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.
Wednesday, February 21
Official Mama Tried/Flat Out Friday Kick Off 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. and music courtesy of Sad Boy Saturday.
Thursday, February 22
Official Pre-Party @ Harley-Davidson Museum / Motor Bar & Restaurant
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.
Keg Party @ Fuel Cafe
Want more fun and revelry in the lead-up to Flat Out Friday? Okay! Head over to Fuel Cafe for a keg party. Fuel will offer free beer (courtesy of Lowbrow Customs) until the keg is kicked. This pre-party begins at 9 p.m. Please either drink responsibly or consider safe transportation options.
Friday, February 23
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?
Official Flat Out Friday After Party @ Boone & Crockett
While organizers are spraying down the track at Fiserv, you can keep the Flat Out Friday fun rolling at Boone & Crockett with music from Poison Hand, specialty cocktails and drink specials, outdoor fire pits, and on-site food from the great Taco Moto at the Official Flat Out Friday After Party.
Flat Out Friday After Party @ Elwood’s Liquor & Tap
Bring your ticket stub from Flat Out Friday to Elwood’s to enjoy drink specials (available before and after the event). Banjo Tattoo & Co. will be on-site again and DJ Steve Marxx will be bumping tunes.
Saturday, February 24
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 After Party @ Iron Horse Hotel
Iron Horse Hotel is offering entertainment and specials all weekend long, but things really get into gear on Saturday night during the Mama Tried After Party. Cap off an enjoyable first day of Mama Tried at the Walker’s Point hotel where you’ll experience an exclusive event that features all you can eat BBQ (and sides) and a chance to mingle with fellow riders and/or motorcycle enthusiasts.
Sawicki Speed Sendoff Party @ Elwood’s Liquor & Tap
Elwood’s and sponsor Sawicki Speed are closing out Saturday in style with Sendoff Party that features a happy hour from 5-8 p.m., live art by Banjo Tattoo & Co., music from Steve Marxx, and the promise of “Surprise Shenanigans All Night Long.”
Unofficial Mama Tried After Party @ Quarters Rock ‘n Roll Palace
While it might not be official, the “Unofficial Mama Tried After Party” at Quarters still sounds like a wild time. Las Vegas-based DJ Jonny Vibes and The MiXcreants will be on the turntables. At midnight, the bar will host an “All Gender West T-Shirt Contest” with a cash prize. The fun continues at 1 a.m. with a lip sync contest that also has a cash prize.
Some Type Of After Party @ The Tonic Tavern
Though we can find no specific information about it, Tonic Tavern owner Paul Jonas told us the bar (which will no longer be open as of March 1) will be hosting a Mame Tried after party, which will feature a DJ and drink specials. Come partake in Mama Tried-related revelry and say farewell to Tonic Tavern in the process.
Mama Tried Polka Party @ 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 Polka Party event. As if the promise of live polka isn’t enticing enough, perhaps $4 beers will twist your arm.
Sunday, February 25
Mama Tried Motorcycle Show @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Day two, baby!