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After a three-year run, Harley-Davidson’s annual Homecoming festival has reached the end of the road. (see video below)

A Harley-Davidson spokesperson confirmed on February 24, 2026 that the four-day Milwaukee event—best known for its festival atmosphere and big-name concert nights at Veterans Park—is canceled for 2026 and beyond.

This change is a big pivot for riders and fans who planned on making Homecoming a yearly summer tradition in Harley’s hometown.

Quick recap: What was Harley-Davidson Homecoming?

Homecoming launched in 2023 as Harley-Davidson’s large-scale Milwaukee celebration—effectively filling the space between the company’s traditional milestone anniversary parties. The concept blended motorcycle culture with a major music-festival feel, including multiple days of events and two headline concert nights.

Over its three years, the Homecoming concert stages featured massive artists (as reported by local Milwaukee coverage), helping position it as one of the biggest corporate motorcycle parties in the U.S.

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Timeline: From “annual tradition” to “no more Homecoming”

Here’s how the shift played out:

• 2023–2025: Harley-Davidson runs Homecoming as an annual Milwaukee festival.

• Previously announced: A return for July 9–12, 2026 was expected.

• Feb. 24, 2026: Harley-Davidson confirms Homecoming is canceled for 2026 and beyond, and the event strategy changes moving forward.

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Why did Harley cancel Homecoming?

Harley-Davidson has not provided a detailed public reason for ending the annual Homecoming format, according to Milwaukee reporting on the announcement.

What the company has made clear is the new direction: Harley is returning to a strategy it used for decades—major Milwaukee celebrations tied to milestone anniversaries, rather than a standalone annual festival every year.

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What replaces Homecoming in 2026?

Instead of Homecoming, Harley-Davidson is leaning into a renewed partnership with Milwaukee’s Summerfest, where Harley will be featured as the “Official Motorcycle of Summerfest” under a multi-year deal.

What riders can expect at Summerfest (especially H.O.G. members)

Based on the official Summerfest announcement and local Milwaukee reporting, the partnership includes:

• A Harley-Davidson sponsored motorcycle parking lot

• H.O.G. member perks

• On-site Harley-Davidson exhibit space

• An annual promotion/theme day (details to come)

And notably, Harley will be a presenting sponsor of Summerfest’s July 4, 2026 celebration (tied to America’s 250th), including a major fireworks finale as promoted in local coverage.

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Looking ahead: 2028 should be the next “big Milwaukee Harley party”

If you’re a rider who plans trips around major Harley hometown celebrations, 2028 is now the year to circle.

That’s when Harley-Davidson turns 125 years old, and the company has indicated milestone anniversary celebrations are the new home for what used to be “Homecoming-style” events.

Will 2028 be part of Summerfest or its own event?

Right now, that part is unclear. No detailed public plans have been announced yet, and there’s been no confirmation whether Harley’s 125th will be integrated into Summerfest programming or split into its own standalone celebration.

What this means for riders and fans

If you loved Homecoming…

You’re not alone—this is a real shift, especially for anyone who made Homecoming a yearly pilgrimage to Milwaukee. The annual Homecoming format is gone, and riders who wanted that “every summer” tradition will need to adjust plans.

If you just want an excuse to ride to Milwaukee for a party…

Summerfest remains a massive destination event, and Harley’s renewed presence means riders will still have a Harley-flavored reason to show up—especially if you’re a Harley owner or H.O.G. member looking for perks.

FAQ

Is Harley-Davidson Homecoming happening in 2026?
No. Harley-Davidson confirmed it is canceled for 2026.

Is Homecoming coming back in future years?
Harley indicated that events previously associated with Homecoming will be folded into milestone anniversary celebrations, not an annual Homecoming festival.

What’s the next major Harley hometown celebration expected to be?
2028, for Harley-Davidson’s 125th anniversary.

Bottom line

Harley-Davidson is moving away from an annual mega-festival and back to what it did for decades: big Milwaukee blowouts tied to milestone anniversaries. In the meantime, Harley’s energy shifts to Summerfest, where riders—especially H.O.G. members—can still find Harley-branded perks and party vibes in 2026.

If you’re planning a Milwaukee trip: think Summerfest for 2026, and keep your eyes on 2028 for what could be one of the biggest Harley hometown celebrations in company history.