This week, throngs of riders and motorcycle enthusiasts who have been cooped up since fall and whose choppers have been in storage for months will enjoy a brief escape from the cold, dark, dull bikelessness of winter. Mama Tried is a long weekend of chopper-centric fun that features an indoor race on a track covered in Dr. Pepper syrup, an indoor invitational that showcases an amazing array of custom-built bikes, Boonie Bike events, and much more.
Beyond the cycle-specific stuff, a wealth of Milwaukee bars, restaurants, and venues are getting in on the Mama Tried fun with pre-show performances and after parties. If you’re looking to add more entertainment to your Mama Tried experience this week/weekend, here’s literally everything we know about Mama Tried events happening in and around Milwaukee.
Tuesday, February 18
The World’s Smallest Flat Track Races @ The Cooperage
Head to The Cooperage tonight to kick off your Mama Tried week by watching Boonie Bikes race around a mini flat track set up inside the Harbor District venue. The event is free and open to the public (21+).
Wednesday, February 19
Mama Tried / FOF Pre-Party & Boonie Bike Races @ Elwood’s Liquor & Tap
Mama Tried festivities will be revving up on Wednesday night with the Official Mama Tried/Flat Out Friday Kick Off Party at Elwood’s Liquor & Tap. Happy hour runs from 5-8 p.m. The Boonie Bike Races begin at 7. The event also includes “live body art” by Banjo Tattoo & Co.
Thursday, February 20
Official Mama Tried Pre-Party @ Harley-Davidson Museum
Of course the world’s ONLY Harley-Davidson Museum will be getting in on the Mama Tried festivities. This Thursday night, the H-D Museum and its connected Motor Bar & Restaurant will host the Official Pre-Party, which includes Boonie Bike Races out on Motorcycle Plaza, a chance to hang with Mama Tried builders at Motor, drink specials all night long, and other great stuff like on-site tattooing and a DJ. There will also be a 5 p.m. screening on the Angels Of Dirt documentary.
Mama Tried Kickoff Party @ Iron Horse Hotel
Just down the road from the H-D Museum, Iron Horse Hotel will help kickoff the wild weekend to come with DJs, bikes, tattoo artists, and “enough beer to keep the party going all night.”
Friday, February 21
Flat Out Friday @ Fiserv Forum
If you’re somehow unfamiliar, Flat Out Friday features motorcycle racers riding on top of a track that’s slathered in Dr. Pepper syrup and it’s awesome! Need we say more?
Flat Out Friday After Party @ Elwood’s Liquor & Tap
If you’re planning to head to Fiserv Forum on Friday, consider stopping by Elwood’s to enjoy drink specials before and after the event. Once Flat Out Friday is through, hang at the After Party with Jeff and Maggie Holt of V-Twin Visionary.
Mama Tried Weekend Dinner @ Ash Hearth & Bar (Iron Horse Hotel)
Who says a motorcycle-centric weekend can’t have a touch of class? Iron Horse’s Ash Hearth & Bar restaurant is joining forces with American Metal Whiskey for “a five-course dinner where each dish is thoughtfully paired with handcrafted guided whiskey selections.”
Horny Hawg Hootenanny @ The Cooperage
At the risk of accidentally copying a Stefon sketch on SNL, allow us to tell you what The Cooperage has in store during its Horny Hawg Hootenanny this Friday. There will be music by Bronco, Ladybird, Justin Witte Trio, and an appearance by Cult Of Nasty as “Card Gals.” There will be animal races and spaghetti wrestling. There will be on-site tattoos, 50/50 raffles, and donations collected for Food Not Bombs MKE. It’s safe to say you won’t encounter too many events like this one in Milwaukee.
Saturday, February 22
Mama Tried Motorcycle Show @ The Rave/Eagles Club
The sprawling indoor invitational that showcases an amazing array of more than 100 vintage and custom bikes returns to The Rave for two days of chrome-plated celebration. Also included: vendors, a craft beer bar, tattoo artists, and more!
Mama Tried Happy Hour @ Kochanski’s Concertina Beer Hall
Polka, polka, polka! Everybody polka at Kochanski’s Concertina Beer Hall from 6-11 p.m. during this Mama Tried Happy Hour event. As if the promise of live polka isn’t enticing enough, perhaps $4 beers will twist your arm.
Mama Tried Party & VIP Buffet @ Iron Horse Hotel
In addition to the usual winning mix of DJs, bikes, tattoos, and local craft beer that Iron Horse lines up for its weekend-long Mama Tried festivities, the Walker’s Point hotel will also offer a VIP “Redneck Surf And Turf” all-you-can-eat buffet that features wild boar, gator, and other wild game options. You can eat well and party hard in the same place.
Saturday Send-Off @ Elwood’s Liquor & Tap
On the eve of Mama Tried’s final day, Elwood’s will be the site of a Saturday Send-Off. The premature farewell event will be hosted by Dumptruck starting at 9 o’clock. DJ Steve Marxx will hold down the music, Banjo Tattoo & Co. will offer live body art, and Elwood’s will feature drink specials and giveaways galore.
Beer City Cycles Mama Tried After Party @ Puddler’s Hall
It might be an “unofficial” event, but Beer City Cycles’ Mama Tried After Party officially looks like an incredible time. Starting at 7 p.m., Puddler’s Hall will offer free chili from Not Bad Catering And Snacks, free Busch beer (until the keg blows), and music provided by local DJs.
Sunday, February 23
Mama Tried Motorcycle Show @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Day two, baby!
