From the Budweiser Clydesdales to stunt shows to Drowning Pool, La Crosse’s Big River Rally has something for everyone

Jean Taylor, host of Rock Mornings, joins to help preview the second annual Big River Rally, which has everything from the Budweiser Clydesdales trotting through downtown La Crosse to Drowning Pool taking the stage on the Oktoberfest grounds.

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The two-day event happens June 27-28 and features concerts both Friday and Saturday nights, multiple stunt shows by Pat Smage, organized rides through the Coulee Region, including one that features an exclusive tour of S&S Cycle in Viola, Wis. Plus there’s a pancake breakfast that goes to veterans organizations, a bike show, food, drink and vendors.

If that Saturday’s S&S Cycle tour — of not just the museum, but of the manufacturing area, plus six custom bikes that are rarely on display — isn’t the most unique part of the Big River Rally, it has to be the Clydesdales coming to town Saturday afternoon, as Taylor breaks down their route through downtown and where we can get pictures. 

There will be music all evening Friday — featuring Texas Hippie Coalition — and all day Saturday, headlined by Drowning Pool. Also playing are Bobby Friss, Hillbilly Rocketship and BT Band.

Smagge’s stunt show will happen six times over the two days on the fest grounds, which will also feature that bike show. 

On top of all that, there will be food trucks, drinks and vendors throughout the grounds. Tickets for the two-day event are $30. The Saturday morning pancake breakfast, which requires no ticket, is $10.

Big River Rally Information

Tickets for the Big River Rally can be found here.

The Big River Pancake Breakfast is Saturday morning from 8-10 a.m. at the Southside Fest Grounds. Tickets for this event are separate from the rally. It is open to the public. Proceeds support local veterans’ groups.   

You can get tickets to the breakfast here.