It’s impossible to live in Milwaukee without being repeatedly reminded of Harley-Davidson’s presence here. The venerable motorcycle brand’s Canal Street campus commands attention. And so do the leather-clad, engine-revving riders who routinely cruise into the city for HD events.
For the company’s 120th anniversary this year, Harley is hosting a four-day Homecoming Festival that will take place July 13-16 at multiple venues around the city with parades, stunt shows and a stacked concert lineup.
Tell us who you’d pick to be a Betty this year!
“I get goosebumps when I think back to all the prior anniversaries and the camaraderie we feel with everyone gathered to help us celebrate,” says Bill Davidson, Harley VP and great-grandson of one of the founders. “We’re looking forward to welcoming our community of riders and nonriders.”
Interested in attending? Many events are free, but the concerts at Veterans Park require tickets, which start at $110 per day for general admission.
More Than Music
Musicians aren’t the only ones taking center stage at the festival. The Nitro Circus freestyle motorcycle show will be bringing death-defying stunts to Veterans Park July 14-15. Greenfield Avenue in West Allis will be packed with food and bikes for the Bikes on the Block party on July 15. And don’t miss the epic 120th Motorcycle Parade, Downtown on July 16.
Insider Picks
There’s no way you’ll have time to see every musician performing across all of the Harley stages, so you’ll have to pick and choose. Here are a few of our favorites.
Hairball
JULY 13 | H-D MUSEUM
Cover bands get an undeservedly bad rap. The songs from this tribute to ’80s arena rock are near indistinguishable from the originals –and the costumes would make Gene Simmons proud.
Phantogram
JULY 14 | VETERANS PARK
This experimental pop duo has yet to achieve a chart topper, but industry insiders love their work. To date, they’ve collaborated with Billy Corgan, The Flaming Lips and Miley Cyrus.
Green Day
JULY 14 | VETERANS PARK
The four-time Grammy winners from Berkeley are rightly credited with reviving an interest in punk rock in the 1990s, channeling the angst of a generation into a series of bona fide bops.
Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
JULY 15 | VETERANS PARK
Like peanut butter and jelly, and Laverne and Shirley, Harley-Davidson and Joan Jett are a pairing that just makes sense. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee has nine Top 40 singles.
