What you need to know about 2024 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival in Milwaukee

Why wait five years?

That's how much time would pass between Harley-Davidson's major anniversary bashes in Milwaukee, headlined over the years by superstars like Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and Aerosmith.

But in 2023, the Harley festivities were rebranded as the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival, with Green Day and Foo Fighters headlining a two-day music festival in Veterans Park in honor of the motorcycle company's 120th anniversary.

And now, the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival is becoming an annual event.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jelly Roll and Hardy will headline a two-day Veterans Park music festival this time out, with special events scheduled for all over the city July 25-28.

Here's everything we know that you need to know about the 2024 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival.

When and where is the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival 2024?

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival is happening in Milwaukee July 25-28. Festivities are planned at these locations, including a brand-new venue for 2024, Harley-Davidson's Davidson Park.

• Veterans Park, 1010 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive

• Davidson Park, 3700 W. Juneau Ave.

• Harley-Davidson Museum, 400 W. Canal St.

• Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations, W156-N9000 Pilgrim Road, Menomonee Falls

• Milwaukee Harley-Davidson, 11310 W. Silver Spring Road

• House of Harley-Davidson, 6221 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield

• Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson, 139 N. Main St., Thiensville

• Uke's Harley-Davidson, 5995 120th Ave., Kenosha

• West Bend Harley-Davidson, 2910 W. Washington St., West Bend

• Wisconsin Harley-Davison, 1280 Blue Ribbon Drive, Oconomowoc

When and where are the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jelly Roll and Hardy performing?

The centerpiece of the Homecoming again will be a two-day music festival in Veterans Park, July 26 and 27.

Fast-rising country superstars Jelly Roll and Hardy will co-headline Night 1, July 26.

Drug dealer and felon-turned-rapper-turned-country-hitmaker Jelly Roll played to a sold-out crowd of about 23,000 people at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater last year, one of the Journal Sentinel's top Milwaukee concerts of 2023.

Hardy, meanwhile, performed in front of more people in Milwaukee than nearly any other artist last year, as the primary opener for Morgan Wallen's stadium tour kickoff at American Family Field over two nights in April 2023 in front of 84,800 people.

The Chili Peppers will close out the music fest-portion of Harley Homecoming July 27.

The last time they played Milwaukee was 2017, for the opening night of Summerfest's 50th celebration at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. Their best-known guitarist, John Frusciante, has since reunited with Anthony Kiedis, Flea and Chad Smith, following a 10-year absence.

What other bands are playing Veterans Park for the 2024 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival?

Last year, the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival had 10 acts play Veterans Park. This year, there'll be over a dozen playing two stages.

Jelly Roll closes out Night 1 on the main stage, the Davidson Stage, on July 26, performing from 9:30 to 10:45 p.m. Co-headliner Hardy will play the Davidson Stage from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Preceding them both on the Davidson Stage are country up-and-comers Warren Zeiders (5:45 to 6:45 p.m.), Priscilla Block (4:15 to 5 p.m.) and Hank Ruff (3 to 3:30 p.m.).

The secondary stage, dubbed the Iron Stage, on July 26 will feature DJ Chill from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. and 5 to 5:45 p.m., followed by emerging country artists Shaylen (6:45 to 7:30 p.m.) and Hueston (8:45 to 9:30 p.m.).

July 27 will be more rock-focused. Red Hot Chili Peppers close it out from 9:15 to 10:45 p.m. on the Davidson Stage, preceded by punk veterans the Offspring (7:30 to 8:30 p.m.), seminal rap group Cypress Hill (5:45 to 6:45 p.m.), female-led emerging punk band Destroy Boys (4:15 to 5 p.m.), and opener The Criticals (3 to 3:30 p.m.). On the Iron Stage, Milwaukee's own DJay Mando kicks things off from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. and 5 to 5:45 p.m., followed by rocker Scarlet Demore (6:45 to 7:30 p.m., replacing Irontom) and Japanese punk band Otoboke Beaver (8:30 to 9:15 p.m.).

What else is happening at Veterans Park during the 2024 Harley-Davidson Homecoming?

Motocross stunt crew Nitro Circus will be on hand again with four shows each day on their very own Mototainment Stage. See them July 26 at 4:15 to 4:45 p.m., 6:15 to 6:45 p.m., 7:15 to 7:45 p.m., and 8:15 to 8:45 p.m. On July 27 they'll perform from 3:45 to 4:15 p.m., 5:45 to 6:15 p.m., 7:15 to 7:45 p.m. and 8 to 8:30 p.m. Monster Energy's Freestyle MX team also will perform from 3:30 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 6:30 p.m. July 26 and 27.

