2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival in Milwaukee
The 2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming® Festival, held from July 10 to 13 in Milwaukee, was a spectacular four-day celebration that embraced the city’s vibrant music and motorcycle culture. This annual event attracted thousands of bike enthusiasts from all corners of the country, creating a lively atmosphere filled with music, entertainment, and camaraderie.
The central hub for the festival was Veterans Park, located on the scenic Milwaukee Lakefront. Chris Stapleton headlined the main stage, performing to a capacity crowd. His performance was highly anticipated, and was complemented by a lineup of additional talented artists including Turnpike Troubadours, Sierra Ferrell, and 49 Winchester. Unfortunately, due to inclement weather, the festival had to cut short Friday's events. Attendees who purchased tickets for that day received refunds to acknowledge the unforeseen circumstances, with safety being the priority decision for organizers. Theo Keetell, Vice President of Marketing, emphasized, "Safety is always our top priority — for our riders, our fans, and our employees."
Notably, the Harley-Davidson Museum was buzzing with activity during the festival. The site hosted the Official Kickoff Party on Thursday night, featuring a special performance by Buckcherry. More than 32,000 visitors explored the museum throughout the festival, taking in unique exhibits such as the Ives Brothers Wall of Death Stunt Show and the V-Twin Visionary Custom Motorcycle Showcase. These attractions highlighted Harley-Davidson’s rich history and its influence on motorcycle culture.
Guests also had the opportunity to tour Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations located in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, where they witnessed the intricate engine assembly process. Free test rides of the latest 2025 Harley-Davidson motorcycles were a major draw, allowing festival-goers to experience the thrill of riding firsthand.
Another memorable aspect of the festival was the guided historical tours of Harley-Davidson's corporate headquarters on Juneau Avenue, which once served as the original manufacturing site. This location was also the starting point for a women’s ride in honor of Nancy Davidson, “the first lady of motorcycling,” supporting the Cancer Research Institute™ along the way.
Davidson Park, created by the Harley-Davidson Foundation, operated as a community hub throughout the event. Riders could relax and enjoy live music, participate in lawn games, and view an antique motorcycle show, making it a perfect family-friendly space.
The local dealership community played an essential role in the festival, as numerous Harley-Davidson dealerships across the Milwaukee area hosted various events and activities during the festival. This collaborative effort strengthened community bonds while showcasing the brand’s commitment to its roots.
The festival not only celebrated the love for motorcycles but also served as a reminder of the significant role Harley-Davidson plays in the Milwaukee community. As a part of its future plans, Harley-Davidson has already announced the dates for the next Homecoming Festival, which will take place from July 9 to 12 in 2026. Motorcycle enthusiasts and festival goers can look forward to more exciting performances and events next year. For updates, fans can follow @hdhomecoming on social media, or visit the festival's official site at
hdhomecoming.com.
In conclusion, the 2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival was more than just an event; it was a celebration of culture, community, and the timeless freedom that riding embodies. With a fantastic lineup of music, thrilling activities, and a strong presence of motorcycle passion, this year's festival marked its place in history as a memorable gathering for Harley-Davidson fans and Milwaukee locals alike.