Chopper Heaven

More than 35,000 bikers worldwide are expected to come together today through Sunday for the eighth annual Las Vegas BikeFest, a gathering that celebrates all things motorcycle.

The festival takes place downtown and at Cashman Center, 850 Las Vegas Blvd. North. There, more than 300 vendors will display their goods from 5 to 10 p.m. today, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

"It gives riders and enthusiasts the opportunity to spend the weekend with people like them," said Pam Schwartz, festival organizer. "They ride, have fun. It's basically a four-day party."

Some of the festivities include parties at Hogs and Heifers bar at 201 N. Third St., master builder competitions and poker runs on Friday and Saturday with cash prizes.

Poker run riders make several predetermined stops to collect poker cards. At their last stop the rider holding the best hand wins cash, $1,000 Friday and $2,000 Saturday. Also on Saturday's poker run a lucky hand chosen by computer will win the grand prize of $100,000, Schwartz said.

Master builder competitions, which take place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Cashman Center, will highlight the custom-made motorcycles of invited bike builders. The best bike wins a $20,000 prize, Schwartz noted.

The weekend also is peppered with events such as bikini contests, a Mr. Las Vegas BikeFest competition, wet T-shirt competitions, an eating contest and demonstration rides. Motorcycles will be on display throughout the festival.

The BikeFest Concert Series features concerts around town, including today's free concert by the Culture Killers at the Fremont Street Experience's Third Street Stage at 9 p.m., and shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday by Branscombe Richmond and the Renegade All Stars at Fiesta Rancho, 2400 N. Rancho Drive (tickets $19.95).

On Saturday from 1 to 10 p.m., Count's Kustoms Motor Psycho Open House will take place at 2714 Highland Drive. People can check out the custom-made bikes built by shop owner Danny Koker. Drinks, food and entertainment also will be available.

For a full list of events, check out lasvegasbikefest.com.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564.