DAVID MANN CHOPPER FEST 2026 – VENTURA, CALIFORNIA

Moving further along, performance baggers bring a different feel. Big motors, tight suspension, and modern engineering define these bikes. Clean, powerful, and meant to be ridden, they reflect a newer generation without losing connection to the mindset that shaped the earlier scene. Individuality still matters, and every build carries its own personality.

Then comes the Vicla motorcycles — long, low, and detailed. Deep paint, smooth lines, chrome and engraving, and careful craftsmanship make this section stand apart. People slow down here, taking a closer look, noticing the work behind each build. Even with the variety across the grounds, nothing feels separate. It all connects back to the same culture.

One of the most important parts of the event is the David Mann art show. This year featured the largest collection of David Mann’s original artwork, giving people a rare opportunity to see his work up close. Standing in front of the originals offers a deeper understanding of why his art still matters. The detail, tone, and perspective within each piece reflect a time and feeling that continues to live on through the motorcycles outside.

The raffles added another layer to the day. Two motorcycles were up for grabs, one Dyna and one chopper. Throughout the event, anticipation built around who would take them home. When the time came, the crowd gathered close. One winner rolled away with the Dyna, a solid and ready-to-ride machine. The other took home the chopper, a bike with its own personality. When it came time to start, it didn’t fire on the first kick, but that moment made it real. No staging, no polishing. Just a motorcycle doing what motorcycles sometimes do. When it finally came to life, the crowd reacted together, and the moment became part of the day’s story.

David Mann Chopper Fest continues each year because of the people behind it. With the help of Choppers Magazine, Harley-Davidson, Thrashin’ Supply and a strong group of sponsors and supporters, the event remains grounded in the community that built it. It doesn’t feel manufactured or staged. It feels supported by people who care about keeping the culture alive and accessible.

As the afternoon moved toward evening, the tone of the day shifted. The sun lowered, the air cooled slightly, and people began making one last walk across the grounds. Conversations continued, photos were taken, and groups gathered before heading their separate ways. Some riders prepared for long trips home, others for short rides through town, but the feeling across the fairgrounds stayed steady, calm, familiar, and connected.

David Mann Chopper Fest doesn’t try to recreate the past. Instead, it shows how the culture continues forward while staying tied to its roots. The motorcycles, the artwork, and the people who return year after year keep that connection alive.

For many, the trip to Ventura is about more than attending a show. It’s about returning to a place where motorcycle culture still feels honest, where the influence of David Mann still lives on, and where the community continues to gather year after year to keep it moving forward.