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 on Friday, 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 musicians, 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 the “official” Mama Tried events.
Tuesday, February 14
Promises Premeau Prix @ Promises
Things start revving up at Promises around 6 p.m. tonight. The Promises Premeau Prix features a Boonie Bike race on “America’s smallest indoor track at Milwaukee’s coolest bar.” Happy Valentine’s Day, indeed!
Wednesday, February 15
Official Kickoff Party @ Elwood’s Liquor & Tap
The Boonie Bike Races will continue at Elwood’s Liquor & Tap. This Mama Tried and Flat Out Friday kickoff event will also feature happy hour specials until 8 p.m., live body art by Banjo Tattoo & Co., and music by Steve Marxx.
Thursday, February 16
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, Budweiser and Bulleit specials all night long, and other great stuff like raffles 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 17
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 DJ Mighty Thor, outdoor imbibing (with burn barrels to keep you warm), specialty cocktails, and on-site food from the great Taco Moto at the Official Flat Out Friday After Party.
Saturday, February 18
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 on-site tattooing, a set from DJ Kev, all you can eat BBQ, billiards, performers and, you guessed it, Boonie Bike Races from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Sunday, February 19
Mama Tried Motorcycle Show @ The Rave/Eagles Club
Day two, baby!