Date(s)
03/27/2026 - 03/29/2026
Host
Circuit of the Americas
Location
9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd
Austin, Texas 78617
Austin, Texas 78617
More Info
Official Website
Other Events
Texas Motorcycle Events
2026 Handbuilt Show Review
Here’s our review of the 2026 Handbuilt Motorcycle Show in Austin. It is pretty straightforward: it wasn’t our favorite year of the Show.
In previous years, this bike show was held at the Austin American-Statesman, located between downtown and South Congress. This area has a lot going on, including bars, restaurants, and more things to check out.
Next, the 2026 Handbuilt Show’s location. In 2026, it was held at the Circuit of the Americas, about 18 miles from downtown Austin… out in nowhere.
The 2026 Show was held at the same time as the MotoGP races. This meant the area was packed, and parking was terrible. Also, you had to pay to get into the MotoGP, in addition to paying to get into the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show and for parking, whether you were interested in the racing or not.
In addition, the vibe was totally different. When it was held at the Statesmen, people went for the handmade motorcycles, not racing. I like both motorcycle shows and racing. But I expected more of a restored, custom-built show vibe.
Also, 80% of employees and 90% of attendees at the Circuits of America didn’t know the Handbuilt Show was happening or where it was located. Most people there were for racing.
Then, an important part of our review of the 2026 Handbuilt Bike Show in Austin was the bikes. There were a lot of older metric motorcycles, and they were cool. But there weren’t nearly as many pre-1940s motorcycles or V-twins.
Next, there was no information on the bikes. In the past, cards included the year, make, model, the motorcycle’s name, and additional information about the bike or the build. I knew the era and make of the bikes, but I like getting a little more information.
Notably, we will still post pictures of the bikes at the Handbuilt. Mostly, they will be from pre-2026 Shows.
Bottom line: given the review above of the 2026 Handbuilt Show in Austin, would we go again? Only if it is held closer to downtown Austin and there are more pre-1940 motorcycles at the Show.
Pre-2026 Handbuilt Bike Show in Austin
The 2026 Handbuilt Motorcycle Show in Austin, TX, celebrates the artistry and craftsmanship of custom bike builders, emphasizing their creativity and the unique motorcycles they create. One aim of the Handbuilt Show is to inspire builders to create something unique.
Unlike many shows that let anyone enter for a fee, the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show in Austin is invitation-only. This top-shelf invitational bike show will feature an amazing group of motorcycles. The Handbuilt Show is one of the LightningCustoms.com 2026 Major Motorcycle Rallies.
In addition to the machines at the 2026 Handbuilt, attendees can look forward to the Ives Brothers’ Wall of Death and artist Makoto Endo live-painting motorcycles with chopsticks.
Important: Please note that the 2026 Handbuilt Bike Show will be held at the Circuit of the Americas, rather than at the Austin American-Statesman.
** Finally, another major rally in Texas is the Lone Star Rally in Galveston.
