Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Every August, hundreds of thousands of riders from across the United States and around the world make their way to Sturgis, South Dakota, for one of motorcycling's most iconic events. But the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is much more than a week of motorcycles on Main Street. It's legendary rides through the Black Hills, unforgettable concerts, world-famous campgrounds, bike shows, vendors, historic landmarks, and the opportunity to experience one of the greatest gatherings in motorcycle culture.

Whether you're attending for the first time or returning for another unforgettable ride, this page brings together everything you need in one place. From rally dates and camping options to Buffalo Chip, scenic rides, packing tips, and answers to frequently asked questions, you'll find the information you need to plan your trip with confidence.

Use the navigation below to jump to any section, or start at the top and explore everything the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has to offer.

Explore the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Planning Your Trip

  • Rally Dates
  • Tips
  • Community Updates
  • Motorcycle Friendly Businesses

During the Rally

  • Main Street
  • Buffalo Chip
  • Concerts
  • Vendors

Best Places to Ride

  • Iron Mountain Road
  • Needles Highway
  • Spearfish Canyon
  • Mount Rushmore
  • Custer State Park
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Rider Resources

  • South Dakota Motorcycle Guide
  • Motorcycle Events Calendar
  • Support Support Bikers Community

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Dates

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is held every year in Sturgis, South Dakota, typically during the first full week of August. While the official rally lasts about 10 days, many riders arrive several days early and stay after the event to enjoy the scenic roads, attractions, and smaller gatherings throughout the Black Hills.

Whether you're planning your first visit or returning for another unforgettable ride, knowing the official dates can help you reserve campgrounds, hotels, and event tickets before they sell out.

Upcoming Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Dates

The 87th 2027 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally dates are August 6, 2027 - August 15, 2027

The 88th 2028 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally dates are August 4, 2028 - August 13, 2028

The 89th 2029 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is August 3, 2029 - August 12, 2029

The 90th 2030 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is August 2, 2030 - August 11, 2030

When is the Best Time to Arrive

Many experienced riders arrive one to three days before the official start of the rally. Arriving early gives you time to settle into your campground or hotel, avoid some of the heaviest traffic, and enjoy popular rides like Needles Highway and Spearfish Canyon before visitor numbers peak.

If your schedule allows, staying a day or two after the rally ends can also provide a more relaxed riding experience while still enjoying everything the Black Hills has to offer.

South Dakota & Sturgis Motorcycle Videos

Click the link below for a playlist of all our videos.

Join Our Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Community

Planning a trip to Sturgis or already on your way? Join 50,000+ fellow riders in our dedicated Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Facebook Group to ask questions, share photos, get travel tips, discover events, and connect with riders before, during, and after the rally.

Hand pointing to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally - Facebook Group

Find Motorcycle-Friendly Businesses in South Dakota

Whether you need a repair shop, towing service, motorcycle dealership, training course, attorney, or another rider resource, our Support Bikers Directory is here to help. Search trusted motorcycle-related businesses and services throughout South Dakota to make planning your trip easier and to find help when you need it most.

Use the search bar below to explore businesses near your destination, or browse by category to discover rider-friendly services across the state.

During the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally offers much more than motorcycles parked along Main Street. Throughout the rally you'll find world-class concerts, motorcycle shows, vendor exhibits, organized rides, charity events, and campgrounds that become destinations of their own. Whether you're looking for live entertainment, the best places to shop, or iconic rally experiences, these resources will help you plan your visit.

Join Us for a Support Bikers Meetup, Parade of Bikes and Kickoff Party at The Buffalo Chip

August 6, 2027 4PM

EAT HERE - SPEARFISH CANYON

YouTube Video 2025

It’s in the middle. Best place in our opinion for Indian Tacos. Ride Spearfish Canyon and then stop here for lunch next time you go to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

A BAR WITH HORSES

YouTube Video 2025

Don’t pass this place on your way to Devils Tower. If you’re looking for a unique country biker bar experience with food, cold drinks, and live music, especially during the Sturgis Rally, the Stone House Saloon is worth a visit.

CENTER OF THE NATION

YouTube Video 2025

Did you know about this? Just a few miles down the road when you’re headed to Devils Tower during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

A SMALL "COOL" TOWN

YouTube Video 2025

Make Hulett Wyoming a Stop OTW to Devils Tower During Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

FREE "HOG" STUFF

YouTube Video 2025

We are assuming this happens at all the rallies. Last year they pin striped Angie’s helmet. Find this at the Harley Davidson checkin area which is in the parking lot and big building to the left of the Full Throttle Saloon and next to the Pappy Hoel Campground General Store.

WATERFALLS

YouTube Video 2025

Spearfish Canyon Waterfalls & Tacos Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Rally Highlights & Resources

Whether you're planning your first trip or returning to Sturgis for another unforgettable rally, these resources can help you get the most out of your experience. Explore information about lodging, rally attendance, historical attendance trends, and even ways to watch the excitement from home if you can't make the trip. As we continue expanding our Sturgis coverage, you'll also find new resources, planning tips, and updates to help make every rally season even better.

