Harley-Davidson Homecoming begins: More than 90,000 motorcycle enthusiasts expected in Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Thursday, July 10, kicks off the Harley-Davidson Homecoming festival in Milwaukee.
This is the third year of the annual event celebrating all things Harley in its hometown.
The biggest crowds will flock to the music headliners at Veterans Park: Hank Williams Jr. on Friday, and Chris Stapleton on Saturday.
Many fest-goers are starting their long weekend at the Harley-Davidson Museum on S. 6th Street downtown.
Amber Christopher, the Museum's general manager, said 90,000 people came out for the Homecoming festival last year, and organizers expect about the same this year, if not more.
"We are so excited to welcome riders from near and far home to Milwaukee this weekend," Christopher said.
Events are held at H-D locations throughout the city, including the museum, factory, headquarters, and the lakefront.
"We've got great music, the museum of course is open, lots of shopping, food vendors, food trucks," Christopher highlighted.
The event commemorates 122 years and counting of the motorcycle maker's history and culture
"You can move to any state, and you can go find a group of harley guys to go ride with," said Ken Piazza, an attendee visiting from Houston, Texas.
Harley enthusiasts often cruise in from all over the country to join the party.
"It's when people can come together with community and really celebrate the adventure of riding, and the love for the open road," Christopher said.
For many attendees, the weekend is filled with special experiences.
"I'm going to school for mechanical engineering, so seeing the factory where they're made is just really cool," said Noah Alsup, visiting from Kansas City.
It's an overall celebration of everything that Harley riders love most.
"Let the wind blow in your hair," laughed Elizabeth Lacumsky, visiting from Ohio.
The Harley-Davidson Museum has live music nearly every Thursday in the summer as part of their Bike Night series, but Homecoming's Bike Night has a major headliner on Thursday: Buckcherry, starting at 9:30 p.m.
All events on the Museum grounds are free to attend.
Tickets are still on sale for the concerts at Veterans Park. Click here to learn more.