Steel, Style & Southern Grit: The Kentucky Kickdown Motorcycle Show

Tucked along the banks of the Ohio River, Louisville, Kentucky roars to life every fall with the rumble of custom exhausts, the scent of bourbon in the air, and a crowd that knows how to celebrate motorcycle culture the right way. Welcome to the Kentucky Kickdown Motorcycle Show—a grassroots gathering where vintage iron, tattooed artistry, and Southern charm converge in one unforgettable weekend.

More Than a Bike Show—It’s a Culture Fest

What sets Kentucky Kickdown apart from other motorcycle events? It's not just about bikes—though you’ll see an insane lineup of beautifully restored classics, rat bikes, choppers, bobbers, café racers, and everything in between. It's about culture. Live music, vintage vendors, food trucks, art installations, a hot rod car corral, and even a Miss Kickdown contest—this is where the heart of old-school cool meets modern grit.

Held in Louisville’s vibrant Germantown neighborhood, the show transforms the streets into a full-blown block party. Whether you rolled in on two wheels or just came for the vibe, you’ll leave with oil under your nails and a head full of stories.

Built, Not Bought

At its core, Kentucky Kickdown is a celebration of builders. You won’t find cookie-cutter showroom bikes here. These machines are personal statements—crafted in basements, backyards, and garages by people who live and breathe two-wheeled freedom. The show gives these builders a platform, while spectators get up close with the kind of mechanical artistry that never makes it into a dealership.

Bourbon, Bands & Brotherhood

This is Kentucky, after all—so it wouldn’t be right without bourbon flowing and Southern hospitality on full display. Local distilleries pour some of the state’s finest, and live bands keep the energy high all weekend. It’s loud, it’s gritty, and it’s got soul—just like the bikes themselves.

And it’s not just for the hardcore. The event is wildly inclusive, drawing everyone from seasoned riders and vintage collectors to curious locals and families. There's even a ride-in bike show, so anyone can get in on the action.

Kick It Down—Hard

If you’re looking for an event that honors tradition, fuels creativity, and brings together a community of gearheads and free spirits, Kentucky Kickdown is it. It’s not polished, it’s not perfect—and that’s exactly the point. It’s real. It’s raw. And it’s one hell of a time.