The 19th Annual Barber Vintage Festival presented by BMW Motorrad concluded this past weekend with fans from 48 states and 8 countries attending the event from October 11 through 13, 2024, at Barber Motorsports Park. The festival celebrated motorcycle history and culture, with legendary racer Kenny Roberts serving as the Grand Marshal, adding a special flair to an action-packed weekend.
The Barber Motorsports Park percolated with motorcycling enthusiasts enjoying the many activities surrounding vintage motorcycle racing, vendors, stunt shows and displays. A new vintage motocross track was a huge hit in the dirtbike community with simple word-of-mouth filling the grids for its inaugural event. The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum also had a successful weekend hosting many seminars and the reveal of a new World Champions exhibit featuring the stories of iconic racer “King” Kenny Roberts and his son Kenny Jr., the only father and son duo to win the Motorcycle Grand Prix World Title.
The date for the 20th Annual Barber Vintage Festival was also announced, with October 3 through 5, 2025, promising to be an even more exciting event bringing motorcycle enthusiasts into the area.
Event Highlights Included:
- Grand Marshal Kenny Roberts: Three-time Grand Prix World Champion Kenny Roberts, known for fundamentally changing motorcycle racing style, led the weekend festivities. He made several special appearances, including an exhibit reveal at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, several fast solo exhibition laps on his 1980 Yamaha YZR500, and autograph sessions for eager fans. He also participated in seminars featuring legendary writer Cook Neilson.
- Fan Experience: The festival welcomed fans of all ages with activities like the Kids Zone, thrilling stunt shows, and crowd favorites such as the Wall of Death and the Globe of Death. Families took full advantage of the kids’ free entry policy, making it a perfect outing for all generations of motorcycling enthusiasts.
- Swap Meet & Vendor Village: Over 500 vendors participated in the largest vintage motorcycle swap meet in the country, offering a vast selection of rare bikes, parts, and memorabilia, drawing collectors and hobbyists from far and wide.
- AHRMA Vintage Motorcycle Racing: Fans were treated to intense AHRMA races on Barber Motorsports Park’s world-class track, alongside flat-track racing and the debut of a classic motocross course, all contributing to an adrenaline-filled weekend.
- BMW Motorrad Days Americas: The 2nd annual BMW Motorrad Days Americas added to the fan experience with live music, interactive games, and bike displays, alongside beer gardens and other attractions within the Fan Zone.
- Motorcycles by Moonlight: The exclusive Friday evening fundraiser for the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum was a sell-out, offering wine tastings, a five-course meal, live auctions, and premiering a film dedicated to Kenny Roberts. Charity funds raised were earmarked for the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum education programs led by Dr. Liz Johnson.
- Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum: Fans flocked to the museum, home to the largest motorcycle collection in the world. Special events such as behind-the-scenes tours of the restoration shop and engine fire-ups drew in thousands of visitors each day.
- Museum Seminars: Daily seminars featuring technical discussions, historical insights, and autograph sessions with Kenny Roberts and his son, Kenny Junior, captivated enthusiasts eager to learn more about the sport’s past and future. Seminar speakers included Cook Neilson, Kevin Cameron, Nick Graveley, Neil Spalding, Wayne Carini, Bryan Fuller, and Matthew Miles.
“We couldn’t have asked for a more exciting weekend,” said Brian Case, Executive Director of Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. “Kenny Roberts’ involvement was a huge highlight, and we had an incredible turnout of fans from 48 states and 8 countries. This year’s festival exceeded all expectations. We are even more energized as we head towards the 20th anniversary of this event next year.”
“The Barber Vintage Festival has grown into one of the country’s largest enthusiast events,” says founder George Barber. “It’s been an exciting voyage seeing more enthusiasts from all over the world come to visit Birmingham Alabama, and join in the community that we have built together here at the museum. Our volunteers, docents and staff must be commended for continuing to be exceptional hosts to motoring and motorcycling fans of all ages.”
The Barber Vintage Festival continues to be one of the largest and most beloved motorcycle events in the country. For more information on upcoming events, visit barbervintagefestival.org.
