Sturgis Motorcycle Rally: August 7-16, 2026

Since 1938, Sturgis has welcomed riders from across the United States and around the world to the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Each August, Main Street becomes a sea of leather, denim and gleaming chrome.

What began as a weekend gathering with fewer than two dozen racers has grown into one of the world's largest motorcycle events, drawing around a half a million visitors each year. For 10 days, riders and spectators fill the Black Hills for races, rides, concerts and friendships forged on the open road.

Whether you're planning to attend an upcoming rally or simply curious to learn more, read on for everything you need to know about this legendary South Dakota tradition.

When is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the world’s largest biker rally, runs for 10 days every August. This year’s rally takes place August 7–16, 2026. 

Plan ahead for these future rally dates: 

• August 5–16, 2027
• August 4–13, 2028
• August 3–12, 2029
• August 2–11, 2030 (90th Anniversary)
• August 3–12, 2040 (100th Anniversary)

Where is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?

Sturgis, South Dakota, is located in the northern Black Hills on the scenic western side of the state. Home to approximately 7,000 residents, the city transforms into the world’s biker capital each August as more than 500,000 visitors rumble into town for the annual rally.

Notable cities and towns close to Sturgis include Historic Deadwood (14 miles), Spearfish (20 miles) and Belle Fourche (27 miles). Rapid City, a popular jumping-off point for exploring the Black Hills, is just 29 miles from Sturgis. 

Whether you visit Sturgis during the rally or at a different time of year, you’ll find stunning scenery, hiking trails and legendary local hangouts, like the Full Throttle Saloon. No matter when you visit, Sturgis' motorcycle heritage is on full display. Open year-round, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is a must-see for rallygoers and motorcycle enthusiasts. 

Discover things to do in Sturgis

How many people attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?

Average rally attendance is in the hundreds of thousands, with the largest estimated attendance of more than 700,000 cruising in for the 75th anniversary in 2015. 

Attend the rally once and it becomes clear why it's a mandatory destination for so many bikers. The sound of growling engines, the smell of exhaust and the glint of sunlight off chrome are just a few of the elements that make the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally a unique experience.

Do you need tickets to attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?

A ticket is not required to attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. There are many free things to do throughout the 10 days, including bike shows, demo rides, community events and the annual Fan Fest.

Other events during the rally are ticketed, such as the concert series at Sturgis Buffalo Chip. A single-admission ticket or multi-day pass is required for entry and includes a campsite at the Buffalo Chip campground.

What to Expect at the Rally: Events, Vendors & Must-Sees

When the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club held the first rally in 1938, the single-day event included stunts, dirt track racing and group rides. Today, rallygoers can enjoy those same events — and a lot more. From morning till midnight (and oftentimes much later), there’s always something happening at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally!

Peruse bike shows ranging from classic choppers to handmade contraptions that must be seen to be believed. Take part in rockin’ rides with a few hundred of your fellow bikers or kick things into high gear at a race, from Hell Track Time Trials to Pro/Am Hill Climb. 

Stunts have been a fan favorite from the start and have only gotten more outrageous over time. With names like the Ives Brothers Wall of Death, Limousine Fire Wall Smash and Cheech & Chong’s Smoke Show Burnout Competition, these events run the gamut from death-defying to laugh-out-loud.

If music’s your thing, the biggest names in rock, metal and country music entertain all week long at Sturgis Buffalo Chip. This year’s concert lineup includes Lynyrd Skynyrd, Yungblud, Megadeth, David Lee Roth and Lainey Wilson, among others. Over at Full Throttle Saloon, the world’s largest biker bar, catch 38 Special, Miranda Lambert, Sammy Hagar and Friends, Rob Zombie and Insane Clown Posse.

Visitors can also check out the countless food and souvenir vendors, booths and shops offering everything from motorcycle customizations to tattoos. 

Check out the full Sturgis event lineup

How early do I need to book a hotel room or campsite for the rally?

Lodging can fill quickly for the rally, so it’s best to book accommodations well in advance — especially if you want to be near the center of the action. To secure a spot, look to book Sturgis hotels, tent and RV campsites, cabins and vacation rentals 6–12 months in advance. Some rallygoers even book their places for the following year before leaving the current rally. You’ll have a little more flexibility in booking accommodations in nearby towns like Deadwood, Spearfish and Rapid City.

Explore Lodging Options in Sturgis

The Road to Sturgis: Getting to the Rally

While the rally itself may be the main event, the journey to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is a big part of the experience. Explore our guides for getting to Sturgis from cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Denver and more. Many rally attendees ride in via Interstate 90, with scenic approaches using US-16 and US-385 through the Black Hills. 

As you plan your route, keep in mind that cities across South Dakota host events before and after the rally. A few favorites include:

• Stone House Saloon in Belle Fourche (about 30 minutes west of Sturgis) opens its doors for just two weeks per year during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Stop for great food, cold drinks and live music.
• If you’re driving in from the east, set a route through Mitchell (around 300 miles east of Sturgis) for the Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party. This stopover features a carnival-like atmosphere on Main Street, right in front of The World’s Only Corn Palace.

Check out more events before, during and after Sturgis 

Extend Your Ride: Attractions Around the Black Hills

In addition to the activities in Sturgis, many riders and groups take day trips throughout the Black Hills and beyond. Two of the region’s most scenic rides are in the immediate area: Vanocker Canyon and Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway. Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, which includes the famous Needles Highway and Iron Mountain Road, is about 58 miles from Sturgis and a must-ride during your visit.

Within easy riding distance are many attractions with spectacular scenery, including Mount Rushmore National Memorial (62 miles), Crazy Horse Memorial® (67 miles), Custer State Park (75 miles), Devils Tower National Monument (84 miles) and Badlands National Park (110 miles).

Explore the Black Hills' Most Scenic Rides

More Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Info

• City of Sturgis Rally Department — official website of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
  • Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
• Black Hills & Badlands Rally Information
• Buffalo Chip Facebook
• South Dakota Motorcycle Driving Laws
• Sturgis Rally Transportation FAQs
• South Dakota Marriage Requirements (SD Department of Health)

Ride Safe South Dakota

RideSafeSD.com is a campaign by the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety to promote motorcycle education. The site provides information about safety, state laws, rider training opportunities and other topics. It engages users with interactive riding maps, information about rider education courses and opportunities to share photos and videos and participate in live chats with other motorcycle enthusiasts.