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The 19th annual Barber Vintage Festival presented by BMW Motorrad revs up on Saturday

The highly anticipated 19th Annual Barber Vintage Festival presented by BMW Motorrad is set to kick off tomorrow, from October 11 – 13, 2024, at the renowned Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. This year’s event promises to be a thrilling celebration of motorcycle history, offering exciting racing, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and the largest vintage motorcycle gathering in the country.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kenny Roberts as Grand Marshal for this year’s Barber Vintage Festival,” said Brian Case, Executive Director of Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. “His legacy in the sport will add a special touch to this year’s festival, and we’re excited to share this unforgettable weekend with fans from around the world.”

Starting at $30, tickets are available at barbervintagefestival.org. Kids 15 and under enter free with a ticketed adult.

Event Highlights Include:

  • Grand Marshal Kenny Roberts: Three-time Grand Prix World Champion and legendary racer Kenny Roberts will lead the festivities. Roberts, known as “King Kenny,” revolutionized the sport and will take part in special events throughout the weekend. On Friday at 2:00 pm, don’t miss the bike reveal with Roberts inside the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. On Saturday at 11:00 am, Roberts will showcase solo exhibition laps on his 1980 championship Yamaha YZR 500. Fans can also join an autograph session with Roberts in the paddock.
  • Fan Experience: Families can enjoy a Kids Zone, stunt shows, and fan-favorite attractions like the Wall of Death and Globe of Death. Kids 15 and under get in free, making it a perfect weekend for enthusiasts of all ages.
  • Swap Meet & Vendor Village: With over 500 vendors, the swap meet offers a wide selection of vintage motorcycles, parts, accessories, and memorabilia. This is the largest swap meet in the country.
  • AHRMA Vintage Motorcycle Racing: The festival will feature action-packed AHRMA races on Barber Motorsports Park’s world-class track, as well as flat-track racing and the debut of a classic motocross course.
  • BMW Motorrad Days Americas: BMW Motorrad Days will take place at the festival for the 2nd year in a row, offering fans a chance to enjoy live music, bike displays, beer gardens, and interactive games in the Fan Zone.
  • Motorcycles by Moonlight: This exclusive Friday evening event benefits the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. The fundraiser includes tastings of southern whiskey and wines, a five-course meal, live auctions, and after-hours access to the museum, all with appearances from Kenny Roberts and other special guests.
  • Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum: Certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest collection of motorcycles in the world, the five-story living museum is a sight to behold for any motorsports enthusiast. Special access to the basement restoration shop is planned for the weekend, with daily engine fire-ups of a variety of vehicles at 10am and 2pm, right where many of the vehicles on display were restored. The museum is a family-friendly spot for education, exploration and inspiration that features over a century of motorcycle design.
  • Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Seminars: The weekend will feature daily technical and historical seminars inside the museum and interviews and autograph sessions with “King” Kenny and his son, Kenny Jr. Limited edition autograph cards will be available exclusively inside the museum.

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