(Harlan) Sunday July 19 is the first day of RAGBRAI. Bikers will begin the approximately 59 mile ride in Onawa and spend the night in Harlan.
Harlan Mayor Jay Christensen explains this year’s theme.
The city has three live performances lined up from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m, offering attendees a wide variety of artists. Jordan Beem will open from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., followed by Aftershock from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and ending with Decoy from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Riders will enter Harlan on Old Highway 59, also known as Linden Road, before turning onto Cyclone Avenue. The Harlan city square will be closed from 3 p.m. on Saturday until early Monday morning.
Christensen said the closure will allow the city to safely accommodate the entertainment, vendors and large number of visitors expected downtown.
The outgoing route will take riders along Seventh Street to Highway 44. Local Harlan businesses have advertised their goods and services on the Harlan 2026 RAGBRAI Facebook group.