Each day, there'll also be special interactive experiences for Harley fans from 2 to 7 p.m., 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. There's also the Monster Beast Parlor, with live flash tattooing and a barbershop, available for GA+ ticket holders. And different motorcycle social media content creators will be on site at the Harley-Davidson Hangout space July 27 for meet-and-greets, including 2LaneLife, Traveling Tall, Cycle Fanatix, Ride to Food, Adam Sandoval, and Jake from Prism Supply.

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

As of July 16, single-day, general-admission tickets are $130, single-day "GA+" tickets are $235, and single-day VIP passes are $325.

Two-day general admission passes are $210, two-day "GA+" tickets are $375, and two-day VIP passes are $500.

"GA+" is new this year. Perks include access to the "GA+ Lounge"; access to a shaded seating area; air-conditioned restrooms, private full-bar service and dedicated food vendors; a dedicated concierge; and a water refill station.

VIP passes include access to an exclusive viewing platform at the main stage; a dedicated entrance lane; express lane access at the merch store; access to a VIP lounge; access to a shaded seating area; air-conditioned restrooms; private full-service bar and dedicated food vendors; access to a jumbo screen with livestream of the main stage; access to an exclusive merchandise pop-up store; a dedicated concierge; water refill station; and lockers and mobile charging units available for rent.

Children 10 and younger are admitted free with one adult general-admission ticket.

You can get tickets at hdhomecoming.com/tickets.

What's the parking situation for the Veterans Park concerts?

There'll be some parking for motorcyclists, but not an official designated parking lot for car drivers at Veterans Park for the festival. Drivers will need to park at nearby lots, but bear in mind, the Veterans Park portion of the festival overlaps with the WaterStone Air & Water Show July 27, so parking and traffic could be tough. You can check out ridemcts.com for Milwaukee County Transit System options, and Rally will also be providing a bus rideshare service.

Will the Harley-Davidson Museum be open during the 2024 Homecoming Festival? What free activities will they have?

The museum will be open each day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 25 to 27, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 28, with tickets available for $22 for adults; $8 for children ages 5 to 17; and free for children younger than 5, at hdhomecoming.com. There'll be a special exhibit for the occasion: "Gasoline and Crayons — Willie G. Davidson: Artist, Designer, American Icon."

The Harley-Davidson Shop and Harley-Davidson Factory Outlet at the museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 25; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 26 and 27; and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. July 28. The 2024 new product showroom will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 25 to 27, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 28.

The Harley-Davidson Factory Race Team Experience will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the museum campus each day. The V-Twin Visionary Custom Motorcycle Showcase is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 25 to 26 and July 28. On July 27, V-Twin Visionary will instead present the Willie G. Davidson Ride In Custom Bike Show from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with bike show awards set for 4 to 5 p.m.

The official Harley-Davidson Member check-in will be at the museum campus from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 25 to 27, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 28. Real Deal Revolution Workshops and Harley-Davidson Insurance Services are on hand 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 26 and 27. There'll be interactive experiences provided by festival sponsors operating from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

The on-site Motor Bar and Restaurant will be open from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. July 25; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 26 and 27, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 28. Food trucks and concession stands will be open on the museum campus from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 25; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 26 and 27; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 28.

And if all that isn't enough, there'll be free concerts, too. The biggest name is guitar master Kenny Wayne Shepherd, performing from 9:30 to 11 p.m. July 25 on the Rockford Fosgate Stage, preceded by Austin Meade (7:45 to 9 p.m.) and War Hippies (6:15 to 7:15 p.m.).

Free concerts continue July 26 with God's Outlaw (4 to 4:45 p.m.), Hillbilly Casino (5:15 to 6:15 p.m.) and Big Guns (6:45 to 8 p.m.).

Shows on July 27 start with local group Cold Sweat and the Brew City Horns (Noon to 3 p.m.), then tribute acts Poison Overdose (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.) and Motley Crucial (7 to 8 p.m.).

Banana Wind will play from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 28. Sons of Sconnie close out the museum stage the last day from 2 to 4 p.m.

