Hundreds of Harley riders have already begun to swarm Milwaukee for Harley-Davidson's 105th Anniversary Celebration, which begins today and continues through Sunday, August 31.
To those of you who have ridden into Milwaukee for Harley's 105th festivities this week and have stumbled upon Between the Bars for the first time – WELCOME! I've taken the liberty of searching the web and compiling an extensive list of all of the H-D stuff going on throughout Harley's five-day party. So, feel free to scroll through some of my recent posts and, of course, take a look down below for your guide to one of Milwaukee's greatest celebrations.
Plus, excitement and camaraderie will fill some of Milwaukee’s coolest venues and hotspots. From the new Harley-Davidson Museum to enormous events at Veteran’s Park, Miller Park and Henry Meier Festival Park (the Summerfest Grounds), a profusion of live music, food, chrome and leather will abound Milwaukee.
Here is a day-by-day look at the Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration schedule:
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27
From all across the United States and around the world, hundreds of thousands of Harley-Davidson owners and fans will be arriving in Milwaukee after a pilgrimage that began, for many, last week. One hundred and fifty routes were mapped out and today all of the paths will converge in Milwaukee as the big Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary Celebration kicks off!
Kick-off Party
Start the 105th Celebration with a rumble today. At Highland Avenue between 35th and 38th Streets, the Kick-off Party will commence. At 4 p.m., American Idol singer Amanda Overmyer will take the stage, followed by classic rockers Foghat at 5:15 p.m. Then 6 p.m. will begin the official Kick-Off Ceremony and a continued show from Foghat will immediately follow. Then, at 7:30 p.m., the young British rock band The Crave will wrap-up the night and kick-start the entire extended weekend of Harley-Davidson-style celebrations!
Main Street Exposition at Veterans Park
This even is free and open to the public and includes Harley-Davidson new product displays, food, beverages of the alcoholic variety, sponsor product displays, entertainment stages, dealer and vendor sales, fireworks and more.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28
Thursday is the first full day of hard-core Harley-Davidson festivities.
Club H.O.G. 25
Miller Park’s exterior grounds will be the temporary hub for Club H.O.G. 25, the 25th Anniversary of the Harley Owners Group). There will be exclusive free events, venues and merchandise for H.O.G. members and their one guest. But that’s not all. CLUB H.O.G. 25 will also offer up Joan Jet and Kid Rock, comedians and a number of wild daredevils, all combined to make up one heck of a day.
Remember, members must show their H.O.G. card to gain entrance – no pre-registration is required.
Chrome Alley Ride-in Bike Show at Miller Park
Prizes will be awarded in 18 different categories – from antique to radical custom.
Staging: 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Judging: 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Fee: $10 (Proceeds go to MDA)
Harley Stage at Miller Park
11 a.m.: DB Bryant Band
1 p.m.: Jason Michael Carroll
3 p.m.: NYSE Bell Ringing
3:15 p.m.: Willie G. Award Presentation/P&A Award
6 p.m.: Sugarland
8:30 p.m.: H.O.G. Welcome / Opening Ceremony
9 p.m.: Kid Rock
Beer Garden at Miller Park
11:30 a.m.: Big Bob and the Ballroom Blitz
3:30 p.m.: Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
5:30 p.m.: Comedian Greg Giraldo
7:30 p.m.: Comedian Lewis Black
Stunt Zone at Miller Park
11 a.m. - 7 p.m.: Stunt Zone
Main Street at the Lakefront
H-D enthusiasts and riders will gather at Main Street at the Lakefront for loads of great food, live music, fireworks and much, much more.
Music Lineup:
10:30 a.m.: Victory 8
12:30 a.m.: Earl Downing Band
2:30 a.m.: Headcase
4:30 a.m.: Blacktop Kings
Harley-Davidson Museum
During the 105th Celebration, the Harley-Davidson Museum grounds will be open for all to enjoy the river walk, free local bands and great food. Get a tattoo and play some lawn games while you're at it. And be sure to check out the personalized "Living the Legend™" Rivets and maybe create your own to mark your trip to the 105th. Of course, don’t forget to check out the new H-D Museum – there’s no better time to experience the history of a Milwaukee icon.
