Riverwest 24 2026: A Guide for Family Riders and Spectators

The Riverwest 24 is a legendary bike race — and carnival on wheels — with 24-hour laps, music, hijinks, fun and tattoos around the Milwaukee neighborhood.

But it isn’t just for hardcore bikers and endurance junkies—it’s become one of Milwaukee’s most beloved community events for all ages, including families with young kids. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the energy, creativity, and neighborly vibes of this 24-hour bike race without riding all night, the Kids 24 and Family Lap are your perfect entry points.

This year’s Riverwest 24 takes place July 24–25, 2026, from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday.

Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy Riverwest 24 with your family in tow.

What Is the Riverwest 24?

The Riverwest 24, often called RW24, is a unique, community-driven, 24-hour bike ride through the heart of Milwaukee’s Riverwest neighborhood. It’s not your typical race. Teams and solo riders rack up laps, visit creative bonus checkpoints, and celebrate the diverse and vibrant spirit of Riverwest.

You’ll see costumes, decorated bikes, porch parties, cheering neighbors, music, lights, and plenty of spontaneous fun. It’s part bike ride, part neighborhood festival, and part Milwaukee tradition. Best of all, there’s something for everyone, even the littlest riders.

The Family Lap

Start your Saturday morning with a community ride that’s low-pressure, high-fun, and totally family-friendly. The Family Lap is typically a slow, social loop for families who want to experience the Riverwest 24 course without the intensity of the full 24-hour ride.

Cargo bikes, Burley trailers, balance bikes, training wheels, and pint-sized pedals are all welcome. The pace is casual, the vibe is encouraging, and the memories are instant classics.

Family Lap details are usually announced closer to race weekend, so check Riverwest 24’s official channels before heading out.

Typical Family Lap details:

📍 Meet near: Snail’s Crossing / Fratney & Keefe area
⏰ Time: Saturday morning
⏳ Length: About 45 minutes
🎉 Vibe: Slow, social, welcoming, and kid-friendly

The Kids 24

Let your kids be part of the excitement with the Kids 24, a fun-sized version of the Riverwest 24 just for young riders. Held Saturday morning at La Escuela Fratney, this free event gives children a safe, welcoming way to get a taste of the action.

Kids 24 Schedule at a Glance

📍 Location: La Escuela Fratney, 3255 N. Fratney St.

Ages 3–7

🕥 Sign-up: 10:30 a.m.
🚲 Ride: Saturday morning after sign-up

Ages 8+

🕦 Sign-up: 11:30 a.m.
🚲 Ride: Saturday morning after sign-up

All types of wheels are welcome, including bikes, trikes, scooters, training wheels, and everything in between. The point is not speed. It’s participation, confidence, and fun.

What to Bring

Bring a helmet for each rider, which is required. Kids should use a bike, trike, or scooter they feel confident riding. Water, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes are also a good idea since you’ll be outside for a bit.

You may also want a camera, because there will be plenty of adorable photo opportunities. Extra clothes or towels can come in handy too, especially if your kids get into chalk, bubbles, temporary tattoos, or other bonus checkpoint fun.

Want to Ride? Here’s How 2026 Registration Works

If your family wants to do more than watch from the sidelines, Riverwest 24 registration takes place well before race weekend.

2026 Registration Day is Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Black Husky and Garden Park. VIP registration begins at 10 a.m., with the lottery drawing starting at noon, if spots are still available.

Registration is $34 per rider, payable by cash or check only, so come prepared. Before registration day, riders should log in to their profile at riverwest24.com and make sure their information is up to date, including contact information and shirt size.

Pro Tips for Families

Arrive early. Parking around La Escuela Fratney and nearby Riverwest streets can fill up quickly.

Make it a day. After the Kids 24, stick around to explore Riverwest, grab lunch, listen to music, or cheer on the adult riders as they keep the laps going.

Talk about it ahead of time. Let kids know this event is more about fun and community than racing or winning.

Bring your cheering energy. Applause, cowbells, bubbles, and sidewalk encouragement are all part of the magic.

Riverwest 24 is more than a bike event. It’s a celebration of togetherness, neighborhood pride, and Milwaukee creativity. The Kids 24 gives young riders a chance to be part of something bigger while enjoying a safe, friendly ride of their own.

Whether it’s their first time on a bike or they’ve been cruising for years, they’ll leave with smiles, stories, and a sense of accomplishment.

Looking for more family-friendly cycling adventures? July 20th brings the return of one of our area's most meaningful community events – the 5th Annual Bike4Friendship.