Hoancoming is back next week to close out summer with a boat parade, drone show and — new this year — a recreation of Madison’s iconic Memorial Union Terrace on Milwaukee’s lakefront.
Originally created to help light the east side of the Daniel W. Hoan Memorial Bridge, Hoancoming has since evolved into an annual end-of-summer celebration, viewable from land and water. The drone and light show will be synced to lights on the bridge.
Hoancoming will also donate a portion of its proceeds to the MACC Fund, or Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer, which helps fund childhood cancer research.
Here’s what to know about Hoancoming 2025, including how to reserve your spot on the Terrace pop-up:
When is Hoancoming?
Hoancoming is on Thursday, Sept. 18. Here’s a schedule of the evening:
Where can I watch Hoancoming from?
You can watch the Hoancoming boat parade and the light and drone show from either land or water.
For boaters, the show will be viewable near the Hoan Bridge, at the confluence of the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan.
For those on land, the light and drone show will be viewable from across the city. Some recommended viewing areas include the Riverwalk, the Pierhead Lighthouse and Boone & Crockett, 818 S Water St.
You can also reserve a spot in one of several prime viewing areas on both land and water.
How to attend the Memorial Union Terrace pop-up in Milwaukee
This year’s Hoancoming will feature a temporary recreation of Madison’s Memorial Union Terrace, complete with live music, brats, beverages and, of course, the signature sunburst chairs.
The pop-up will be at the Pierhead Lighthouse from 6 to 8 p.m. General admission is free, but you must RSVP online to reserve your spot.
Is Hoancoming free to attend?
Hoancoming is free to attend, though you can pay for ticketed experiences, including a boat cruise to support the MACC Fund. Find more information here.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee’s end-of-summer Hoancoming event will feature a recreation of Madison’s Terrace
Reporting by Maia Pandey, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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