The rumble is on its way: Harley-Davidson reveals 115th Anniversary Celebration dates, events

MILWAUKEE -- The rumble of Harley-Davidson motorcycles will be back in Milwaukee for the 115th anniversary of the motorcycle maker this coming Labor Day weekend -- and we now know what riders can expect when they get into town.

Plans for the Harley-Davidson 115th Anniversary Milwaukee Celebration are set for Wednesday, Aug. 29 through Sunday, Sep. 2.

But the rumble will be felt thousands of miles away.

"We have rides starting from all four corners of the country," said Chris Urban, marketing manager of events for Harley-Davidson.

Riders will be coming to southeast Wisconsin from around the world -- back to where it all began -- merging Harley-Davidson history and culture.

"It's about bond. It's about community. It's about sharing that excitement and passion for freedom and the open road," Urban said.

New for the 115th anniversary in Milwaukee will be motorcycle events throughout the city. Among them -- Harley-Davidson will host beach motorcycle racing on Bradford Beach in Milwaukee as well as sponsoring “Run What You Brung” drag racing, Flat Out Friday flat-track racing and more.

The Harley-Davidson Museum will be the epicenter of 115th anniversary activities in Milwaukee. The museum will host motorcycle field games, a custom bike show, tattoo artists, live music, local food and more.

The best part is this celebration comes at no cost to you.

"In the interest of sharing this bond and this community, removing that barrier was really important for us and being able to share this with more and make it easier for folks to make that decision," Urban said.

The Ride Home

The Milwaukee 115th anniversary celebration will start thousands of miles away on Tuesday, Aug. 21 with Harley-Davidson Rides Home. Led by Motor Company executives, the Harley-Davidson Rides Home will convoy to Milwaukee, stopping at dealerships and adding more riders along the way.

Harley-Davidson Rides Home launch from the four corners of the country with rides rolling into Milwaukee from Seattle, San Diego, Ft. Lauderdale and Portland, Maine.

CLICK HERE to view the RIDES HOME map

What else is going on during the Harley-Davidson 115th Anniversary Celebration? Here's a look ahead:

Harley-Davidson Museum: Central Rally Point

Harley-Davidson history and culture come to life at the Museum site, with free outdoor activities scheduled for the entire weekend including entertainment on two stages plus food and beverage vendors, photo opportunities and a display of the latest Harley-Davidson motorcycle models.

Harley-Davidson 115th and HOG 35th Anniversary Moto-Carnival

This free party – to celebrate the 115th and 35 years of the Harley Owners Group – kicks off Wednesday as riders roll into Veterans Park. All weekend long the Full Throttle Saloon will serve up high-wire motorcycle thrill shows, Wall of Death and more. Come meet up with friends, grab a refreshing beverage, listen to some music and visit with locals at this carnival filled with riding and revelry.

Motorcycle Racing Action

See the best of indoor, flat track motorcycle racing as riders from both traditional and special classes compete on a soft-drink-syrup-covered track, creating the best of tight, bar-to-bar racing action. Tickets go on-sale later this summer.

Drag race side-by-side and keep getting back in line to show them what you got. Three performances by the Twin Stunts All-Harley Show. Tickets on sale at noon CDT March 9, 2018. Visit www.greatlakesdragaway.com for more information on practice sessions and to purchase racing and admission tickets.

In a Harley-Davidson anniversary first, bikes will tear through the sand on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Free and open to the public, this beach-focused event will provide gritty fun for all ages. On Friday, racers will be wrenching and kicking up sand as they practice for the competition. Racers on vintage and new bikes will meet up Saturday and battle it out on an oval track created in the sand right on Bradford Beach.

Juneau Avenue Global Headquarters

Visit the historic site of the first Harley-Davidson factory with free photo opportunities. Experience a 2019 Harley-Davidson motorcycle on the indoor Harley-Davidson JUMPSTART™ Rider Experience.

Factory Tour: Harley-Davidson Powertrain Operations

Get up close and personal with the Milwaukee-Eight™ and Sportster® powertrain assembly line.

HOG 35th Civilian Skills Competition & Police Skills Competition

This is serious competition, with trained motor officers and civilian HOG members showcasing their riding skills through challenging patterns.

Motorcycle Parade

Riders from around the world will wave their hometown flags as fans line the route to see the beauty and the brawn of customized motorcycles and unique show bikes. The parade kicks off at 45th Street and Wisconsin Avenue, continues east through downtown Milwaukee and lands at the Harley-Davidson 115th Anniversary and HOG 35th Moto-Carnival at Veterans Park.

Visit Local Harley-Davidson Dealerships

Visit seven local Harley-Davidson dealerships to check out new 2019 motorcycles. Take demo rides, get on-site service and accessory installations, talk with financing and gear specialists and shop for exclusive 115th merchandise and accessories. Go to H-D.com/115 for local dealer locations and information.