What makes Sturgis special is different for everyone. For some, it’s because it’s the biggest two-wheeled party in the baddest of lands. For others, it’s the switchbacks, hairpins and pigtails through the Black Hills of South Dakota. The chance to choose freedom over freeways. Or the concerts, daredevils, races & wild events carrying on for 10 whole days in August with hundreds of thousands of family and friends. And all of this since 1938 — it’s truly the O-G.
You’ve got one life and there’s only one Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Don’t miss out this August 1 - August 10, 2025.
The Battleship South Dakota Memorial in Sioux Falls draws visitors from all fifty states and around the world to view artifacts from the ship and its crew members. It's mission is to preserve the history of USS South Dakota (BB-57) and its crew through the operation of a world-class museum that educates current and future generations on the most decorated battleship of World War II. The memorial is open 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sunday through Saturday, May through September.
The Zesto Drive Inn in Watertown is an ice cream shop and fast food restaurant. In addition to ice cream and sherbet (with low fat and non-dairy options), we feature burgers and sandwiches, appetizers, tacos, nachos, chicken baskets and buckets, and a selection of beverages. Our seasonal hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday through Saturday. See our Facebook page for a full menu, including sherbet flavors.
Sponsored by the Western Dakota Antique Club, the Black Hills Threshing Bee is held the third weekend in August at the club grounds 1/2 mile east of the Sturgis Airport. There are daily parades, a tractor rodeo, tractor pulls, tractor and steamer races, and games for all ages. See our website for the schedule of events and admission fees.
The Sioux Falls Christmas Tree Skirt Dash is a fun race inspired by a friend who wouldn't let me quit during a really long run. We decided why not get two uses out of that skirt you put at the bottom of your tree. Join us for 1-mile, 2-mile and 3.1-mile dashes. We will be running on the bike trail along the Big Sioux River, which is a short warm up walk from Cherapa Place and our headquarters at Queen City Bakery. Packet pickup and race congregation before and after will be at Queen City Bakery. Come dressed for fun! A sweet prize goes to the winner of the best costume. It is recommended that you register online ahead of race day.
The Cinch Playoffs will play a bigger role than ever before in deciding who makes it to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo with a payout of more than $1 million on the final weekend of the season. Held at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, the event will feature athletes competing for the Governor’s Cup and vying for the richest rodeo in South Dakota history. In addition to bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and bull riding, breakaway roping will be held at the Cinch Playoffs. More details and ticket information can be found online.
If you love fine food, wine and distinctive brews, don’t miss the Annual Forks, Corks and Kegs Food, Wine and Beer Festival in Historic Deadwood. Sample a variety of beer and wine from all across the country as well as your Black Hills favorites as you make your way to various tasting venues across town. Each location will feature their chef's finest culinary creation paired with the perfect complimentary beverage. Limited tickets are sold for the event.
The annual Fort Pierre Horse Races at the Stanley County Fairgrounds are held one weekend in early October. Races feature quarter horses and thoroughbreds and start at 1 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $5 (free for ages 16 and under).
Head to Fort Pierre the second weekend of August for the annual Fort Pierre Trader Days & Turkey Races plus Backyard BBQ Competition. Enjoy a carnival, music, children's activities, BBQ competition (Friday & Saturday), an arts and crafts show, turkey races, and more. Most events are at Fischers Lilly Park and downtown Fort Pierre. Activities start Friday afternoon and run through midnight on Saturday..
The Annual Hugh Glass Rendezvous celebrates the history of frontiersman and fur trader Hugh Glass, who is known far and wide for surviving a grizzly attack at the forks of the Grand River in 1823. Step back in history nearly two centuries and walk upon the site where history was made, where the man became a legend on the banks of the Grand River and Shadehill Reservoir, at Hugh Glass Park. Events include the Rendezvous, a Plein Air Paintout, guided hikes, vendors of period goods and more. Admission: The Hugh Glass Rendezvous committee asks for a free will donation from those attending. In 2023, we celebrate the bicentennial of the attack at the 6th annual festival.
