Harley-Davidson Museum to host annual Custom Bike Show Weekend

Come out and be among the first to see the new Milwaukee-Eight™ engine.

A lot is going on at the Harley-Davidson Museum this Labor Day weekend, including a bike show, new technology on display and the passion that makes Harley-Davidson one of the top brands in the world as the party of the year arrives on the H-D Museum campus. The annual Custom Bike Show Weekend during the Milwaukee Rally means rolling sculptures will fill the campus.

The weekend kicks off with the largest Bike Night of the year on Thursday, Sept. 1. In addition to food and drink specials from MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant, the campus will be shaking with the sounds of Hairball, a bombastic arena rock experience. And if that weren’t enough, the night will feature special appearances from Bill Davidson, Vice President of the Harley-Davidson Museum, and Michelle Kumbier, Senior Vice President of Motor Company Product & Operations, as they uncrate the first-ever Milwaukee-Eight engine to roll off the Pilgrim Road assembly line. The Museum’s latest acquisition will be unveiled to thousands of Harley-Davidson enthusiasts, eager to get an up-close look at Harley-Davidson’s ninth Big Twin engine. The special unveiling, scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m., will ensure the Museum will be roaring with activity all weekend long. Two of the largest custom bike shows of the year alongside live music, artisans, food and drink specials and more make this a summer send-off for the ages. The city of Milwaukee is getting behind the Bar & Shield as various landmarks throughout the city will be lit in orange against the black sky for the Milwaukee Rally. Some of the weekend highlights include: Throughout the weekend (Museum hours: Thursday, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Friday - Sunday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.) - The recently unveiled 2017 Harley-Davidson® motorcycle lineup will be on the Museum campus, offering fans of Harley-Davidson a first glimpse at the new models and the all-new Milwaukee-Eight engine in its natural habitat. - Custom culture artisans, working in mediums as diverse as leather and sparkplugs, offer demonstrations of their craft and feature one-of-a-kind products available for purchase. - The winning Custom Kings Street motorcycle will be on display in the Pro Builder Tent. The Custom Kings contest asked dealers and builders from across the country to transform stock Harley-Davidson Sportster® motorcycles into works of rolling art. Live outdoor music from crowd pleasers such as Hairball (Sept. 1 at 7:30 p.m.), Unity The Band (Sept. 2 at 4 p.m.), Saddlebrook (Sept. 3 at 5:30 p.m.) and Road Trip (Sept. 4 at 12:30 p.m.), alongside great food and beverages from MOTOR® Bar & Restaurant. Thursday, Sept. 1 - Starting at 5 p.m. The Museum’s largest Bike Night of the year All bikes unite at the Harley-Davidson Museum® to kick off the Milwaukee Rally. Riders and non-riders are invited to enjoy live music from Bad Habitz and headliner Hairball, food and drink specials inside and outside MOTOR Bar & Restaurant, as well as extended Museum hours. Plus, be on hand when Bill Davidson’s uncrates the Milwaukee-Eight, the newest acquisition for the H-D Museum. Friday, Sept. 2 - 9–10:30 a.m. Milwaukee Rally Women's Ride The Milwaukee Rally Women's Ride is back! Join us for a great day ride along the Lake Michigan shore, rolling west to the beautiful landscape of Holy Hill. Participants receive a commemorative Rally goodie bag, fabulous lunch and event program. Ride is limited to first 113 women. Staging begins at 9 a.m. at the H-D Museum with kickstands up at 10:30 a.m. Visit milwaukeerally.com to register. Saturday, Sept. 3 - 5–9 p.m. BBQ & Blues MOTOR brings together two true American classics: Blues music and all-you-can-eat BBQ. For just $19.95, have your fill of MOTOR’s famous hickory-smoked BBQ chicken, pulled pork, smoked brisket and grilled sausage links – all four is a great start – or add on AYCE Memphis-style dry-rubbed ribs for only $5 more. In addition to all the smoking BBQ, MOTOR will sizzle with the best in true American blues music from nationally known musicians – with no cover charge! Don’t delay in making a reservation for your next great Saturday night as MOTOR rolls out the orange carpet for this perfect pairing of good food and live music. Saturday, Sept. 5, and Sunday, Sept. 6 - 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Pro Invitational Custom Bike Show This show features custom motorcycles from top professional builders from around the country, being displayed in the Chrome special-event space. Jaw-dropping machines from Born-Free, Mama Tried, Oily Souls, The Race of Gentlemen, The One Show and other craftsmen and women will vie for top honors (and street cred). Also in Chrome, a special MotoPhotoShow exhibition will be on display, highlighting 60 motorcycle prints by nationally-known photographers. MotoPhotoShow exhibitions share the life, customs and creativity of the Midwest motorcycle culture. Finally, Milwaukee’s own Horseshoe Tattoo will bring buckets of ink for all those enthusiasts looking to add a little body art to their collection. Admission is FREE, and the event is open to the public. Sunday, Sept. 6 - 10 a.m.–4 p.m. H-D Museum Custom Bike Show Some of the most impressive works of art, using a motorcycle as the canvas, fill the Museum campus. Awards for best of show in several classes, including the coveted Willie G. Davidson Award, are presented at 4 p.m. Registration is now open. All interested entrants must submit their information online at h-dmuseum.com/custombikeshowweekend. For full event details and a weekend schedule, visit h-dmuseum.com.

Also happening: It's your last chance to see the Museum’s special summer exhibit “Drag Racing: America’s Fast Time” On view through Sept. 5 (Museum hours for Labor Day: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.) Go under the hood with mind-blowing mad scientists of speed to see just how much blood, sweat and elbow grease hot rodders pour into their machines – two wheels or four – in their race against time. See the sport make tracks from its humble beginnings on darkened streets to the bright lights of the winner’s circle as the need for speed permeated pop culture. The exhibit closes Monday, Sept. 5. Museum admission rates apply.