Did you miss the Harley-Davidson Museum’s Bike Night Concert Series as much as we did? Have you spent countless hours shining the chrome on your bike as you counted down the days until the first Thursday of May? Your patience is rewarded this week when Bella Cain kicks off the season on May 5. All wheels are welcome to roll down to campus every Thursday to enjoy free live music from some of Milwaukee’s favorite bands, drool-worthy rolling sculptures, and tasty treats hot off the grill and ice-cold beverages.
And if you’re looking to throw a leg over the latest Harley-Davidson motorcycle to experience the fun and freedom that only H-D can deliver, mark your calendars for May 7 (and nearly every Saturday this summer) for the H-D Museum’s Saturday Demo Rides powered by Harley-Davidson Insurance. Choose from a dozen of the newest models and take a cruise through the neighboring Menomonee Valley. And yes, it’s offered for free at the H-D Museum.
Plus, make sure you show mom some love on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8. Roll two-up or bring down the whole family and take advantage of our Annual Pass perks for discounted admission, gifts at The Shop and meals at MOTOR Bar & Restaurant. On Mother’s Day, spend $150 or more at the shop and receive a free bracelet. And, make sure you fuel up at MOTOR’s Mother’s Day Brunch. Raise a glass to mom with bottomless mimosas for $14.95 or our Bloody Mary Bar for $12.95. Be sure to look out for complimentary carnations for moms and temporary tattoos for kids (while supplies last).
And the annual Armed Forces Day Celebration lands at the Harley-Davidson Museum on Saturday, May 21. Join the Harley-Davidson Museum and active military and veterans as we honor the brave individuals serving in the United States Armed Forces. Together with the Milwaukee Armed Services Committee, the H-D Museum invites everyone to show your support for our troops on Armed Forces Day.
Programming/Events
H-D Museum Bike Night Concert Series powered by Budweiser and Bulleit Bourbon: All wheels unite every Thursday from 5 to 9 PM at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Join riders (and non-riders) for free live music from some of Milwaukee’s favorite bands, fun, drool-worthy rolling sculptures and outdoor food and beverage. The Bike Night Koozie Special is back. Enjoy $3 Busch Light all-season long.
- 5/5 – Bella Cain
- 5/12 – Big Al Wetzel Band
- 5/19 – Ten Feet Tall
- 5/26 – Mighty Miss Erica
Saturday Demos powered by H-D Insurance: Visit the Museum campus on Saturdays to experience the fun and freedom of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Visitors with their motorcycle endorsement/license will be able to choose from a dozen of the latest and greatest #FreedomMachines from Harley-Davidson, including Touring, Softail and Sportster models. A pre-determined scenic route through the Menomonee Valley will give riders the chance to explore the Museum’s surrounding neighborhoods. Sign-up is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Riders and passengers must be at least 18 years of age. All riders (and passengers) must wear a helmet, eye protection, shirt, long pants and closed-toe shoes with a heel strap. All riders and passengers must also bring their own riding gear.
Mother’s Day at the Harley-Davidson Museum: Celebrate the most important woman in your life by giving her an unforgettable experience at the Harley-Davidson Museum. Spend the day touring the collection and campus, including The Shop, where you can find a special gift just for her. Spend $150 or more at The Shop and receive a free bracelet. Take a self-guided audio tour of the H-D Museum and if you bring the kids, make sure to check out the newly reopened Imagination Station! Don’t forget to score a complimentary carnation for mom and a temporary tattoo for the kids (while supplies last). End your visit by taking in the sights of our beautiful 20-acre, park-like campus on our walking tour. It’s the mother of all Mother’s Day celebrations and it’s only found at the crossroads of 6th & Canal.
Armed Forces Day Celebration: Join the Harley-Davidson Museum and active military and veterans as we honor the brave individuals serving in the United States Armed Forces. Together with the Milwaukee Armed Services Committee, the H-D Museum invites everyone to show your support for our troops on Armed Forces Day. Military equipment and interactive displays are available for attendees to see and experience. This free event offers a unique experience to talk with all branches of the military to learn about their experiences and the challenges they face in maintaining our freedom. Please note that military discounts are found throughout campus. New this year is the Wisconsin Warrior Challenge. Open to kids and young adults ages 7-18, participants will join one of six teams and compete in a series of activities for the title of Wisconsin Warrior Champions. Activities will include obstacle courses, survival skills, drills, marching and more! Sign up to participate in advance on the Milwaukee Armed Forces Week website.
Upcoming Exhibit
1977 FLH “Blackula”: Milwaukee man Freddie Franklin purchased his Electra Glide from its original owner, 95-year-old Wallace Brzezinski, with only 4,500 miles on its odometer. And in short order, he completely re-envisioned the bike to reflect his timeless style. The motorcycle incorporates some hallmarks of Franklin’s disparate tastes. A dash of the Coney Island-style bikes—decked out with lights and reflectors—he mixed in elements of Willie G.’s seminal Knucklehead and topped off with details that harken to the 1970s blaxploitation films he watched back in the day. A clear statement of Black pride via the language of vintage motorcycles, this is a bike you must see in-person. On display May 13.
