Motorcycle riders cruise Main Street during a parade to kick off the inaugural Butler Bikes & BBQ at the Butler Farm Show in July 2021. Butler Eagle File Photo

Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau is hosting the second annual Butler Bikes & BBQ event July 22 to 24 at the Butler Farm Show Grounds on Route 68.

“We’re excited to bring back Butler Bikes & BBQ, a celebration of motorcycles and the people who ride them. This year's event will feature lots of live entertainment, demonstrations and hands-on activities,” said Jack Cohen, bureau president.

The family friendly event will feature a variety of motorcycles, food and merchandise vendors, a bike show and kickoff ride, bike accessories, demonstrations, live entertainment, games, scenic rides and other activities. Admission is free. Parking for vehicles is $5, but free for motorcycles at the Meridian Road entrance.

To open the event, A.B.A.T.E. will host a kickoff ride at 6 p.m. July 22 to benefit Butler County Veterans In Need, a nonprofit organization that collects and distributes funds to assist veterans and their families during times of financial emergency. There is no registration fee to participate, but donations to the organization are encouraged. A.B.A.T.E. is also organizing the rides and bike games.

The event will feature a myriad of hands-on activities and opportunities to see all types of motorcycles and demonstrations. Pitt Cycles will have three big rigs filled with bikes from Indian Motorcycle, BMW and Triumph Motorcycles. New Castle Harley is bringing its Harley Davidson demonstration rig with the latest bikes. There will be demonstrations of electric bikes, a mobile tattoo parlor, a best beard and tattoo contest, a kids bike garage where bicycles can be repaired on-site for free.

American former professional motocross racer Jeffrey Eric Stanton will be in attendance. He is a three-time AMA 250cc Motocross and Supercross national champion. Stanton will sign autographs under the Triumph tent and lead four three-and-a-half-hour rides over the weekend.

Live entertainment includes 11 local bands playing at the Auditorium Pavilion, which is included with free admission.

A separate concert is planned July 23 at the Grandstand Arena featuring singer, songwriter and guitarist Lita Ford. Pittsburgh-based band, A Common Crown is the opening act. Tickets purchased in advance cost $15 and cost $20 at the gate. Concert tickets are available through the bureau website.

The bike games sponsored by A.B.A.T.E. will begin at 1:30 p.m. July 23 and the bike show will be from noon to 4 p.m. July 24. Registration is required to participate in each event and prizes will be awarded.

Vendor applications and sponsorships are still being accepted. For more information go to www.butlerbikesbbq.com.