OUR 8 PICKS

FOR 115TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON LABOR DAY WEEKEND IS MORE THAN MUSIC AND STREET PARTIES , WE ARE CELEBRATING MOTORCYCLING

This Labor Day weekend, Harley-Davidson is celebrating 115 years of riding with the biggest free party in town, featuring new events that bring the thrill, freedom and fun of motorcycles front-and-center. From Aug. 29 to Sep. 2, anyone with an adventurous spirit and a love for the freedom of two wheels should make plans to attend.

Most activities will be free and open to the public, but for those looking to maximize the fun, Harley-Davidson has designed special anniversary rally packs that include exclusive experiences and limited-edition merchandise. Packs start at $50 and include dozens of specials — such as early access to factory tours, private lounge access and behind the scenes tours of Juneau Avenue HQ — and souvenirs including artwork, headphones, cameras, clothing and glassware.

Out of the numerous worthy events held throughout the 115th anniversary celebration, we’ve narrowed down eight – many of which are free – that can satisfy any craving for excitement.

1 RIDE HOME WITH THE PACK

During the 115th anniversary, the city will host riders who are coming from all four corners of the country — San Diego, California; Seattle, Washington; Portland, Maine; and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida — before convening for the party. Check out the routes and join up with one of the rides as they converge at Veterans Park on August 29 for a get-together that’s free and open to the public.

2 THE HARLEY-DAVIDSON MUSEUM

Consider the Harley-Davidson Museum the epicenter of all the anniversary activities and a must-attend feature of the weekend. With entertainment on two stages, motorcycle field games, a custom bike show, tattoo artists, local food and exclusive exhibits spread across several acres, it’s a museum experience unlike any other. Paid admission is required to enter the museum, but most of the activities on the museum campus are free. Additionally, all Harley Owners Group members will enjoy complimentary admission.

3 MOTORCYCLE RACES AND COMPETITIONS

Harley-Davidson is returning to its grassroot passions: motorcycles and throwing parties for people. Thrill seekers can get their fix at several motorcycle-centric competitions and exhibitions that celebrate past traditions and mark new ones, including: Hillclimb motorcycle racing: Hillclimbing was an early tradition of motorcycle culture that Harley is helping to revive, with a vertical-riding competition at Little Switzerland Ski Hill — a 200-foot-high ski hill — that takes brings new meaning to “monumental.” (105 Cedar Creek Road, Slinger, WI 53086 on Saturday, September 1 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Free admission) Flat Out Friday: For those who enjoy their heat on the track as opposed to under the sun, this bar-to-bar race is held indoors on a soda-soaked track at the UWM Panther Arena, with plenty of good seats to catch the action. (400 W Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203 on Friday, August 31 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.) Bradford Beach Brawl: For the first time in more than 100 years, watch bikes kick-up the sand on Bradford Beach. This free event is open to the public, who can check out new and vintage bikes while witnessing history in the making. (2400 N Lincoln Memorial Dr. Milwaukee, WI 53211 on, Friday, August 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, September 1 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.) “Run What You Brung” drag racing: The iconic Great Lakes Dragaway will host a head-to-head heart stopper that’s gritty and fast. (18411 1st St, Union Grove, WI 53182 on Friday, August 31 from 12 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Doors open at 10 a.m.)

4 DEMO THE BRAND NEW 2019 MOTORCYCLES AT A LOCAL DEALER

Get a first peek at the 2019 Harley-Davidson motorcycle lineup when you visit a dealer, where you can take one for a spin or speak with gear specialists for free. If you decide not to take one home, you can still find exclusive anniversary merchandise and accessories at these locations.

5 115TH & HOG 35TH MOTO-CARNIVAL

The Harley Owners Group (HOG) is one of the largest and longest-running motorcycle groups in existence, and as Harley-Davidson celebrates its 115th, HOG rings in 35 years. To celebrate both, a free five-day moto-carnival kicks off on Wednesday as riders roll into Veterans Park. All weekend long, the Full Throttle Saloon will serve up high-wire motorcycle thrill shows, the Wall of Death and more. It’s the perfect environment for cold drinks and good friends, with a celebration of — what else — all things motorcycle.

6 STREET PARTIES

The legendary street parties of Harley-Davidson anniversary weekends are a beloved staple for a reason. With local culture, food, bikes, bands and music during 10 nights of street parties in five different neighborhoods, it’s the perfect way to celebrate anytime, but especially since attendance is free and the parties are during Labor Day weekend. Expect more announcements as the weekend nears and don’t forget to bring your bike — many of the events include designated motorcycle parking.

7 PARADE

Drawing motorcycle fanatics, community members and thousands of riders, the free-to-attend parade is a special celebration of the birthplace of HarleyDavidson. The parade will include custom bike builders, stunt teams, charitable groups and HOG chapters, as well as a few surprise guests. It kicks off at 45th Street and Wisconsin Avenue, continues east through downtown Milwaukee and lands at the Harley-Davidson 115th and HOG 35th Moto-Carnival at Veterans Park. (Sunday, September 2 at 1 p.m.)

8 LOCAL RIDES: EXPLORE WISCONSIN ON SELF-GUIDED TOURS

Even locals will love Harley’s self-guided tours in partnership with Milwaukee County Parks. The scenic journey takes riders from the Harley-Davidson Museum through different Milwaukee County Parks and finally to the seven local Harley-Davidson dealerships. There’s plenty to see en route, and at the parks you’ll find scenic views, yard games, rest areas, concession stands and two beer gardens, where 115th rally pack wristband holders receive a complimentary special glass, co-branded by Harley-Davidson and Milwaukee County Parks to commemorate this special trip.