Celebrating 120 Years of Harley Davidson at the 2023 Homecoming Festival | Smoky Mountain H-D
From July 13 to July 16, 2023, Harley-Davidson will host a celebration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, for riders from around the world to enjoy four full days of live music and motor culture as the company marks both its 120th Anniversary as a company and the 40th anniversary of its Harley Owners Group (HOG). They can eat, drink, and dance!
Highlights:
1. A Look Back at the History of Harley Davidson and its Homecoming Festival
2. Why You Should Attend Harley Davidson's Homecoming Festival in 2023
3. How to Get Ready for the Harley Davidson Experience and What to Expect When You Arrive
4. The Best Routes and Stops Along the Way for a Harley Davidson Homecoming Road Trip
5. Highlighting The Best Motorcycle Gear For The Ride
6. The Most Exciting Activities at the Harley Davidson Homecoming Festival 2023
7. Exploring The Local Area Around The Festival - Where To Eat & Stay?
1. A Look Back at the History of Harley Davidson and its Homecoming Festival
Harley Davidson was established in 1903 by four brothers and is renowned for hosting the largest gathering in its hometown every five years to celebrate the excitement of riding a Harley motorcycle. In 1983, the company created the Harley Owners Group (HOG), its official riding club, with the goal of improving relationships between the company, employees, and riders from around the world. HOG has over a million members and aims to promote not just a product but a lifestyle. As the world's largest factory-supported riding club, its members are self-selected based on their common passion for the brand or a particular consumption activity.
2. Why You Should Attend Harley Davidson's Homecoming Festival in 2023
Jochen Zeitz, the President and CEO of Harley Davidson, is inviting all riders from around the world to join in the company's homecoming celebration and experience the thrill of riding a Harley motorcycle through participating in a motorcycle rally. Zeitz believes that these bikes offer more than just transportation, they evoke a feeling that is indescribable and allow riders to relive the memories of speed and pure joy.
3. How to Get Ready for the Harley Davidson Experience and What to Expect When You Arrive
The Harley Davidson Museum is showcasing a collection to commemorate the company's 120th anniversary and the chosen color for this year's celebration is Heirloom Red Fade. The entire collection features the Moniker logo and embodies the heritage of Harley Davidson in a new style. The product line includes clothing that compliments motorcycle jackets, such as vintage accessories for added comfort, mechanic shirts inspired by motorcycle culture, and more. Each item is unique, featuring hardware from Moniker, the original bike queen, who has been in business for 120 years.
4. The Best Routes and Stops Along the Way for a Harley Davidson Homecoming Road Trip
Harley has offered five different road trip options for its customers. The southwest route is the longest with a distance of over 3,000 miles and 11 stops along the way. It starts in Los Angeles County at Laidlaw's Harley-Davidson dealership and goes through Las Vegas, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and St. Louis. The second longest route is the Northwest route with a distance of 2,500 miles, starting in Portland, Oregon and passing through Mount Hood, the Great Salt Lake, and the Rocky Mountains. The Canada West route is close to the same length, starting in Vancouver and ending in the United States. The Canada East route is 1,800 miles long, beginning in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Southeast route is also 1,800 miles long, going through Florida and The Great Smoky Mountains. The shortest route is the 1,300-mile journey that starts in North Hampton, New Hampshire and ends at the Harley-Davidson Vehicle Operation in York, Pennsylvania.
5. Highlighting The Best Motorcycle Gear For The Ride
This campus will feature customized motorcycles, 2023 models, and two electric bicycles, including the IRONe Serial 1 and IRONe Serial 1 electric bikes. It will also showcase displays of the Harley's Livewire electric motorcycle. The Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations will offer tours, which will include demonstrations of police skills and opportunities for test rides. These tours will be provided for free.
6. The Most Exciting Activities at the Harley Davidson Homecoming Festival 2023
The highlight of the Homecoming Festival will take place at Veterans Park. A two-night concert event will occur on July 14th and 15th. On the first night, Green Day will perform alongside pop-punk artist Kenny Hoopla, synthpop band Phantogram, punk-rock group Social Distortion, and other acts. July 14th's lineup will also feature garage-rockers White Reaper, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and country singer Cody Jinks. Live music will be available in various locations throughout the four-day festival.
On July 15th at the Harley-Davidson Homecoming Festival in Veterans Park, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts will perform as the opening act for the Foo Fighters.
7. Exploring The Local Area Around The Festival - Where To Eat & Stay?
Harley-Davidson encourages attendees to take advantage of the discounted motorcycle rentals and tour packages offered by Eagle rider. However, there are currently no official Harley-Davidson-affiliated hotels or campsites that offer discounts. The Homecoming website offers links to Visit Milwaukee, Vrbo, and Airbnb for rental rooms and camping options at the Washington County Fair Park, Wisconsin State Fair Park, and Waukesha County Park Systems. For further information, one can reach out to Smoky Mountain, a Harley-Davidson dealer located in Maryville, Tennessee.