RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA — West Coast Thunder Foundation is proud to announce an exciting new concert venue for this year’s event: the Riverside Municipal Auditorium, located in the heart of historic Downtown Riverside.
For over two decades, West Coast Thunder has honored the service and sacrifice of America’s military heroes with a powerful display of unity and patriotism. This year’s ride, set for Monday, May 26, 2025, will stage at Riverside Harley-Davidson. Departing at 9:11a, the ride will travel through Riverside, passing the Riverside National Cemetery, and continue into Downtown Riverside.
Participants purchasing a full registration will enjoy a concert at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium, a landmark venue that offers a rich historical backdrop and an enhanced experience for riders and spectators alike.
“The move to the Riverside Municipal Auditorium allows us to provide a more immersive and engaging experience for participants while keeping the focus on our core mission of honoring fallen service members,” said Jackson Dodd, Executive Director of the West Coast Thunder Foundation. “We are excited to host our concert at this iconic venue in the heart of Riverside and continue this cherished tradition.”
The event will begin with an early morning ceremony conducted by the United States Marine Corps at Riverside Harley-Davidson. After departure, riders will embark on an escorted parade through Riverside, passing the Riverside National Cemetery. The ride continues on to Downtown Riverside, where vendors, a car show, and live music fill the streets. The Memorial Day Concert will take place inside of Riverside Municipal Auditorium.
For more details, visit West Coast Thunder Foundation here.
About West Coast Thunder Foundation: West Coast Thunder Foundation is a tax-exempt, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds through community outreach, including organizing the country’s largest motorcycle ride every Memorial Day. Proceeds from all West Coast Thunder Foundation events benefit monument construction and other ancillary services at Riverside National Cemetery via Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee.
Since 2000, West Coast Thunder Foundation has been the major contributor of funds to Riverside National Cemetery, the largest in the United States National Cemetery System. The foundation has begun funding the construction of the American Indian Veterans Memorial at Riverside National Cemetery, which broke ground in 2020. Past projects have included the construction of the National POW / MIA Memorial (dedicated in 2005), repairs to the Medal of Honor Memorial, and financial support to the Riverside National Cemetery Memorial Honor Detail.
About Riverside National Cemetery: Now covering 1,250 acres, Riverside National Cemetery is the largest and busiest cemetery managed by the VA’s National Cemetery Administration. The cemetery was established in 1976 through the transfer of 740 acres from March Air Force Base. The cemetery was dedicated and opened for burials on November 11, 1978.
About Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee: Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to provide upkeep and support to the Riverside National Cemetery. They provide activities for veterans, their families and friends, and the community. The committee also raises funds to create monuments, purchases needed equipment, and provides services for events and the dedicated staff that works at Riverside National Cemetery.
Photo: Riverside Municipal Auditorium. (Photo credit: Live Nation)
West Coast Thunder Foundation Media Contact
Media@westcoastthunder.com