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

A self-guided half-hour tour is being offered for $15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 25 to 27, where some insight into the engine assembly process will be offered. The factory will be fully operational on July 25, and employees will be on site for interactions, but there'll be limited production on July 26 and 27. Tours are popular so expect lines. Eye and ear protection is required (available on site if need be), and everyone must wear fully enclosed shoes with a heel that's less than one inch. Children younger than 12 are not permitted on the tour. Everyone who takes the tour will receive a special keepsake. Tour tickets are available at hdhomecoming.com.

There'll also be food and beverage vendors and a retail shop on site open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. And attendees can take a demo ride on a new 2024 Harley-Davidson motorcycle and watch a police skills demonstration.

How are Milwaukee-area Harley dealerships celebrating the 2024 Homecoming?

House of Harley-Davidson is bringing in a big act — Southern rockers Blackberry Smoke — for a free show at 8 p.m. July 25, preceded by Big Al Wetzel at 6 p.m. A free show July 26 will be headlined by Kid Rock tribute band Cowboy at 8 p.m., preceded by Headley Grange (6 p.m.), Stone Washed Band (2:30 p.m.) and 4 On The Floor (Noon). The free concerts wrap July 27 with Metallica tribute band Hardwired at 8 p.m., preceded Tallan Noble Latz's Eddie Van Halen tribute (6 p.m.), Landline (2:30 p.m.) and Superfly (noon).The party will last from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 25 to 27, with the dealership itself open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. those days. The party and dealership will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 28.

Wisconsin Harley-Davidson will be open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 25 to 27, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 28. They'll host 22 bands on two stages across the four days. July 25 features The First Wave (11:45 a.m.), Six Pack Sammy (12:45 p.m.), Bad Boy (3:15 p.m.), Boo! The Band (4:15 p.m.), Love Monkeys (7 p.m.) and Almighty Vinyl (8 p.m.). The bands July 26 include Dirty Boogie (11:45 a.m.), Driving Miss Crazy (12:45 p.m.), ZZ Top tribute Eliminator (3:15 p.m.), Addiction (4:15 p.m.), Rebel Grace (7 p.m.) and Metal Men (8 p.m.). On July 27, the dealership hosts Vintage Groove (11:45 a.m.), Brent Bel (12:45 p.m.), 33RPM (3:15 p.m.), Joe 2.0 (4:15 p.m.), Sam Llanas (7 p.m.) and Kings of Radio (8 p.m.). The last day July 28 features Our House (10 a.m.), 5 Card Studs (11:15 a.m.), King Kong (1:45 p.m.) and Too Hype Crew (3 p.m.).

Milwaukee Harley-Davidson will host the Evel Knievel Tribute Tour all day July 25 to 28, with vehicles and special merch on site, and a meet-and-greet with Adam Sandoval, founder of the ScootinAmerica two-year fundraising road trip, from 4 to 6 p.m. That's on top of other free events, including live performances. On July 25, that includes Mission Accomplished (3 to 5 p.m.) and 11: One Louder (6 to 9 p.m.), plus the Milwaukee Flyers Tumbling Team (5 p.m.). The events July 26 include Jake Warne Duo (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Bruce Humphries (2:30 to 5 p.m.), Wire & Nail (6 to 9 p.m.) and fire performer Taylor Flows (7 to 9 p.m.). On July 27, entertainment includes Andrew Gelles Trio (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Wapatui (2:30 o 5 p.m.), Ten Feet Tall (6 to 9 p.m.), plus Brian 636 Stunt Riders (1, 2 and 3:30 p.m.) and a tattoo parlor pop-up (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.). On July 28 the Chaz Band Quartet will play from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

West Bend Harley-Davidson will feature several of the same bands at different days and times. They include, on July 25, Geoff Landon Trio (3 to 5 p.m.) and Bruce Humphries (6 to 9 p.m.). Entertainment on July 26 includes Chaz Band Trio (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), 11, One Louder (2:30 to 5 p.m.), and Ten Feet Tall (6 to 9 p.m.), and the Brian 636 Stunt Riders (1, 2 and 3:30 p.m.). Performers on July 27 include Mission Accomplished (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Jim Gaff Band (2:30 to 5 p.m.) and Full Volume Band (6 to 9 p.m.) and Taylor Flows (7 to 9 p.m.). Jonny T-Bird will perform from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 28.

Both dealerships will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 25 to 27, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 28. Vendors and food and beverage stands will be open from 3 to 9:30 p.m. July 25, 11 to 9:30 p.m. July 26 and 27, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 28.

