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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This 1920 @harleydavidson is one of four boardtrack racers—three Harleys and an Indian—acquired in 1995 by the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. It’s powered by a rare eight-valve, twin-cam, 61-cubic-inch V-twin, and was recently the subject of a thorough inspection and a startup in the basement conservation area.
The original single-cam engine debuted in 1916. “Harley-Davidson’s racing engineers used engine cases, flywheels, and other basics from the road-going F engine, a two-valve-per-cylinder, inlet-over-exhaust design,” wrote Allan Girdler in his 1992 book, “Harley-Davidson: The American Motorcycle.”
“The major engine change was to the cylinder heads, which had two exhaust and two intake valves for each cylinder. The valves operated by a single camshaft in the timing case next to the flywheels, and via pushrods and rocker arms.” In 1919, Harley-Davidson updated the design and introduced a second camshaft.
Girdler also answered the eternal question: “On February 22, 1921, at the mile boardtrack in Fresno, California, Harley teamster Otto Walker topped time trials with a clocking of 107.78 mph for a flying lap, and won the 50-mile main event at an average of 101.43 mph. It was the first motorcycle race in the world to be won at a speed of more than 100 mph.”
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Jul 14
Back by popular demand: “Motorcycling Through Hollywood” is a unique cinematic experience featuring classic film clips, fascinating facts, and behind-the-scenes stories.
Hosted by docent Mike Morgan, this 90-minute presentation will be held in the museum theater on Saturday, July 25, at 2 p.m. and again on Saturday, August 8, at 2 p.m.
Pricing: $5 for museum members; $16.50 for non-members (plus admission to the museum). Use the "Become a Member" link in our bio to register for either one of the two events.
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Jul 12
Discounted “early bird” tickets are still available for “Motorcycles by Moonlight,” the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum’s signature benefit, on Friday, October 9, at 6 p.m. This year, we are honoring the life and legacy of Barber Motorsports Park founder George Barber.
Serving as the kickoff for the 21st annual Barber Vintage Festival, the evening promises live entertainment, passed hors d’oeuvres, curated whiskey and wine tastings, an interactive chef-attended cooking station, and a thoughtfully prepared multi-course dinner.
Follow the "Motorcycles by Moonlight" Linktr.ee link in our bio to select your table and purchase tickets.
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Jul 9
One of the true icons of Barber Motorsports Park now has her own T-shirt. “Georgina” hangs under the pedestrian bridge approaching Turn 8, midway point of the 17-turn, 2.38-mile road course.
“She likes the view,” joked park founder George Barber.
In 2024, Georgina famously lost her grip and made a surprise cameo on the racing line during the Children`s of Alabama IndyCar Grand Prix. She was soon once again eyeing the on-track action from her unique vantage point.
Purchase a “Love, Georgina” T-shirt in the museum gift shop or from the online store. A Georgina pin is also available. Use the "Shop Barber Merch!" link in our bio.
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Jul 7
In 2025, the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau created the “Tourism Hall of Fame,” honoring individuals who have made a lasting impact on tourism in the region. In May, George W. Barber, Jr. posthumously became the third inductee, the GBCVB recognizing Barber’s “enduring contributions” to tourism to Birmingham and Jefferson County.
“George Barber`s impact goes far beyond motorsports. In creating one of the South`s most iconic sporting venues, he built a place where excellence matters, where visitors feel welcomed, and where Birmingham shines on a global stage. Because of Mr. Barber, people from around the world have discovered Greater Birmingham`s hospitality, history, and spirit.”
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Jul 5
In observance of Independence Day, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum will be closed on Saturday, July 4. We will reopen on Sunday, July 5, at noon. Enjoy a safe holiday with family and friends.
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Jul 2
What’s in it for me, you ask? Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum members enjoy many perks, including unlimited admission to the museum, merchandise discounts, pedestrian bridge access during special events, and a biannual digital newsletter.
Then, there’s the “Turn 9 Hospitality,” located on the basement “Conservation” level of the museum. It boasts an unobstructed view of the easternmost portion of the 17-turn, 2.38-mile road course, pedestrian bridge, and waterfall feature.
Turn 9 Hospitality tickets are now available for the 21st annual Barber Vintage Festival, October 9-11. Enjoy private trackside viewing, cold and hot drinks, delicious meals, and opportunities to commune with fellow motorsports enthusiasts.
Member-exclusive access is offered Friday through Sunday and includes breakfast and lunch. Day passes are $75 for adults and $30 for children; weekend passes are $185 for adults and $80 for children. Sign up before Sunday, September 27.
Follow the "Become a Member" link in our bio.
#BarberMuseum #BarberMotorsportsPark #BarberVintageFestival
Jun 30
Sponsor tables are now on sale for “Motorcycles by Moonlight,” the signature benefit dinner for the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum. Scheduled for Friday, October 9, the event serves as the official opening celebration of the annual Barber Vintage Festival.
Only 12 tables are available, each seating 10 guests. Purchase of a table includes 10 weekend passes to the festival and the museum, promotion on the “Motorcycles by Moonlight” website and in the event space, including individual tables, stage, and social-hour area.
Guests will enjoy an unforgettable dining experience, featuring live entertainment, passed hors d`oeuvres, curated whiskey and wine tastings, an interactive chef-attended cooking station, and a thoughtfully prepared multi-course dinner.
Throughout the evening, we will salute the life and legacy of the late George Barber. A short film and stories shared by special guests will take attendees on a journey through his remarkable vision, influence, and enduring impact on motorsports and beyond.
To learn more, follow the "Motorcycles by Moonlight" Linktr.ee link in our bio.
Artist Credit: Ted Gall
#BarberMuseum #BarberMotorsportsPark #BarberVintageFestival #MotorcyclesByMoonlight
Jun 28
