Presented by Fort William Business District BIAFuel YourSummerAt TheSouth CoreRoar Party.
Experience Thunder Bay's ultimate celebration of music, muscle, motors and culture. From roaring custom bikes and classic cars to jaw-dropping feats of strength, live main stage bands, Indigenous heritage and kids zone. This free multi-block party brings all generations together in the heart of the historic Fort William Business District.
Gates Open • August 1, 2026 • 10:00 AM ET
From this year's line-up
Contests & Happenings
More ways to join the roar.
From People's Choice voting and the strongman showdown to the vendor scavenger hunt — here's everything you can take part in. See all contests & prizes →
People's Choice Awards
Vote — Cars & Bikes
Browse the verified car and bike entries and crown your crowd favourites across every award category.
Vote & preview entries →Thunder Bay's Strongest
Feats of Strength
Deadlifts, log press and atlas stones in the middle of the show footprint. Meet the competitors taking on the strongman challenge.
Meet the competitors →Scavenger Hunt
Scan, Unlock Deals & Win
Scan vendor QR codes across the footprint to unlock exclusive deals and log your visits. The top scanners win prizes — no app to download.
How the hunt works →The Friendship Ride
Friday July 31 — Pre-Event
One ride, two nations. Cruise from Ryden's Border Store into Thunder Bay — open to classic, custom cars and motorcycles.
Ride details & registration →Kids Contests
Young Gearheads' Zone
Design sheets, supplies and creative contests at the Kids' Zone tent — free to take part, judged by age category.
See the contests →All Contests & Prizes
The Full Line-Up
Bike & Shine, Classic Car Judging, People's Choice, Strongman, Kids and the Scavenger Hunt — every contest, prize and how to enter, in one place.
Explore all contests →This Event is proudly supported by
The Roar Wire
Latest announcements
Help Us Spread The Word About The Car & Motorcycle Show!
8 Jul 2026Thank you for registering for South Core Roar! We’re excited to have you be part of our Car Show and Motorcycle Show. We’re working hard to make this event an exciting experience for everyone, and we’d love your help spreading the word. We’re still accepting registrations, so if you know any car or bike enthusiasts who would enjoy being part of the event, please invite them to register and share the opportunity with your friends, family, and clubs. You’re also welcome to share our social media posts on Facebook and Instagram @southcoreroar to help us reach more people! Thank you again for being part of South Core Roar — we can’t wait to see the incredible vehicles coming together in August!
Read announcement →Vendor Logo Needed
8 Jul 2026Hi! We're putting together the official South Core Roar event guide. If you haven't already sent us your logo, please email it to southcoreroar.marketing@gmail.com by Friday, July 10 to be included. Vendor applications are still open, so if you know any businesses, artisans, or food vendors who may be interested in joining us, we'd really appreciate it if you could share our event with them and encourage them to apply. Thank you for being part of South Core Roar—we can't wait to see you in August!
Read announcement →Vendors Logo Needed
8 Jul 2026Hi! We're putting together the official South Core Roar event guide. If you haven't already sent us your logo, please email it to southcoreroar.marketing@gmail.com by Friday, July 10 to be included. Vendor applications are still open, so if you know any businesses, artisans, or food vendors who may be interested in joining us, we'd really appreciate it if you could share our event with them and encourage them to apply. Thank you for being part of South Core Roar—we can't wait to see you in August!
Read announcement →
Aug 1–2, 2026 · Thunder Bay
Thunder Bay's biggest car, bike & music festival
South Core Roar is a free, two-day street festival in the heart of Thunder Bay's Fort William Business District. Wander 100+ classic, custom and vintage cars, up to 200 motorcycles at the Bike & Shine, live bands until 11pm, multicultural and Indigenous performances, a strongman competition, a kids' zone, food trucks and local crafts.
Looking for things to do in Thunder Bay on the August long weekend? Admission is free, all ages, rain or shine — one of Northern Ontario's largest summer events, presented by the Fort William Business District BIA.
Exhibitor & Ride Registration
Show your ride.
From $15 (bikes) / $20 (cars) / $50 CAD (Friendship Ride). Flat rate pricing.
Classic, Custom & Antique Cars
Got a classic, custom or antique? Show it off.
Up to 100 spots along Miles Street. Compete for People's Choice, Best in Show, Best Pre-1970, Best Paint, and more.
Motorcycle Exhibitors
Bike & shine. Bring the loudest.
Up to 200 bikes along Justice Avenue. Prizes for Best Custom, Cruiser, Sport, Loudest Pipes, and Best Vintage.
Friday July 31 — Pre-Event
The Friendship Ride
One ride, two nations. Cruise from Ryden's Border Store to Thunder Bay, ON. Open to classic/custom cars and motorcycles.
Stages & Zones
Explore the Roar.
Everything is within easy walking distance end-to-end.
Music Stage
Live Rock & Tribute Bands
Live bands and regional artists on the main stage.
Performers Stage
Bands, Comedians & More
Bands, dancers, comedians, fire performers, and cultural groups light up the stage.
Indigenous Learning Circle
Heritage & Storytelling
Indigenous heritage, stories, and cultural experiences.
Classic, Custom & Antique Cars
Vintage & Custom Wheels
Show-quality classics, customs, and antiques on display.
Strong Person Competition
Feats of Strength
Jaw-dropping feats of strength and athletic competition.
Motorcycles / Bike & Shine
Custom & Vintage Bikes
Custom bikes, chrome, and the loudest pipes around.
Kids Zone
Family-Friendly Fun
Family-friendly activities, games, and entertainment for all ages.
Food
Gourmet Street Food
Food trucks, BBQ, and local flavours from across the region.
Crafts & Activities
Artisan Marketplace
Artisan vendors, hands-on crafts, and interactive experiences.
Tap the map to view it full size.
Vendors
Sell to thousands of weekend visitors.
Food vendors, retail booths, artisan markets. Limited spots — applications close July 15 or when full.
Apply Now →Sponsorship
Put your brand in the middle of the roar.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Grant Funders
On behalf of the Fort William Business District BIA and the Southcore Roar organizing committee, we extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible grant funders supporting the inaugural South Core Roar festival.
As a committee, your investment does so much more than just cover costs—it empowers us to bring a bold, safe, and entirely free two-day community event to life. Because of your trust and financial support, our team has the resources needed to coordinate seamless logistics, build accessible spaces, and champion local talent, vendors, and programming.
"You are the engine behind our vision, helping us drive economic revitalization and celebrate the vibrant spirit of our community. We couldn’t do this without you!"