Hoancoming Returns on September 18 Under New Leadership
The Hoan Group Acquires Rights to Milwaukee’s Signature End-of-Summer Celebration, announces Presenting Sponsors Gateway Capital and Zizzo Group
Milwaukee – (August 13, 2025) – For the third straight year, Hoancoming, Milwaukee’s end-of-summer celebration, will take place on the Milwaukee River on Thursday, September 18, celebrating Milwaukee’s unique communities, vibrant waterways, and beloved festival culture.
This year’s event will be produced under new leadership from the Hoan Group, an independent, membership-based organization dedicated to connecting regional leaders from across the Milwaukee, Madison, and Greater Green Bay areas in order to continue moving Wisconsin forward.
Originally launched by Light the Hoan to support lighting the east side of the Daniel Hoan Memorial Bridge—a goal successfully achieved in June 2025—Hoancoming has evolved into a free, end-of-summer celebration of civic pride, community, and connection, featuring new ways to give back.
“Light the Hoan is proud to have created the Hoancoming event,” says Erika Smith, Executive Director of Light the Hoan. “The Board of Directors and I believe the event will reach new heights under the leadership of the Hoan Group and we’re excited that the Hoan Bridge will continue to shine brightly as a major part of the celebration.”
“So many people came out to enjoy last year’s festival, and it played a massive role in raising funds and awareness for the lighting of the east side of the Hoan Bridge,” says Ian Abston, Vice President of the Board for Light the Hoan, Founder of the Hoan Group and co-chair of this year’s Hoancoming event. “2025 is all about saying ‘thank you’ to the community and giving everyone one last chance to celebrate and give back before the end of another amazing Milwaukee summer.”
Hoancoming will feature live music, a boat parade, and a drone and light show synced to the lights on the Hoan Bridge that will be visible from both water and land. Boaters can enjoy the event from the confluence of the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan, near the Hoan Bridge. Those attending on land can join in on the celebration from the adjacent Riverwalk or from general viewing areas at locations such as Boone & Crockett, The Cooperage, Milwaukee’s Pierhead Lighthouse, and more.
This year’s presenting sponsors include Gateway Capital and Zizzo Group Engagement Marketing as they partner with the Hoan Group in support of this year’s beneficiary, the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer).
“At Gateway Capital, we believe in investing in what moves Milwaukee forward—and that includes celebrating the spirit, resilience, and innovation of our people,” said Dana Guthrie, Managing Partner of Gateway Capital and co-chair of Hoancoming. “Hoancoming is a reflection of the pride we all share in our city and a reminder of what’s possible when community comes together.”
“Hoancoming is Milwaukee’s one-of-a-kind celebration of our iconic Hoan Bridge. With the boat parade and drone show, it’s the perfect summer send-off,” said Anne Zizzo, Founder and CEO of Zizzo Group Engagement Marketing and co-chair of Hoancoming for a second year. “Zizzo Group is honored to support this event – it keeps growing every year because of the special way it brings businesses and people together on our amazing Milwaukee River.”
“The MACC Fund is deeply honored and grateful to be this year’s Hoancoming beneficiary,” said Autumn Gentry, Director of Advocacy and Community Engagement for the MACC Fund. “This celebration is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together. With the Hoan Group’s support, we’re able to amplify our mission and shine a brighter light on the urgent need for life-saving research in childhood cancer and related blood disorders. A cure is only possible when we stand united in hope and action.”
Additional details about the Hoancoming event can be found online at hoancoming.com.
Local and regional businesses interested in sponsorship or volunteer opportunities are encouraged to contact the Hoan Group at [email protected].
Find more press releases HERE.