Barber Vintage Festival Presented by BMW: 50 Days Until the 19th Annual Celebration of Motorcycle History 

The unparalleled event features Kenny Roberts as the Grand Marshal 

BIRMINGHAM, ALA – It’s time to gear up for the highly anticipated 19th annual Barber Vintage Festival presented by BMW! The event is just 50 days away and the excitement is building for one of the most prestigious and exhilarating motorcycle festivals of the year, taking place from October 11 – 13 at the world-renowned Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. 

This year’s festival promises to be a landmark event featuring legendary motorcycle racer Kenny Roberts serving as the Grand Marshal. Roberts is the first American-born Grand Prix World Champion, and winner of three consecutive premier-class world titles, a two-time AMA Grand Slam winner, two-time AMA Grand National Champion, Daytona 200 winner, who along the way reinvented riding techniques and was a catalyst for rider safety. It’s no wonder they call him “King” Kenny. He will lead the festivities with special events throughout the weekend. The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum is now home for his 1980 Yamaha YZR500 Championship motorcycle and Kenny Roberts Jr’s 2000 Suzuki RGV500 championship bike. Both will be on display in the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum inside the park.  

Event Highlights: 

• Exciting On-Track Action: The event features thrilling racing action with multiple AHRMA race classes, including vintage bike races that highlight the rich history of the sport. Racers will compete on the Barber Motorsports Park’s world-renowned track. This year’s event will not only feature flat-track racing, but a NEW classic style motocross course at Barber Motorsports Park, making its debut with vintage bikes.  

• Swap Meet & Vendor Village: Browse through a vast array of parts, accessories, and memorabilia at the swap meet with over 500 vendors. This swap meet is considered the largest in the country!  

• “King” Kenny Roberts as Grand Marshal: Kickoff Barber Vintage Festival with a bike reveal featuring Kenny Roberts inside Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum on Friday at 2:00pm. On Saturday, you won’t want to miss Roberts on the 1980 championship Yamaha YZR500 for solo exhibition laps at 11:15am, followed by a Fan Walk and autograph session in the paddock. Don’t miss your opportunity to interact with a motorcycle racing legend all weekend long, both on the track and in the museum. 

• Fan-Favorite Attractions: Kids 15 & under get in free and will enjoy a range of activities designed for motorcycle enthusiasts and families alike. The weekend includes live music performances, bike shows, a Kids Zone with inflatables, the Wall of Death and Globe of Death.   

• BMW Motorrad Days Americas: Join us in the Fan Zone for the return of BMW Motorrad Days Americas with live music, interactive games, bike displays and beer gardens!  

• 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.  

“We are thrilled to have Kenny Roberts join us as Grand Marshal for this year’s Barber Vintage Festival,” said Brian Case, Executive Director of Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. “His contributions to motorcycle racing are legendary, and his presence will undoubtedly make this year’s event even more memorable for fans and participants alike.” 

Event tickets are $45 per day on Friday and Saturday, and $30 on Sunday. Kids 15 and under get in free with a ticketed adult. Motorcycle parking is free and weekend car parking can be purchased for $40. Event tickets and parking can be purchased online at barbervintagefestival.org. For more information on event details, schedules, and ticketing, please visit the official festival website. Museum members access the museum for free, with daily $22 tickets for the museum, $40 weekend passes, and $60 memberships available for pre-sales at www.BarberMuseum.org. 

Join us for a weekend of celebration, nostalgia, and high-octane excitement as we honor the rich heritage of motorcycling at the 19th Annual Barber Vintage Festival presented by BMW.