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 17
Flat Out Friday Presents: Premiere Prix 4 @ The Cooperage
“World’s Smallest Flat Track Races return to the Harborfront presented by Flat Out Friday and hosted by the legendary Joey Turbo! The Cooperage is happy to welcome back the World’s Smallest Flat Track Races! It is exactly what it sounds like. We’ve built a mini flat track inside The Cooperage for a night fun, frights and mayhem! So grab your friends, and local hooligans, get a couple of drinks rippin, suck some exhaust and witness the most electrifying spectacle to kick off the festivities of the greatest part of Milwaukee’s year! THIS THING IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!”
Wednesday, February 18
Mama Tried/Flat Out Friday Pre-Party @ Elwood’s Liquor & Tap
Mama Tried festivities will be revving up on Wednesday night with the Official Mama Tried/Flat Out Friday Kick Off Pre-Party at Elwood’s Liquor & Tap. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the Boonie Bike Races begin at 7. The event also includes a performance by Force and tattooing by Banjo Tattoo & Co.
Thursday, February 19
Mama Tried Official Pre-Party @ H-D Museum
“Harley-Davidson Museum is the starting line for Mama Tried Weekend. Fire it up Thursday, February 19 with the Mama Tried Official Pre-Party, running 5-9 p.m. Boonie Bike Races ripping through the Plaza! DJ Kev spinning in the Lobby! DJ Joey Hollywood in Rumble!”
Mama Tried Official Pre-Party @ Miramar Theatre
“When the Boonie Bike races wrap up at the Harley-Davidson Museum, the night rolls on at the Miramar Theatre. Join us for the Official Mama Tried Pre-Party—the true kickoff to Mama Tried weekend. Expect loud music, cold drinks, and a room full of racers, builders, and riders ready to get things started.”
Friday, February 20
Flat Out Friday @ Fiserv Forum
“Flat Out Friday, presented by Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company, returns to Fiserv Forum on Friday, Feb. 20, for its 10-year anniversary celebration. Part race, part rock show and part circus, Flat Out Friday adds up to 110% entertainment. More than 300 riders are anticipated to participate in 12 race classes: Open Hooligan, Women’s Hooligan, Open Women’s, 50cc, Open Amateur, Pro, Electric, Boonie (Minibikes), Vintage, Brakeless, 65cc-85cc and Goofball. Originating in 2016, Flat Out Friday is an indoor flat track motorcycle race that takes place on a sticky soda syrup track. Riders from the ages of six to 79 years old come from across the country to compete at the largest and most distinguished indoor flat track race in the United States.”
Horny Hawg Hootenanny: Flat Out Friday Official Afterparty @ The Cooperage
Once Flat Out Friday is through, head over to The Cooperage for the Official Afterparty. The so-called Horny Hawg Hootenanny will feature live music courtesy of Wire And Nail, Totally Cashed (from Chicago), Royal Son Of A Guns (also from Chicago), and Cult Of Nasty. Adding to the post Flat Out fun will be a lasso competition and “Spaghetti Wrestling.” Oh, and our own Caleb Westphal will be on the other side of the wall at Boone & Crockett spinning outlaw country, ’70s psych, and other biker-suited vinyl from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Flat Out Friday After Party With V-Twin Visionary @ Elwood’s Liquor & Tap
If you’re planning to head to Fiserv Forum on Friday, consider stopping by Elwood’s (located mere block from Fiserv Forum) to enjoy drink specials before the event. Once Flat Out Friday is through, hang at the After Party with V-Twin Visionary, DJ Steve Marxx, and Banjo Tattoo & Co.
Saturday, February 21
Mama Tried Motorcycle Show @ The Rave / Eagles Club (also February 22)
“The Mama Tried Motorcycle Show is an indoor invitational motorcycle expo that has become the largest winter motorcycle rally in the country. Keeping the fire stoked all winter long, the show features more than 100 motorcycles (of all brands) from builders from around the world—flat-tracker, hill climber, chopper, bagger, dragster and bar hopper. The curated invitational showcases the commonality in road, race, chopper, stunt and all around unusual custom builds. The show, created by Scott Johnson (local restaurant owner) and Warren Heir (JR’S Custom Fabrication), embodies their cumulative lifelong experience racing and riding in the Midwest motorcycle scene.”
Mama Tried Happy Hour @ Kochanski’s Concertina Beer Hall
Polka, polka, polka! Everybody polka at Kochanski’s Concertina Beer Hall starting at 5 p.m. during this Mama Tried Happy Hour event.
Beer City Cycles Un-Official Mama Tried Afterparty @ Club Garibaldi
It might be an “unofficial” event, but Beer City Cycles’ Mama Tried After Party officially looks like an incredible time. Starting at 8 p.m., Club Garibaldi will offer a free chili bar from Not Bad Catering And Snacks, free Busch Light (until the keg blows), and playlist provided by DJ Get Moses and a live performance by local punk super group Poison Hand.
Saturday Send-Off With Dumptruck @ Elwood’s Liquor & Tap
Elwood’s (in association with Dumptruck and Left Lane Syndicate) are celebrating Mama Tried’s first day in style. They’ll be opening at 2 p.m. The After Party itself will begin at 9 o’clock, at which point DJ Mighty Thor will curate a playlist and Banjo Tattoo & Co. will be handling the live tattooing.
Mama Tried + The Iron Horse After Party @ The Iron Horse Hotel
“Mama Tried Motorcycle Show doesn’t end when the show closes — it just moves down the street. Join us at The Iron Horse Hotel for the official after-party!” The Mama Tried + Iron Horse After Party includes: DJ RAZ providing the playlist, BBQ, drinks, tattoos, Boonie Bike races, and more.
Sunday, February 22
Mama Tried Motorcycle Show @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Day two, baby!