The Motor Company Is Planning An Epic Birthday Party
Harley-Davidson turns 120 years old this summer, and they are planning a massive party to celebrate. From new special edition models to world class musical acts, the party kicks off July 13-16 across multiple venues in and around Milwaukee, the birthplace of the brand back in 1903.
Billed as the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival, the four-day event will be hosted in locations across the city, from the H-D Museum, Harley’s Powertrain Operations, local dealerships, and the concert venue at downtown Veterans Park. Green Day will headline on Friday night, July 14, while Foo Fighters will headline Saturday night, the 15th. Other notables across the weekend will be Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Social Distortion, and Cody Jinks, to name but a few. Rock and Harley just go together.
Got to be one of the coolest posters they’ve created in recent years. Photo: H-D
“We are very excited to announce the Foo Fighters and Green Day as headliners at our Veterans Park festival location,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “We can’t wait to host riders from all over the world in Milwaukee, as we come together as one Harley-Davidson family and welcome everyone to join us. With music at the heart of our festival, I can’t think of two more iconic American rock icons to join our community in celebrating 120 years of Harley-Davidson.”
Green Day and Foo Fighters to headline the weekend. Photos: H-D
The Harley-Davidson Museum will serve as the central rally point across the long weekend, its 20-acre campus hosting free local live music, food and drink vendors, stunt shows and skills demos, as well as the museum being open for admission of course. If you’ve never taken a tour of the museum, you simply have to check it out, whether or not you ride a Harley yourself. An incredible display of H-D’s contribution to American motorcycle history.
Much to do with the whole family, all weekend. Photo: H-D
Demo rides, a police skills demonstration and product/gear displays will be hosted over at the H-D Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations in nearby Menomonee Falls, and visitors can get a tour of the factory and see how the Milwaukee Eight and Revolution Max engines are built. The weekend ends with a massive motorcycle parade through downtown Milwaukee.
Harley-Davidson Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations. Take a tour. Photo: H-D
In anticipation of the 120-year celebration, the Motor Company is debuting several special edition bikes, all sporting commemorative paint schemes, finishes and details. “Since 1903, Harley-Davidson has pioneered American motorcycle design, technology, and performance, and today marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of Harley-Davidson’s 120th Anniversary,” stated Zeitz. “We’re excited to share the first release of 2023 Harley-Davidson motorcycles, with more to come later in the year. 2023 is going to be an unforgettable milestone for the Company, celebrating the history, culture and community of Harley-Davidson. We hope you can join us.”
The party concludes Sunday with a large parade through the downtown. Photo: H-D
A few we’ve seen and/or heard about will be limited-production, serialized models of the Ultra Limited, Tri Glide Ultra, Street Glide, Road Glide, Fat Boy and Heritage Classic, as well as a return of the Breakout to the lineup. A special edition Nightster, powered by the Revolution Max 975T motor, will sport the 120 Anniv theme, as well as an all-new Road Glide 3 Trike for the year. Another popular trike in H-D’s world, the Freewheeler, gets a blacked-out 2023 scheme as well. All of these (and more by then) will be viewable and rideable at the party in Milwaukee this July.
A few of the 2023 Anniversary models. Photos: H-D
The Harley-Davidson 120th Anniversary Homecoming Festival looks to be a fantastic party in and around Milwaukee, so if you have the time and opportunity, you should check it out. Here’s where you can find out more and purchase some advance tickets-
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