Harley-Davidson isn’t just throwing a music festival. It’s throwing a multi-day, city-wide motorcycle-fueled bash. From July 10 to 13, Milwaukee will echo with live music, custom bikes, stunt shows, beer halls, tattoos, and burnouts as thousands of riders and fans descend on the city for the 2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival.
Major Music Headliners Take Center Stage
Veterans Park on the lakefront is where things get loud. Country icons Hank Williams Jr. (Friday, July 11) and Chris Stapleton (Saturday, July 12) will lead two days of performances on twin stages. It’s not just headliners, though—Turnpike Troubadours, Sierra Ferrell, 49 Winchester, Charles Wesley Godwin, and Buckcherry are just a few of the dozens of acts slated to appear.
Buckcherry gets things rolling on Thursday night with a free kickoff show at the Harley-Davidson Museum. From there, it’s wall-to-wall music for the rest of the weekend.
Festival Extras at Veterans Park
Music aside, Veterans Park will host more than just a concert crowd. The lineup of attractions includes:
- Freestyle motocross stunts from Axell Hodges and Takayuki Higashino
- Flash tattoos from Luke Wessman in the Monster Energy Tattoo Parlor
- A full carnival-style fairground sponsored by Smirnoff ICE
- Harley giveaways, including a new Street Glide®
- NASCAR car displays, pit stops for swag, and the 2025 Harley-Davidson demo fleet
- Custom bike builds, chainsaw wood carving, and a creator meet-and-greet
Admission is free for children under 10 (one per GA ticketed adult). General admission, VIP, and discount ticket options are all available online. Two-day and group bundles come with savings, and payment plans are offered through HDHomecoming.com.
Harley-Davidson Museum: The Cultural Hub
The Harley-Davidson Museum, a short ride from Veterans Park, will serve as the cultural anchor for the weekend. The grounds will host daily live music, bike shows, a tattoo showcase, vendor experiences, and multiple stunt exhibitions.
Notable attractions include:
- The Ives Brothers “Wall of Death” stunt show
- The V-Twin Visionary Custom Motorcycle Showcase
- BMX demos, Real Deal workshoppes, and Rockford Fosgate’s audio stage
- Access to the new 2025 H-D® lineup
- Twisted Tea’s custom giveaway bike
- Official H-D gear, membership perks, and motorcycle displays
On Sunday, the party winds down with a brunch and a custom bike show roll-in. Most museum festivities are free and open to the public, though museum exhibits and tours require a paid ticket unless you’re a Harley Owners Group® member or annual passholder.
Factory Tours and Demo Rides in Menomonee Falls
The Powertrain Operations facility in Menomonee Falls gives visitors a chance to see where the engines are born. For $15, guests can take a self-guided 30–45-minute tour of the engine assembly line. Each ticket comes with a keepsake. Kids under 12 aren’t allowed on the floor, and anyone under 18 needs an adult alongside.
Outside the factory, riders with valid licenses can test ride 2025 Harley-Davidson motorcycles for free.
Harley Headquarters on Juneau Avenue
Back in downtown Milwaukee, the original Harley-Davidson headquarters opens its campus to festivalgoers. Activities include live music, lawn games, and an antique motorcycle show. Entry is free. For those wanting more than a walk-through, guided building tours are available for purchase.
Local Dealers Join the Party
The celebration doesn’t end at official venues. Authorized Harley-Davidson dealers across the Milwaukee area are hosting their own events, ride-ins, and parties. Many will offer festival-related perks and test rides. The goal: make it feel like Milwaukee itself is wearing a leather jacket and cracking a beer.
Ticketing and Access
General admission tickets are available in single-day or weekend formats. VIP ticket holders gain exclusive entry to lounge areas, upgraded food and beverage options, and closer access to the main stage. Military and student discounts are available. All ticket details and the event schedule are posted at HDHomecoming.com.
The Full Milwaukee Experience, Harley Style
This isn’t just about motorcycles. It’s about people. From tattoo artists to beer vendors, from BMX riders to country stars, the entire weekend is a reflection of the culture Harley-Davidson helped shape. It’s a loud, unapologetic celebration of motorcycles, music, and community. And once the engines start, they don’t quiet down until Sunday night.
For those planning to attend, Milwaukee won’t just be the city Harley-Davidson was built in. For four days, it’ll feel like Harley built the city.
