettable experience that creates memories to last a lifetime.

In the end, the Tennessee Motorcycles & Music Revival festival is a celebration of life’s greatest pleasures: the thrill of the ride, the joy of live music, and the bond of community. It’s an event that captures the spirit of Tennessee in all its glory and one that will continue to inspire and excite attendees for years to come.