Arizona Bike Week set for holiday battle of the bands and toy drive on Dec. 5

Arizona Bike Week will host its annual Battle of the Bands on Dec. 5 at Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, mixing live music, a bike show and a toy drive for local children. Ten finalist bands will compete for seven performance slots at the rally’s 30th anniversary next spring.

Why it matters: - The event ties fan voting to a holiday toy drive, turning community donations into a direct boost for local bands. - Arizona Bike Week is using the competition to build momentum for its 30th anniversary rally, scheduled for March 31-April 4, 2027. - The toy drive supports Arizona Bike Week Charities and local children in need during the holiday season.

What happened: - Arizona Bike Week will host Rock Out to AZ Bike Week Battle of the Bands and Toy Drive on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - The free event will take place at Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale in Scottsdale, Arizona. - The lineup includes live music, cold beer, food trucks, a bike show and a toy drive. - Riders are encouraged to ride in, and attendees are invited to wear holiday-themed gear.

The details: - Ten finalist bands will compete for seven performance spots at Arizona Bike Week’s 30th Anniversary. - Four of the seven spots are for Arizona Bike Week at WestWorld of Scottsdale. - Three spots are for Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale’s Rev Up Rally, held at the dealership during Arizona Bike Week. - Each new, unwrapped toy donated at the event earns one bonus point for the band of the donor’s choice. - The more toys fans bring, the more gifts Arizona Bike Week Charities can wrap and deliver to local children. - Fans can nominate bands through Oct. 24 at band entertainment sign-up. - Online voting runs Nov. 1-7, and the top 10 bands advance to the live finals. - All 10 finalists will play 15-minute sets on Dec. 5, followed by final voting, the toy drive tally and the bike show. - Attendees must be onsite to vote. - Winners will choose their stage and time slot in order of placement, with first place choosing first. - Winners will be announced the week after the event.

Between the lines: - Kristina Shaffer, co-producer of Arizona Bike Week, said the fan-driven format gives more bands a chance to perform during the 30th anniversary year. - Shaffer also said the toy drive lets fans support their favorite band while helping the community. - The event keeps Arizona Bike Week’s music competition tied to its broader identity as a motorcycle rally and music festival.

What's next: - Arizona Bike Week’s early bird pricing on rally passes and camping reservations ends Nov. 30. - Rally passes and campsites remain available at azbikeweek.com. - Arizona Bike Week’s 30th anniversary rally is set for March 31-April 4, 2027, at WestWorld of Scottsdale. - More information is available by email at info@azbikeweek.com.