H-D Museum Music Lineup
11 a.m.: Blacktop Kings
1 p.m.: In Black & White
3:30 p.m.: Southbound
6 p.m.: Alex Wilson
Street Party
Milwaukee Street between Mason and Wisconsin Avenue
7 p.m.: Tea Leaf Green
9 p.m.: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29
Henry Meier Festival Park/Summerfest Acts
The fun on the Summerfest Grounds includes live music, antique and custom bike shows, skilled riding competitions, 105th Anniversary merchandise along with food and beverages from many of Milwaukee’s local restaurants.
Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
12 p.m.: Bib Bob & Loco Mojo
3 p.m.: Alana Grace
6 p.m.: Big Head Todd & The Monsters
9 p.m.: Black Crowes
Briggs & Stratton Big Back Yard
12 p.m.: The Black Top Kings
3 p.m.: Lukyn Skywyrd
6 p.m.: DB Bryant
9 p.m.: Los Lonely Boys
Miller Lite Oasis
12 p.m.: Amanda Overmeyer
3 p.m.: Fisher Stevenson
6 p.m.: Gary Allan
9 p.m.: ZZ Top
U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
12 p.m.: Riverside Drive
3 p.m.: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
6 p.m.: War
9 p.m.: Foghat
Rock Stage
12 p.m.: Headcase
3 p.m.: Blue Front Band
6 p.m.: Tea Leaf Green
9 p.m.: Bad Boy
Main Street at the Lakefront
10:30 a.m.: Scarlet Thread
12:30 p.m.: First Kiss
2:30 p.m.: 9 MM Solution
4:30 p.m.: The Invaders
4:30 p.m.: Hot Model Grand Finale Competition
Roadhouse at the Lakefront
Foo Fighters with Special Guest Three Days Grace
Three Days Grace will perform at the Roadhouse at the Lakefront at 7 p.m., followed by Foo Fighters at 9 p.m. General admission tickets for lawn seating are now available at Ticketmaster. You will not need a 105 Anniversary ticket to purchase tickets for this performance.
H-D Museum Music Lineup
11 a.m.: Punch & Pie
1 p.m.: DB Bryant
3 p.m.: Big Bob & Loco Mojo
7 p.m.: Dealer Event
Street Party
East North Avenue between Prospect and Oakland Avenues
From 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., the East Side will be highlighted as one of the official Harley 105th Anniversary neighborhood festivals, featuring Blind Melon, The Crave, and Alana Grace.
5 p.m.: Alana Grace
7 p.m.: The Crave
9 p.m.: Blind Melon
Walker's Point Block Party
Bring out the biker in you by celebrating Harley’s 105th Anniversary on National Avenue from 1st to 2nd Streets.
Brady Street Experience
Be a part of the 105th Anniversary by heading over to Brady Street from Van Buren to Farwell Avenue. Enjoy some of the city’s best shops, restaurants and bars, and win big with Passport to Brady Street, a “poker run” style contest sponsored by Brady Street businesses and Jack Daniel’s.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 30
H-D 105th Anniversary Parade
The 105th parade will start at Miller Park at 9 a.m. and will traverse along a 4.5-mile route that continues east on Wisconsin Avenue and ends at Henry Meier Festival Park (the Summerfest Grounds). Of course, this parade isn’t your typical floats and balloons deal, this one will be filled with riders from across the country and an array of H-D vintage and custom Hogs. Make sure you stake out your spot early!
Note: Participation in the parade is by advance pass only. Grounds open at 6 a.m.
Street Party
Old World Third Street between Juneau and State Street
7 p.m.: Tea Leaf Green
9 p.m.: Everlast
Henry Meier Festival Park/Summerfest Acts
Harley-Davidson Roadhouse
9:30 a.m.: Day of Fire
3 p.m.: Amanda Overmeyer
6 p.m.: Puddle of Mudd
9 p.m.: Daughtry
Briggs & Stratton Big Back Yard
12 p.m.: K.C. Williams
3 p.m.: Geoff Landon & Wolfpack
6 p.m.: Whitney Duncan
9 p.m.: Dierks Bentley
Miller Lite Oasis
12 p.m.:Rev Theory
3 p.m.: Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
6 p.m.: Blue Oyster Cult
9 p.m.: Frampton
U.S. Cellular Connection Stage
12 p.m.: Alana Grace
3 p.m.: Blind Melon
6 p.m.: Cameo
9 p.m.: Buddy Guy
Rock Stage
12 p.m.: The Affray
3 p.m.: Earl Downing Band
6 p.m.: U2Zoo
9 p.m.: The Crave
Main Street at the Lakefront
10:30 a.m.: Jeff Winard Band
12:30 p.m.: Riverside Drive
2:30 p.m.: Licorish
4:30 p.m.: The Affray
Roadhouse at the Lakefront
Welcome Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band with Special Guest Alejandro Escovedo. At 6 p.m., Robert Allen Jr. Trio with Paul Martin will open the show at the Roadhouse at the Lakefront, followed by Alejandro Escovedo at 7 p.m. The Boss will then hit the stage at 9 p.m. Limited tickets are on sale now here, and are only available to 105th Anniversary Ticket holders.
