Barber Vintage Festival Presented by BMW: Barber Vintage Motorcycle Museum hosts seminars and events. 

Grand Marshal “King Kenny” Roberts will take to the track again, and the museum hosts new seminars

BIRMINGHAM, ALA – October 11-13 is one of the biggest weekends in motorcycling. The 19th annual Barber Vintage Fest draws motorcycle enthusiasts of all types to the rolling grounds of the Barber Motorsports Park. The Weekend is full of AHRMA road racing, flat track, trials and on a newly constructed course, vintage motocross. Inside of the five story Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, attendees will have an opportunity to attend several expert seminars as well as visit with the Grand Marshal of the weekend, “King Kenny” Roberts. The 2024 event will feature new museum displays including a newly built World Champions display that features the 1980 Yamaha OW48 ridden by Roberts to help secure his third consecutive GP World Championship, as well as the 2000 Suzuki RGV500 that clinched the championship for his son, Kenny Jr. two decades later. The only father and son to take the GP World Championship are the crown jewels of a display that features many more championship machines. 

Significant highlights of the weekend inside the museum and on the track include the ascension of King Kenny’s Yamaha into the display marking the official opening of the exhibit on Friday October 11th at 2:00. Saturday the 12th will feature King Kenny taking laps on his championship bike at 11:00. This will be a thrilling rip around the track and especially from the Barber Museum bridges that overlook the course.These don’t-miss spectacles will be a photo opportunity for all those who attend. Museum Members will also have the opportunity to see the Senior Roberts take off for his much-anticipated parade laps. 

Seminars, presentations and interviews fill in the rest of the schedule for the weekend inside the museum. Design takes a front seat with the Barber Advanced Design Center’s own Pierre Terblanche hosting a “Britten vs Vincent” presentation that discusses two of the most iconic motorcycles ever made. Authors Kevin Cameron, Matthew Miles and Neil Spalding will also host presentations that run the gamut of technology, filled with plenty of stories about GP Machines, and the intersection of motorcyclist athletes and cutting edge technology. TV personality Wayne Carini and Barber restoration expert Lee Clark discuss restoration processes. Noted TV host and custom builder Bryan Fuller hosts a seminar with Zeke DeZeeuw in the motorcycle restoration area as well. A special event for Barber Museum Members will host an exclusive interview between storied writer Cook Nielsen and King Kenny Roberts.

“This weekend is shaping up to be the most spectacular in 19 years,” says Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Director Brian Case. ”With activities all around the park, our Museum’s mission is hosting innovation, stories of amazing machines, racing technology and style. We fully expect a lot of smiling faces and excited attendees.” 

The event around the Barber Motorsports Park features demo rides from several manufacturers, a family fun zone, displays and a massive swap meet that is the perfect start for your next winter project. Other event highlights include: 

• Exciting On-Track Action: AHRMA Vintage Roadracing, Off-road and Flat Track

• Swap Meet & Vendor Village: over 500 vendors, the largest in the country.  

• Grand Marshal “King” Kenny Roberts: Participating in seminars, presentations and parade laps. 

• Fan-Favorite Attractions: Kids under 15 are free, with loads of family attractions and throw-back stunt spectaculars. 

• BMW Motorrad Days Americas: BMW Motorrad Days sponsors live music, interactive games, bike displays and beer gardens in the Fan Zone

• Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum Seminars: The weekend is filled with seminars, presentations and a new World Champions exhibit featuring Team KR. 
• Demo Rides and Displays: Several brands will host demo rides anchored by motorcycle displays hosted by the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club. 

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.