Top Events During the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Get your motor running at these biker-friendly events in Sturgis and beyond.
Every August, Sturgis welcomes hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from around the country for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The 10-day rally is jam-packed with events, from concerts and contests to pub crawls and 5Ks. And while Sturgis may be the main attraction, the party doesn't stop there. Towns throughout the Black Hills keep the rally spirit rolling with live music, local traditions and can't-miss events of their own.
Plan your Sturgis experience around these fan favorites.
Military Appreciation Day at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Concerts at Sturgis Buffalo Chip are the heart and soul of the rally
Take in the excitement of motocross racing and stunts during the rally
Military Appreciation Day at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Concerts at Sturgis Buffalo Chip are the heart and soul of the rally
Take in the excitement of motocross racing and stunts during the rally
2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Events
Sturgis Buffalo Chip
August 3–16, 2026
During the rally, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip campground hosts dozens of exciting events, including the Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party, minibike races, custom bike shows, daily slip ‘n' slide relays and much more. But you definitely don't want to miss the headliner concerts that have made Buffalo Chip "The Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling®." This year’s lineup includes David Lee Roth, Yungblud, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lainey Wilson and plenty of other legends playing throughout the week.
See the full Buffalo Chip event lineup
Opening Ceremonies
August 7, 2026
Celebrate the official kickoff of the 86th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with pageantry and community pride. This high-energy event features a grand parade headlined by the Sturgis mayor and a flag procession through downtown. Grab a spot on Main Street for the best view of the action.
Full Throttle Saloon Concert Series
August 7–14, 2026
Buffalo Chip isn't the only venue that cranks up the volume during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The famed Full Throttle Saloon, which lays claim to being the World's Largest Biker Bar, counts Journey, Sammy Hagar and Friends, Rob Zombie and Insane Clown Posse among its star-studded lineup this year.
Head to Sturgis.com for a full list of concerts
Mayor’s Ride
August 8, 2026
Celebrate 25 years of Sturgis tradition on the annual Mayor’s Ride. Gear up and be part of the legacy as you cruise through the breathtaking Black Hills with a global community of riders. Proceeds benefit local causes.
Charity Rides
August 10–14, 2026
The rally events calendar is full of rides that combine world-class scenery with giving back. On Monday, August 10, join the Buffalo Chip Legends Ride in Deadwood to support the Special Olympics alongside celebrity guests. Ladies take over the road on Tuesday, August 11, for the Biker Belles Ride, a full day of festivities celebrating women in motorcycling and raising funds for South Dakota charities.
Military Appreciation Day
August 11, 2026
A Sturgis Motorcycle Rally tradition presented by the VFW, Military Appreciation Day honors veterans and active-duty service members. Gather at the Harley-Davidson Rally Point for special presentations and the iconic B1 Bomber flyover.
Fan Fest
August 13, 2026
Head to Buffalo Chip CrossRoads for a day of competition and laughs. The annual Beard Contest kicks off at 1 p.m., followed by the Beer Belly Contest and Mullet Madness. It’s free to attend and one of the most memorable parts of the week.
Visit SturgisMotorcycleRally.com for all official rally events
Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party at The World's Only Corn Palace in Mitchell
Yankton Rock-N-Rumble Motorcycle Rally
Events on the Road to Sturgis
No matter which direction you're coming from, plan a stop at these regional events before, during and after the rally.
Yankton Rock-n-Rumble Motorcycle Rally
July 25, 2026 | Yankton
Planning to get to town a few days before the big event? Swing through Yankton (about five hours southeast of Sturgis) for the annual Rock-N-Rumble Motorcycle Rally. Event highlights include a motorcycle parade, food and drink vendors, and live music.
Potato Days
July 31–August 2, 2026 | Clark
Those traveling to Sturgis from Minnesota and other points east should make a stop at Potato Days, an only-in-SoDak ode to Clark’s favorite starch. The highlight of the three-day event is definitely the mashed-potato wrestling contest … yes, you read that right!
Stone House Saloon
August 1-15, 2026 | Belle Fourche
Near the geographic center of the country sits the Stone House Saloon, which opens its doors for two weeks of the year during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. A 30-minute ride from Sturgis, the saloon serves burgers, brats and cold drinks on the patio, with daily live music keeping the energy high. Insider tip: The bar is known for its stellar homemade bloody marys.
Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party
August 6, 2026 | Mitchell
There’s nothing ralliers love more than a pre-party! If you’re driving in from the eastern side of the state, the Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party is not to be missed. The jam-packed event takes place on Mitchell’s Main Street, where festival fare, bands and excitement abound.
Hulett Ham N Jam
August 12–13, 2026 | Hulett, WY
Take the Spirit Highway (Highway 24) through neighboring Wyoming for the Hulett Ham N Jam. Every year, this small town (population 300) welcomes more than 25,000 riders for two days of music and entertainment, free food and two-wheeled camaraderie. Hulett is only 10 miles from Devils Tower National Monument, a natural marvel and the country's very first national monument.
Days of '76 Rodeo and Parades, Deadwood
Corn Palace Festival, Mitchell
Potato Days, Clark
Days of '76 Rodeo and Parades, Deadwood
Corn Palace Festival, Mitchell
Potato Days, Clark
Corn Palace Festival
August 26–30, 2026 | Mitchell
Many who attend the Sturgis Rally tack on a few extra days (or even weeks) to explore South Dakota’s wide-open spaces and summer events, like the Corn Palace Festival. An annual celebration of the redecoration of The World’s Only Corn Palace, the fest includes carnival rides, specialty vendors and a-maize-ing entertainment by national music acts.
Roadhouse Bike Nights
Thursdays, May 21–October 1, 2026 | Pierre
From May through September, Thursday night is Roadhouse Bike Night at Grey Goose Social Club. Located 7 miles north of Pierre, this beloved bar and restaurant offers a scenic ride to some great food, drink and music. Plus, every event features a swap meet! For a complete list of upcoming acts, check out the venue’s Facebook page.
Summer Rodeos
In the weeks surrounding the Sturgis Rally, South Dakota's summer rodeo season ignites a different kind of horsepower. Get a taste of SoDak's authentic cowboy culture at these rodeos:
- Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo (Mitchell): July 16–19, 2026
- Burke Stampede Rodeo (Burke): July 17–19, 2026
- Days of ’76 Rodeo & Parades (Deadwood): July 19–25, 2026
- Mount Rushmore Rodeo at Palmer Gulch (Hill City): June 7, 13, 20; July 26; August 15, 2026
Badlands National Park is a biker's dream
Things to Do Near Sturgis
From Mount Rushmore National Memorial to Badlands National Park, the western region of South Dakota offers bucket-list attractions, rich history and outdoor adventure, all under a two-hour drive from Sturgis.
Explore South Dakota's most iconic attractions
During the rally or any time of year, South Dakota's Black Hills are chock-full of scenic rides. From Vanocker Canyon just south of Sturgis to Spearfish Canyon and the Peter Norbeck Scenic Byway, plan on getting out and exploring the unique geology of Western South Dakota.
Pro tip: As you travel around the state, look for businesses sporting Rally Rush stickers and posters. This statewide campaign celebrates the state’s local and visiting motorcycling community.
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