Suburban Motors Harley-Davidson will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 25 and 27; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. July 26; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 28, with plenty of free live music. On July 26, that includes Andy Braun (1 to 4 p.m.) and Midnight Train (5 to 8 p.m.); on July 27, Jonny T-Bird (9 to 11 a.m.), Elephant Gun (Noon to 3 p.m.), Bre Morgan Reloaded (5 to 8 p.m.), plus "Biker Bingo" from 3 to 4 p.m.). July 27 will feature Sidekicks (9 a.m. to noon), Blonde Johnny (1 to 4 p.m.), and Vinyl Road (5 to 8 p.m.), with "Biker Bingo" from noon to 1 p.m. The last day features Whitney Rose (9 to 11 a.m.) and the After Hours Band (noon to 3 p.m.)

Uke's Harley-Davidson will start the party early with free live music and more July 24 with Classix (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Shovelhead Red (3 to 6 p.m.). Other bands performing throughout the weekend include, on July 25, Conviction (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and Route 66 Belle City (3 to 6 p.m.); on July 26, Dave & Taro (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and DOA (3 p.m. to 6 p.m.); on July 27, Dave & Taro again (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) and OUTdrejas (3 to 6 p.m.); and on July 28, Pat Garrett (noon to 3 p.m.). The store is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 24 to 27, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 28.

What's Davidson Park, and what's planned there for the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival?

New for 2024, Davidson Park is a 4.8 acre-site just south of the company's Juneau Avenue headquarters, the first phase of a "repurposing" of the west side campus. Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 25 to 27, the park will be the starting point for a historical walking tour; the first 1,000 tour attendees each day will receive an exclusive Juneau Ave. Historical Tour coin. The park will also be the site of a "Building a Milwaukee Icon" photo exhibit and vintage motorcycle showcase, and food and beverage vendors and a retail shop will be on site. Visitors can also purchase a personalized, engraved brick for the Davidson Park entrance.

Additional events at the park and Harley-Davidson headquarters include a "Homecoming Rev-Up!" from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 25 and an opening ceremony from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; a "Ste(a)magination Day" event from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 26; an interactive art and culture fair from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 27; and a celebration of vintage motorcycles from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 27 in honor of Willie G. Davidson.

Will there be a motorcycle parade at the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival?

The Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival may now be an annual event — but the festival's customary closing motorcycle parade through downtown won't be. The next Homecoming Festival parade is planned for 2028 for what would be the company's 125th anniversary.

Are there special motorcycle rides planned in the area?

There'll be four of them, although registration has already closed for the Harley Owners Group Homecoming Ride. But there's the Harley-Davidson Homecoming ADV Adventure Day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 27 at Wisconsin Off Road Adventures, W4802 Knuth Road in Random Lake. (Lunch is provided, registration in advance is required.) There's also the Harley-Davidson's Women's Ride on July 27, from 10 a.m. at Davidson Park ending at noon at the Harley-Davidson Museum, in memory of Nancy Davidson and benefitting the Cancer Research Institute. (The ride is $25, with riders also receiving coffee and donuts and a collectible.)

And then there's the self-guided Homecoming Weekend Challenge for H-D Members, who will check in at six of 10 locations and earn 500 points for completing the challenge. More details are on the Harley-Davidson app.

Is there a special theme for the 2024 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival?

Harley may not be celebrating a milestone birthday, but it will be honoring Willie G. Davidson during the 2024 festival. The son of former Harley-Davidson president William H. Davidson and grandson of company co-founder William A. Davidson, Willie G. Davidson is a Harley-Davidson folk hero in his own right, retiring from the company in 2012 after 49 years of employment, concluding with his role as chief stylist officer.

Some special events in Davidson's honor include a light show at the Hoan Bridge on July 25, in addition to events at the Harley-Davidson Museum and Davidson Park.

What hotel, campground and home rentals options are there for the 2024 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival?

Harley-Davidson recommends visiting the Visit Milwaukee website (visitmilwaukee.org), which has its own dedicated page for people visiting the festival, including access to lodging options.

Where can I get more information about the 2024 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival?

More information — including accessibility details, perks for H.O.G. members, 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 2024.

Ricardo Torres contributed to this report.

Contact Piet at (414) 223-5162 or [email protected]. Follow him on X at @pietlevy or Facebook at facebook.com/PietLevyMJS.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: 2024 Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival, what you need to know