Chris Stapleton performs at a sold-out Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022.
Chris Stapleton performs at a sold-out Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022.
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What you need to know about 2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming festival in Milwaukee

The Harley-Davidson Homecoming festival has hosted more than 140,000 people in Milwaukee the past two years.

Now the motorcycle company is gearing up for the third annual festival, with help from Chris Stapleton and Hank Williams Jr.

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The country superstars and legends will headline two days of Veterans Park concerts, joining a list of past Homecoming headliners including Foo Fighters, Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jelly Roll and Hardy. The concerts will again be the centerpiece of the four-day Homecoming Festival.

Here’s everything we know that you need to know. Come back to this story as the festival approaches for more updates.

When and where is the Harley-Davidson Homecoming festival 2025 taking place?

It’ll happen July 10 to 13 in multiple locations in Milwaukee and surrounding suburbs, including:

When and where are Chris Stapleton and Hank Williams Jr. performing?

The Harley Homecoming’s central event will again be two days of concerts at Veterans Park in downtown Milwaukee that, for the first time since the festival’s inception in 2023, will be dominated by Americana and country music.

Hank Williams Jr. will headline the first night of the concerts in the park on the Harley-Davidson Stage on July 11, from 9:30 to 10:45 p.m. The son of country legend Hank Williams, the Country Music Hall of Famer will be 76 when he takes the Harley stage for his first area appearance since a Wisconsin State Fair headlining gig in 2021.

Country legend-in-the-making Chris Stapleton will close out the Veterans Park concerts on July 12 on the Harley-Davidson Stage, performing from 9:15 to 10:45 p.m. It will be another noteworthy Milwaukee gig following three sold-out concerts in the city each year from 2021 to 2023: first at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater during Summerfest, then at Fiserv Forum, then opening for George Strait (and performing with him) at American Family Field.

One of country music’s most acclaimed and awarded stars of the moment, Stapleton has released another decorated album since the last Milwaukee show, “Higher,” that’s expected to be showcased in his setlist at the Harley Homecoming.

Other artists playing the 2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming festival include Sierra Ferrell, Treaty Oak Revival and Jason Momoa’s band

Several fast-rising Americana and country music stars — and a rock band featuring movie star and Harley superfan Jason Momoa — will play Veterans Park ahead of Stapleton and Williams, including:

July 11

July 12

What else is happening at Veterans Park during the 2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming festival?

There’ll be freestyle motocross stunt shows at 4:30, 6 and 7:45 p.m. July 11; and at 4:15, 5:45 and 7:30 p.m. July 12. Stihl Woodcarving also will have presentations July 11 and 12 every hour beginning at 3:15 p.m. until 7:15 p.m.

Each day, there’ll also be special interactive experiences for Harley fans from 2 to 7 p.m. — including motorcycle displays, simulator and DJ sets — and experiences provided by fest sponsors from 2 to 9 p.m. Stores selling Harley and artist merchandise, and food and drink vendors, will be open from 2 to 11 p.m. each day. And different motorcycle social media content creators will be on-site at the Harley-Davidson Hangout space July 11 for meet-and-greets from 4 to 6 p.m.

How much are tickets to the Veterans Park concerts? How do I get them?

There are three types of tickets available at hdhomecoming.com — general admission, GA+ and VIP — for either a single day or for two days.

General-admission tickets

GA+ Tickets

VIP Tickets

Will the Harley-Davidson Museum be open during the 2025 Homecoming? What activities will they have?

The museum will be open, with tickets available for $25 for adults, and $17 for children ages 5 to 17. Admission is free for children younger than 5, and for Harley Owners Group members, Access Pass Members and Museum Annual Passholders during the festival.

The Harley-Davidson Store, Harley-Davidson Factory Outlet, Motor Bar and Restaurant, and several concessions and food trucks also will be open each day. The Skin Museum Custom Tattoos also will be on-site from noon to 8 p.m. July 10; noon to 6 p.m. July 11 and 12; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 13.

Recurring free activities include:

Additional free activities, such as concerts, Include:

July 10

July 11

July 12

July 13

What’s planned at the Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations during the Homecoming?

The Powertrain Operations facility in Menomonee Falls will offer 30- to 45-minute self-guided tours during the Harley Homecoming, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 10 to 12, for $15 per person, with tickets available at hdhomecoming.com. The tours will include a chance to walk the factory floor, see the assembly line and steel and aluminum machining areas, and interact with employees. While tours are during the factory’s operating hours, Harley-Davidson cannot guarantee that every area will be in operation.

No children younger than 12 are permitted, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Safety googles provided to guests must be worn at all times; cameras and recording devices are prohibited. Anyone requiring accessibility accommodations can call 262-502-8239.

A Harley-Davidson store also will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 10 to 12, and Harley-Davidson Model Year 2025 Demos will take place those days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What’s planned at Harley-Davison headquarters and Davidson Park during the Homecoming?

Davidson Park, which opened last year outside Harley-Davidson headquarters in time for the 2024 Homecoming, is the meeting place for the H.O.G. Member Ride from 9 a.m. to noon July 10, and the women’s ride from 8:30 a.m. to noon July 12. Register for the rides at hdhomecoming.com/the-activities.

There also will be a Harley-Davidson store open on-site from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 10 to 12; the 1903 Tavern will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 10 to 12; and there’ll be food trucks and other activities on-site from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 11 and 12.

The park and adjacent headquarters also will host these activities:

The park also is on the route for the guided Harley-Davidson Juneau Avenue Historical Tour, which includes indoor and outdoor stops and details about the company’s history. Tours are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 10-12 for $15, or $10 for children ages 5 to 10; tickets are available at hdhomecoming.com. Children younger than 5 can go on the tour for free.

Are there any discounts for people planning to do all three tours?

Anyone planning to tour the Harley museum, Powertrain Operations and company headquarters can purchase tickets for all three for $45, or $15 for children ages 5 to 17 (with the caveat that Powertrain tours are not available for children younger than 12).

What are area Harley dealerships doing to celebrate the Homecoming?

All six area Harley dealerships host their own free events during the Homecoming Festival, including performances from live bands, including:

MILWAUKEE HARLEY-DAVIDSON

July 10

July 11

July 12

HOUSE OF HARLEY-DAVIDSON

July 10

July 11

July 12

July 13

SUBURBAN MOTORS HARLEY-DAVIDSON

July 10

July 11

July 12

July 13

UKE’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON

July 10

July 11

July 12

July 13

WEST BEND HARLEY-DAVIDSON

July 10

July 11

July 12

WISCONSIN HARLEY-DAVIDSON

July 10

July 11

July 12

July 13

Additional dealership event details and operating hours available through their websites.

Will there be a motorcycle parade during the 2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming?

No.

The motorcycle parade that used to close out Harley hometown celebrations on milestone anniversaries will not take place this year. Expect the next motorcycle parade in 2028, for the company’s 125th anniversary.

What hotel, campground and home rentals options are there for the 2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival?

The Visit Milwaukee website (visitmilwaukee.org) has its own dedicated page for people visiting the festival, including access to lodging options and other helpful information.

Where can I get additional information about the 2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming?

More information — including accessibility details, prohibited items, directions and more — is available or will become available at hdhomecoming.com and the Harley-Davidson app.

This Homecoming Festival guide also will be updated through July 2025.

This story was updated to add new information.

Contact Piet at (414) 223-5162 or plevy@journalsentinel.com. Follow him on X at @pietlevy or Facebook at facebook.com/PietLevyMJS.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What you need to know about 2025 Harley-Davidson Homecoming festival in Milwaukee

Reporting by Piet Levy, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

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