For Don Hopkins riding his 1947 Harley Davidson is paradise. The 74-year-old and his wife were in Smiths Falls Wednesday night for Bike Night. The event happens on the first Wednesday of the month from June until September, attracting thousands of people to the community to celebrate everything about motorcycles and the people who love them. The ride happens between 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Starting in 2025, organizers had hoped to attract 300 bikes, but over 1,000 showed up. Since then, it has grown quickly, now attracting up to 5,000 bikes for an evening of fun. “I’m 74 years old and I can be having the worst day, and I get on a bike and roll through the gears and it still puts a smile on my face,” Hopkins said. “We go where there are motorcycles; it’s fun, it’s good people.” It’s also a chance for the community to show what it has to offer, according to officials. The recent revitalization has made downtown Smiths Falls the perfect venue for such a large gathering. This year, organizers are closing off 18 blocks so guests and residents can mingle and explore the shops and vendors who set up along the streets. As a sign of growing local support, 17 businesses now sponsor the event, up from two in 2025. Sherrie Axford, who owns the Beautiful Full Figure Boutique, says this event brings much needed business and visibility to the Smiths Falls downtown. “These people come out and support our businesses; they are here for hours. I know my sales have increase. We are struggling, they are supporting us,” Axford said. “You just see the streets, and they are full of people and happy. It makes me, as a business owner, excited.” The next Smiths Falls Bike Night is Wednesday, July 1, when thousands are expected to gather and celebrate Canada Day.
