21st Annual Barber Vintage Festival Dedicated to the Memory of Founder and Visionary, George W. Barber
Motorcyclists from across the nation and around the world will converge on Barber Motorsports Park and the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum on Friday, October 9, through Sunday, October 11, for the 21st annual Barber Vintage Festival.
This year’s festival carries special meaning as we celebrate the life and legacy of park and museum founder George W. Barber, as well as the motorsports community that has flourished through his vision. Barber, 85, died following a brief illness on Sunday, February 15.
Known for its breathtaking landscaping and whimsical art, the 880-acre park hosts many events each year, including the “Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix” and “MotoAmerica Superbikes at Barber.” Barber Vintage Festival, however, is the culmination of Barber’s dream.
Barber won 63 races as a driver, and contests of speed and skill are integral to the three-day weekend. AHRMA road racing takes place on the 17-turn, 2.38-mile road course, with flat-track, cross-country, motocross, and trials competitions at designated areas throughout the park.
Last year, nearly 400 vendors participated in one of the largest vintage motorcycle swap meets in the country. A short walk from the front doors of the museum, the always well-attended gathering promises rare machinery, difficult-to-find parts, and historic memorabilia.
BMW Motorrad Days Americas, Isle of Triumph, manufacturer demo rides, and new-product reveals, plus gravity-defying stunt shows, a kids’ zone, live music, and the ever-popular “Wall of Death,” are a few of the other attractions planned for festival attendees.
Inside the museum, home to the world’s largest motorcycle collection and one of the greatest displays of Lotus race cars, visitors can take in historical seminars and new exhibitions. The celebration continues into the night with “Motorcycles by Moonlight,” our annual gala.
“Barber Vintage Festival is the realization of George Barber’s vision to create a world-class gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts,” said Brian Case, executive director of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. “As we honor his life and legacy, we celebrate the global community of collectors, fans, and riders who continue to bring that vision to life.”
Tickets are now on sale. Children 15 years of age and under are free with a paying adult. BMW Motorrad USA, Law Tigers Motorcycle Lawyers, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Triumph Motorcycles, Mecum Auctions, and Papa Johns are the official partners.
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“There are automotive museums, and then there is the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum in Leeds, Alabama. One of these things holds a Guinness World Record, consults with world champion racers, and has sent motorcycles to the Guggenheim. The others do not. If you are building any kind of list of must-visit car culture destinations in America, Barber goes at the top. Not near the top. The top. We’ll get to everything else later.”
That’s the opening paragraph from automotive writer Peter Corn’s feature, “Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum: Don’t sleep on Alabama,” published on the Racer website. Have you seen the collection in person? Plan your visit to Birmingham today. Follow the Linktre.ee link in our bio to read the full story.
Photo: Brandon A. Smith
#BarberMuseum #BarberMotorsportsPark
May 21
Tickets are officially on sale for the 21st annual Barber Vintage Festival, scheduled for Friday, October 9, through Sunday, October 11, at Barber Motorsports Park. This year’s festival carries special meaning as we celebrate the life and legacy of park and museum founder George W. Barber, as well as the motorsports community that has flourished through his vision.
“Barber Vintage Festival is the realization of George Barber’s vision to create a world-class gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts,” said Brian Case, executive director of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. “As we honor his life and legacy, we celebrate the global community of collectors, fans, and riders who continue to bring that vision to life.”
Follow the Linktr.ee link in our bio to learn more and to purchase tickets for the event.
#BarberMuseum #BarberMotorsportsPark #BarberVintageFestival
May 19
All eyes on John Surtees’ 1956 MV Agusta 500 Four: Kenny Roberts, Roland Sands, and Richard Varner on the @motoamerica Superbike grid @barbermotorpark. #BarberMuseum
May 17
Welcome to the third and final day of “MotoAmerica Superbikes at Barber.” In addition to five classes competing on the @barbermotorpark road course, activities are scheduled in the museum, including the Kenny Roberts autograph session at 10 a.m. and engine start-ups at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. And, of course, the world’s largest motorcycle collection.
🎥 Will Stenger/MotoAmerica
#BarberMuseum #BarberMotorsportsPark #MotoAmerica
May 17
George Barber believed motorsports was meant to be experienced—machines in motion, engines alive, history shared with the public.
May 16
Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! Two-time AMA Grand National Champion and three-time FIM 500cc World Champion Kenny Roberts will be signing autographs in the “World Champions” exhibit on the third floor of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum at 10 a.m. The museum opens at 8 a.m.
#MotoAmericaSuperbikesAtBarber
#BarberMuseum #BarberMotorsportsPark #MotoAmerica
May 16
MotoAmerica Superbikes at Barber, May 15-17
May 15
Meet the King! Two-time AMA Grand National Champion and three-time FIM 500cc World Champion Kenny Roberts will be signing autographs in the “World Champions” exhibit on the third floor of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, and again at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 17. The museum opens at 8 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
#MotoAmericaSuperbikesAtBarber
#BarberMuseum #BarberMotorsportsPark #MotoAmerica
May 15