H-D Museum Music Lineup
11 a.m.: TBA
1 p.m.: Ronnie Nyles
3 p.m.: TBA
7 p.m.: TBA
Rumblin' Steel 2008 Street Jam
From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Martin Luther King Drive, from Walnut to Brown, will feature a tasty BBQ competition and custom bike and bike fashion show, plus live music from Streetlife & Warren Wiegratz, Soulfood Band, King Solomon, and the Eddie Butts Band.
Special Harley River Rhythms
The Westown Association’s River Rhythms music series added an extra night to their summer lineup to be in conjunction with Harley Davidson's 105th Anniversary events.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Pere Marquette Park (on Old World Third Street, between State Street and Kilbourn Avenue), hear the classic rock and southern flavor of Southbound.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31
Just because it’s the last day, doesn’t mean the party’s over. The final day of Harley-style events is sure to cap off an unforgettable week the right way. You have one more chance for live music at the Main Street at the Lakefront, H-D Museum river walk and street party stages.
Main Street at the Lakefront
10:30 a.m.: Liberty Bluegrass
12:30 p.m.: The Indispensable
2:30 p.m.: Hiptones
4:30 p.m.: Blue Front Band
H-D Museum Music Lineup
11 a.m.: T-Man & The Young Guns
1 p.m.: TBA
3 p.m.: Charles Walker Blues Band
Water Street Block Party
Water St. from Knapp to State
Juneau from Edison to Market
Locust Street "Survivor" Block Party
This one’s for the Harley-Davidson 105th Anniversary survivors… From 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., Locust Street, from Humboldt to Holton, will be rumbling with live music on four stages, food from local bars and restaurants and a free motorcycle wash in The Tracks' parking lot.
ALL WEEKEND
H-D Facility Activities
Take a closer look at what H-D is made of. Harley-Davidson facilities have a bunch of activities beginning Wednesday, August 27 and running through Saturday, August 30. Click here for the complete H-D facilities schedule. Follow this link to view the complete H-D facilities schedule.
Also, check out where all of the Harley-Davidson history has been made and where the rules have been broken. Tour the H-D University, the replica of original shed at the Juneau Avenue location from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Or take a plant tours at the Capitol Drive, Pilgrim Road or Franklin Distribution Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Raffles and pin sales will take place at each site.
Dealer Parties
Plus, several local dealers will be offering their own special kick-off party for everyone on their way to Milwaukee’s H-D 105th Anniversary Celebration. Find the dealer closest to you by heading over here and clicking on the “Dealer Locator” icon at the top on the page.
Hang out at H.O.G. Island
Enjoy an exclusive H.O.G. hospitality area on Milwaukee's scenic Lakeshore State Park.
Free admission for H.O.G. members (plus one guest per member).
Finch & Flash Exhibit
On display during the 105th Anniversary Celebration from Thursday to Sunday, the Finch & Flash exhibit at the Milwaukee Art Museum showcases the unique photographic style of Jim 'Flash' Miteff along with more than 10 custom-built choppers from legendary bike builder Ron Finch’s collection. The exhibit is free with general admission.
Designing Customs – Special Harley-Davidson Exhibit
This special, limited time exhibit at Discovery World showcases the inspiration of the design process of Harley Davidson motorcycles. From newly developed technology, to cutting-edge design and highly efficient production, you’ll witness the achievements that make Harley motorcycles the iconic machines they are today.
Admission with 105th Anniversary Event Ticket
Special Hours: Aug. 24th 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Aug. 26th
9a.m. to 5 p.m., Aug. 27, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Exhibit Open August 28-31 for 105th Anniversary Ticket Holders.
For more 105th Anniversary events and party details, check out the official Harley-Davidson page by clicking here. It’s where I got a good chunk of my info.
With that, have a fun and safe five-day celebration here in Milwaukee, everyone!
Original photo from Flickr.com (Creative Commons) by Raúl Hernández González
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