A tragic turn of events has led to the cancellation of the “APPLE’S 22nd ANNUAL EAST COAST STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY 2025,” leaving many ticket holders wondering about refunds. This post aims to provide clear guidance on how to seek your money back, despite initial notices or concerns.
The news of the passing of Ken Appel, the beloved founder and organizer of the East Coast Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, is heartbreaking for the entire motorcycle community. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
Following this tragic event, ticket holders for the 2025 rally on Eventbrite began receiving cancellation notices. Many of these notices included a “No Refund” policy, causing understandable confusion and frustration.
However, it’s crucial for attendees to understand their rights and Eventbrite’s own policies regarding cancelled events.
Understanding Eventbrite’s Policy on Canceled Events
While individual event organizers can set “no refund” policies for attendee-initiated cancellations, Eventbrite’s overarching policy for events that are canceled by the organizer is clear: a full refund is generally required.
Eventbrite’s own terms state:
“When an event is cancelled, the event organizer is required to… Refund all orders.
“If the organizer fails to handle refund requests in accordance with the above terms, Eventbrite reserves the right to issue refunds on their behalf and at cost to the organizer
In this unique and tragic circumstance, where the organizer is unfortunately no longer able to process refunds, the responsibility to ensure ticket holders are made whole falls more directly to Eventbrite as the platform facilitating the transactions.
For more details, see Eventbrite’s Cancelled Event Policy.
Your Options for Seeking a Refund
We understand that some members of the community may generously choose to let their purchase stand as a gesture of support for the Appel family during this difficult time. This is a personal decision, and we respect that choice.
However, for those who wish to pursue a refund for the canceled event, here are the recommended steps:
1. Initiate a Refund Request Through Your Eventbrite Account
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Log in to your Eventbrite account.
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Go to the “Tickets” section.
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Locate your order for the “APPLE’S 22nd ANNUAL EAST COAST STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY 2025.”
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Look for an option to “Request a refund” or “Contact the organizer.” Click on it.
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In your request, clearly state that the event was cancelled and that you are seeking a full refund. You can briefly mention your understanding that the organizer is unable to process this due to their passing.
For step-by-step instructions, visit Eventbrite’s refund request guide.
2. Escalate Directly to Eventbrite Support (Crucial Step!)
Since the event organizer is deceased, you will likely not receive a response from them regarding your refund request. This is when you escalate the matter directly to Eventbrite.
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In your communication with Eventbrite Support, clearly explain the situation:
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The event was canceled.
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The event organizer, Ken Appel, has tragically passed away, preventing them from processing refunds.
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Refer to Eventbrite’s own policy for canceled events, which requires full refunds, even when the organizer cannot fulfill this obligation.
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Provide your order details, proof of purchase, and the cancellation notice you received.
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You can also contact Eventbrite customer service by phone at 1-877-620-9578 for additional assistance.
3. Consider a Credit Card or Bank Dispute (If Other Avenues Fail)
If, after attempting the above steps with Eventbrite, you are still unable to secure a refund, your final recourse is to contact your credit card company or bank to dispute the charge.
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Provide them with all documentation:
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The Eventbrite cancellation notice.
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Records of your attempts to contact Eventbrite for a refund.
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Any news or information confirming the event’s cancellation and the organizer’s passing.
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Screenshots of Eventbrite’s stated policies regarding refunds for canceled events.
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This is often a very effective method when a service was paid for but not rendered.
Don’t Be Deterred by “No Refund” Notices
While the initial cancellation notice might have stated “No Refund,” it’s vital to remember that Eventbrite’s broader policies for canceled events generally override this in circumstances like these. You paid for an event that will not take place169.
We hope this information helps all attendees navigate this challenging situation. Our thoughts remain with the Appel family and everyone affected by this loss.