We’ve spent the past few weeks preparing for BikeFest, our yearly fundraiser and celebration of bicycling. It’s finally here (and, lucky for any slackers out there, tickets will be available at the door)! Tonight, you’ll be supporting WABA’s advocacy, outreach, and education initiatives while enjoying all of the following: Food and libations: A taco bar courtesy of Chipotle will pair with beer from New Belgium Brewery, representatives of which will be on-site giving free tastings and running a “beer school.” A well-stocked “speakeasy” bar will provide boozier alternatives to beer. Your ticket includes two gold drink tokens. Live music: Local group Atomic Swing Club will provide a mix of jazz, rockabilly, lounge, big band, and of course, swing tunes. There will be plenty of space for dancing. Casino games: Your ticket includes a voucher that can be exchanged for $200 in “fun bucks” to use at the professionally run casino tables. The minimum table bid is $25. When you stack up your chips, cash them out with the dealers—you’ll receive a green voucher that you can exchange for raffle tickets (see a volunteer or the WABA Bank). You can purchase additional buy-in vouchers at the WABA Bank. Sound confusing? You’ll be a pro after a few hands. The BikeBuild contest and auction: We’ve told you about the four BikeBuild contest entries, all of which have been put together by local bike shops just for BikeFest. Check them out and cast your vote for your favorite with the blue token included in your ticket envelope. If you really love one of the bikes, it could be yours: Just participate in the live auction! Silent auction: All proceeds earned from your bids on experience packages and items available in the silent auction go to WABA. There’s some great stuff on offer, much of it bike-related. Raffle: Exchange your table-game winnings for raffle tickets, or buy some from the WABA Bank. Here’s a peek at what you might win. Dress to impress: This one’s on you. BikeFest is a snazzy affair, and you may have noticed that our poster echoes the forthcoming remake of The Great Gatsby. Wear something sparkly, jazzy, and evocative of Casablanca. Own it. We’ll be taking pictures. If you didn’t buy tickets, a limited number will be available at the door for $55. We will only take credit cards, so please prepare accordingly. BikeFest begins at 8 p.m. at Eastern Market’s North Hall. Dress in your sparkly best. We’ll see you tonight!

BikeFest is made possible by our generous sponsors