The H.O.G. Village will host all kinds of fun for the iconic brand fans, including concerts and parties.

Also on display will be the newest models of Harley-Davidsons and demo rides will be available as the annual gathering comes to Slovenia for the first time. In nearby Piran, the gathering will also host a show of custom-made bikes.

On Saturday, the roaring of the powerful machines will take the whole of Slovenian Istria as 3,000 bikes are to take a joyride around the region. The parade will also visit the coastal towns of Koper and Izola.

The gathering, which takes place in different locations each year, is the high point of the season for many Harley-Davidson bikers, the European Harley Owners Group says.

Slavica Tucakov, spokeswoman for the municipality of Piran, said in January that H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group) Europe chose Portorož on its own initiative, which is a great honour for the town. Gatherings have taken place in several luxurious places, such as Saint-Tropez, Lake Garda, and Andalusia.

The event will provide a tremendous boost to tourism, as over 10,000 visitors are expected to attend until Sunday. According to Lea Šuligoj from the Tourist Board in Portorož, several hotels have been completely booked.