Evolution doesn’t need to take a long time. Hoancoming provides the perfect example, having launched just last year as a way to support the drive to light the east side of the Hoan Bridge. With that mission accomplished, the event pivoted slightly in 2025 to be a more general end-of-summer celebration — with the bridge still at its center.
Set for Thursday, Sept. 18, this year’s Hoancoming represents a new era in more ways than just its purpose. The annual event is now being led by the Hoan Group, an organization of “civic-minded leaders across Milwaukee, Madison and Greater Green Bay.” Their plans for the night line up pretty closely to last year:
- 6 p.m. — Boat parade along the Milwaukee River
- 7:45 p.m. — Hoan Bridge light and drone show
- 8 p.m. — After party at Boone & Crockett
Because you can’t have a show without music, Radio Milwaukee is excited to be a part of this year’s Hoancoming by providing the soundtrack as the drones buzz around the illuminated bridge. To enjoy the full experience, all you need to do is tune into 88Nine when the show starts. The easiest way to do that from your viewing position is to use our app (on Apple and Android devices) or come right here to the website and hit the orange play button.
Speaking of viewing positions, the organizers have a few recommendations for anyone looking to get a good angle of Thursday night’s show. A boat isn’t a bad way to go, but for the landlubbers, the many options include:
- Lakeshore State Park
- Milwaukee County Parks’ Riverfront boat launch (600 S. Water St.)
- Boone & Crockett (818 S. Water St.)
Arguably the coolest place to check out the show is the Terrace on Lake Michigan — an experience created in partnership with the Wisconsin Union, the Hoan Group and UW Credit Union. They’re bringing a scaled-down Memorial Union Terrace (a spot beloved by University of Wisconsin students and visitors alike) to the area around the Milwaukee PIerhead Lighthouse, starting at 6 p.m. and shutting down at 8 p.m. after the show.
The Terrace on Lake Michigan will feature brats, beverages, and performances by DJ LoLo and the University of Wisconsin Marching Band. Plus, anyone who bnrings a current or expired UW-Madison student ID, a current UW-Madison staff Wiscard, a Wisconsin Union lifetime or annual membership card, or a UW Credit Union debit or credit card can enter to win prizes, including an iconic sunburst Terrace chair.
With the Hoan Bridge well and truly lit, this year’s event will benefit the MACC Fund, with a portion of the proceeds going to the organization’s drive to support life-saving research for children and families facing cancer and related blood disorders. For more on the 2025 Hoancoming celebration, visit the event’s website.
