Celebrating 120 Years of Harley-Davidson

A history—and a party—like no other. Join us for another legendary homecoming as people gather for music, motorcycles and activities at the H-D Museum and throughout Milwaukee

Harley-Davidson Street Glide (2023) by Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyHarley-Davidson Museum

In 2023, Harley-Davidson Motor Company celebrates 120 years of uninterrupted production. The celebrations of milestone anniversaries have themselves become historic events for HDMC, the riders, and the city of Milwaukee.

Harley-Davidson 50th Anniversary (1953) by Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyHarley-Davidson Museum

The First Anniversary Celebration

Harley-Davidson first began recognizing the company’s tenure in 1953 with 50th Anniversary badges for the 1954 models and a retrospective issue of the official magazine, The Enthusiast.

Members of the 75th Anniversary Ride (1978) by Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyHarley-Davidson Museum

A new tradition started with the 75th Anniversary in 1978

Being a motorcycle manufacturer, a long distance motorcycle ride seemed fitting.  A small number of company executives and guests participated in a celebratory ride from seven different points across America to converge on Louisville, KY

Cover of the Fall, 1988 Enthusiast magazine (1988) by Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyHarley-Davidson Museum

The 85th Anniversary in 1988 introduced a new experience

This time, a nationwide series of rides from several locations converged on Harley-Davidson’s hometown of Milwaukee. Approximately 60,000 motorcyclists gathered for street parties, entertainment and good food at the waterfront of Lake Michigan 

Clubs and Competitions gallery inside the Harley-Davidson Museum (2008) by Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyHarley-Davidson Museum

Setting the Standard

The 85th set the standard for the anniversaries celebrated every five years.  Rider turnout increased, and the celebrations become bigger.  For the 105th Anniversary in 2008, the newly opened Harley-Davidson Museum became a new center to gather

Vintage motorcycle at the Harley-Davidson 115th Anniversary (2018) by Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyHarley-Davidson Museum

Homecoming

On July 13-16 of 2023, the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival™ will be held in Milwaukee. The largest gathering places will be Milwaukee’s Veterans Park, the Harley-Davidson Museum and the Powertrain Operations Factory in Menomonee Falls, WI

115th Anniversary at Veterans Park (2018) by Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyHarley-Davidson Museum

Family friendly activities will be found at all locations. Veterans Park will host two major concerts, with several bands will warm up for headliners Green Day (Friday, July 14) and Foo Fighters (Saturday, July 15)

Motorcycle parade in downtown Milwaukee (2013) by Harley-Davidson Motor CompanyHarley-Davidson Museum

A favorite tradition for visitors and residents of the city is the motorcycle parade. On Sunday, July 16, thousands of riders will trail through downtown Milwaukee to gather at Veterans Park

My Papi Has a MotorcycleHarley-Davidson Museum

The Harley-Davidson Museum will feature free entertainment outside, including demo rides, bike shows and live music. Inside, check out new exhibits like the custom bikes of the world-famous Mama Tried® motorcycle show and the bilingual family exhibit My Papi Has a Motorcycle

Celebrating 120 Years of Harley-Davidson (2023)Harley-Davidson Museum

An unforgettable anniversary

This July, Harley-Davidson invites everyone to join the fun as we mark 120 years of style, community, and so much more. Whether you're a motorcycle rider or prefer to cheer from the sidelines, you're sure to meet people from all over the world enjoying all that Milwaukee offers

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites