With over a century of history behind it, the iconic Harley-Davidson® brand is flexing its musical muscles this summer with its inaugural Homecoming™ Festival, happening July 13 to 16. Boasting headliners Foo Fighters and Green Day, the festival marks the iconic brand's 120th anniversary and combines food, music, and moto-culture with entertainment, showcases, and exhibits at venues across the city.
For Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President, and CEO of Harley-Davidson, the brand’s first foray into live music is still firmly planted in its humble and free-spirited roots. “Music has always been a part of moto-culture and Harley-Davidson,” he explained to The FADER. “It was a natural evolution to evolve our rallies and anniversary events into an annual music festival open to everyone, riders and non-riders alike.”
The main stage at Milwaukee’s Veterans Park will be home to live performances from Green Day, The Cult, Phantogram, KennyHoopla, and Abby Jeanne on July 14, while Foo Fighters will be joined by Cody Jinks, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, White Reaper, and Ghost Hounds on July 15.
Other events throughout the festival include live music, exhibits, and motorcycle showcases at the H-D Museum, tours and demo rides at Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations, stunts and freestyle motocross shows by Nitro Circus and the Ives Brothers, a burger build off hosted by chef Matty Matheson, community events hosted by NEWaukee, and the famed H-D 120th Motorcycle Parade. Attendees will get a chance to commemorate the weekend with limited-edition merch, including shirts, jackets, and more. “Harley-Davidson resonates with people with an adventurous spirit, seeking the freedom of the open road or a bit of wanderlust,” Zeitz explained. “Experiences like this festival bring our community together and exemplify the Harley-Davidson lifestyle.”
For decades, the brand has popped up in music videos, movies, TV, and fashion, all pulling from the visual influences of the motorcycle culture they helped spearhead. From its earliest iterations as a company founded in a small Milwaukee shed, whose first bikes were delivered by horse-drawn cart, the brand has continued to evolve and stay relevant alongside pop culture and its rapidly-changing trends. “Authenticity is the key to staying relevant and Harley-Davidson has a unique ability to be rooted in its heritage while driving towards the future,” Zeitz explained. “Riding a motorcycle is at the center of everything we do, but there is room for everyone in this lifestyle brand and culture.”
The inaugural Harley-Davidson® Homecoming™ Festival kicks off this Thursday on July 13. You can buy tickets here.
