The Chicago Motoblot is a fresh and fun hot-rod show attended by motorcyclists, rockabilly pin-up girls and everyone in between. Vintage meets modern in Chicago’s industrial district.

Don’t expect to find a tough biker gang at Motoblot. You’re more likely to see a shiny Ford Galaxie cruising down Chicago’s industrial district, or a mint-green Chopper carrying two grinning, tattooed ladies.

Rockabilly culture rules here; guests, performers and vendors alike have style for days. Everywhere you look there are characters, many with antique cars and motos as stylish as the pin-up girls twirling parasols. It’s easy to imagine James Dean riding in on his Triumph TR5, Bettie Page blowing him a kiss.

I have seen hundreds of activations at events over the years, but Flo’s Chop Shop by Progressive Insurance is about as good as it gets. They offer free beard trims for men and manicures for ladies. Boot shines are a must for bikers who wants to stay classy on the road.

Miss Motoblot and the pin-up girl subculture is fascinating! These rockabilly ladies are decked out in curls, red lipstick and retro outfits. Each candidate gets to show off her beauty and wit, some in full character, accent and everything. It’s a major event highlight.

I’ve been saying for years that the events geared toward dressing up always deliver the highest value to visitors, sponsors, and tourism partners. The Chicago Motoblot is absolutely in this category! Right up there with rodeos, ComiCon, and Oktoberfest. Seriously.

A Rockabilly band that performs at an outdoor concert features a bass player who can balance on his stand-up bass while playing and singing. Being a bass player myself, I’m truly impressed.

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