Milwaukee Ignites Winter Tourism With Iconic Motorcycle Weekend

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Feb 12, 2026

In the heart of winter, Milwaukee shifts into high gear. From February 20–22, 2026, the city will welcome thousands of visitors for its most celebrated motorcycle culture weekend, anchored by Flat Out Friday and the Mama Tried Motorcycle Show — a three-day destination event that blends world-class racing, custom motorcycle artistry, and authentic Milwaukee culture.
 

The weekend attracts travelers from across the United States and internationally, filling hotels, restaurants, and local venues while showcasing Milwaukee’s deep-rooted motorcycle heritage and creative spirit. With walkable downtown venues and a packed calendar of events, the motorcycle weekend has become a signature winter tourism draw for the city.
The action begins Friday, February 20, with Flat Out Friday at Fiserv Forum, where the NBA arena is transformed into a high-speed indoor flat track.
 

“We’re thrilled to bring Flat Out Friday back to Milwaukee for its 10th anniversary,” said Jeremy Prach, Founder of Flat Out Friday. “This event showcases the incredible diversity and passion of the at-track community — from vintage classics to wild goofball builds — all under one roof. It’s a true celebration of the sport and its fans.”
 

Featuring bar-to-bar racing, youth and amateur classes, and fan-favorite hooligan heats, the event delivers an electrifying start to the weekend for both dedicated fans and first-time visitors.
 

On Saturday and Sunday, February 21–22, the focus shifts to the historic Eagles Ballroom at The Rave / Eagles Club, where the Mama Tried Motorcycle Show, presented by Harley-Davidson and Midwest Motorcycle Lawyers, takes over. Now in its 12th year, Mama Tried is the largest indoor winter motorcycle show in the country, featuring over 100 hand-selected custom motorcycles from builders around the globe, along with vendors, artists, and live activations.
 

“Events like Flat Out Friday and Mama Tried showcase Milwaukee at its best — creative, welcoming, and proudly rooted in motorcycle history,” said Warren Heir Jr, Co-Founder of Mama Tried and Flat Out Friday.
 

Now in its 12th year, Mama Tried offers an immersive celebration of motorcycle culture, featuring over 100 hand-picked custom motorcycles, curated from builders across the United States and internationally. From drag racers and hill climbers to choppers, baggers, and bar hoppers, each bike represents creativity, craftsmanship, and passion.
 

“This weekend brings visitors downtown during a key winter travel period and delivers a unique experience you can’t find anywhere else.”
 

As the birthplace of Harley-Davidson, Milwaukee’s role as a global motorcycle destination is front and center throughout the weekend. The city’s industrial architecture, vibrant neighborhoods, and legendary hospitality provide the perfect backdrop for an event that merges motorsports, art, and culture.
 

Why Visitors Travel to Milwaukee for Motorcycle Weekend

  • One-of-a-kind events: The only indoor flat track race of its kind, paired with a world-class custom motorcycle show
  • Winter travel appeal: A high-energy escape during February, traditionally a slower tourism period
  • Walkable venues: Downtown and near-west side locations close to hotels, dining, and nightlife  


Milwaukee authenticity: Deep motorcycle heritage, local breweries, music venues, and cultural attractions


Weekend Schedule at a Glance

  • Flat Out Friday (Presented by Harley-Davidson & Midwest Motorcycle Lawyers)
    • Friday, February 20, 2026, 6:30 pm
    • Fiserv Forum, Downtown Milwaukee
       
  • Mama Tried Motorcycle Show (Presented by Harley-Davidson & Midwest Motorcycle Lawyers)
    • Saturday, February 21, 2026: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
    • Sunday, February 22, 2026: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM


Eagles Ballroom at The Rave / Eagles Club

The Flat Out Friday + Mama Tried weekend has grown into a nationally recognized tourism event, drawing riders, creatives, and fans who return year after year — and many who experience Milwaukee for the first time.
 

About the Events

Flat Out Friday is the nation’s premier indoor flat track motorcycle race, held annually in Milwaukee. Mama Tried Motorcycle Show is an invitational custom motorcycle exhibition celebrating craftsmanship, creativity, and motorcycle culture.
 

For trip planning, hotel information, and city guides, visit visitmilwaukee.org.


For event tickets and details, visit flatoutfriday.com and mamatriedshow.com.

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