Best Places to Ride Near Sturgis

The Black Hills are one of the biggest reasons riders travel to South Dakota every August. Beyond downtown Sturgis, you'll find winding mountain roads, breathtaking overlooks, historic landmarks, and unforgettable day rides. Whether you're planning your route or looking for ideas once you arrive, these guides will help you discover some of the best motorcycle rides in the region.

Sturgis Stories & Experiences

One of the best ways to prepare for your own trip is to learn from riders who have already made the journey. Follow along as we share our road trip to Sturgis, behind-the-scenes experiences, rally highlights, and the lessons we learned along the way. We hope these stories help you plan your own adventure and inspire you to make the ride yourself.

bikers standing in front of a Sturgis South Dakota Sign - Roadtrip to Sturgis

ROADTRIP TO STURGIS

YouTube Video August 3, 2026

And we’re off! Day 1 of our Sturgis 2026 journey is officially underway. We’re leaving the Florida humidity behind and heading North toward Alabama for the first leg of our 11-day adventure to the Black Hills.

A biker family huddled together in a garage with bikes in the background - Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

HOTEL DRAMA & BAD FOOD

YouTube Video August 4, 2026

Day 2 of our Sturgis 2026 journey is in the books! We covered nearly 500 miles today, riding from Alabama through Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas before finally landing in Missouri. The goal for today? Reaching "Granny Ma Badger's" new house for some much-needed family time.

Bikers sitting at a dinner table at a restaurant - Sturgis Bike Rally Road Trip

STOPPED TO SEE NEBRASKA CREW

YouTube Video August 5, 2026

Day 3 of our Sturgis 2026 trip was supposed to be a straight shot from Missouri to Nebraska, but it turned into an incredible day of catching up with the "Badger Nation." Between the rain showers and the 400+ miles, we got to see some of our favorite people along the way.

Bikers standing on the sidewalk in front of Gas Monkey Bar in Sturgis

LANDING IN STURGIS

YouTube Video August 6, 2026

We finally made it! Day 4 of our Sturgis 2026 trip takes us from Nebraska across the state line and straight into the heart of the action. There is no feeling quite like seeing those "Welcome to South Dakota" signs and feeling the energy shift as thousands of motorcycles begin to fill the roads.

The Badgers standing in front of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Stage

KICKOFF PARTY AND PARADE

YouTube Video August 7, 2026

The party has officially started! Day 5 of our Sturgis 2026 journey brings us to the legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip for the Kickoff Party and the annual Parade. There is nothing quite like the sight and sound of bikes lining up for the parade through the campground.

The Badgers standing in front of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Stage

IRON MOUNTAIN ROAD RIDE

YouTube Video August 8, 2026

Day 6 is all about the community that makes the Sturgis 2026 rally so special. We headed over to Camp Zero at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip for a massive Content Creator Hangout. Then we took off to ride the famous Iron Mountain Road. Stopped to take pictures with Mount Rushmore Behind us.

Bikers standing on the sidewalk in front of Gas Monkey Bar in Sturgis

ISSUES HEADING BACK HOME

YouTube Video August 9, 2026

It’s time to head home! Day 7 of our Sturgis 2026 trip marks the beginning of our long ride back, but the road had other plans for us. Leaving the rally is always bittersweet, but when you run into mechanical or travel issues right out of the gate, it changes the game.

Bikers standing on the sidewalk in front of Gas Monkey Bar in Sturgis

EMERGENCY TIRE ISSUE

YouTube Video August 10, 2026

Day 8 of our Sturgis 2026 trip was the definition of "road reality." We set out to cover 610 miles, but an emergency tire replacement quickly became the priority. When you're touring long-distance, these are the moments that test your preparation and your patience.

Bikers standing on the sidewalk in front of Gas Monkey Bar in Sturgis

THE TRUTH ABOUT ISSUES

YouTube Video August 11, 2026

After 8 days of hard riding, we’re taking an "off day" in Missouri to visit family and catch our breath. But even on a day off, there is plenty to talk about when it comes to the reality of a 2,000+ mile road trip.

Bikers standing on the sidewalk in front of Gas Monkey Bar in Sturgis

CONSISTENCY MATTERS

YouTube Video August 12, 2026

Day 10 of our Sturgis 2026 journey was a marathon. We covered 621 miles in 100-degree heat, riding from Missouri down to Montgomery, Alabama. When you're this close to home, managing exhaustion and the elements becomes the biggest challenge of the trip.

Biker standing on road pointing to Florida State Sign

FINAL STRETCH

YouTube Video August 13, 2026

The final stretch of Sturgis 2026 is here, and it’s a big one: 565 miles from Alabama back to Florida. While the "home stretch" is exciting, it’s also when exhaustion and heat can get the best of you. 

Bikers standing in front of a parade of bikes at Sturgis Buffalo Chip

THE FULL STURGIS PARADE

YouTube Video August 14, 2026

On Friday, August 7, 2026 we did our Annual Parade of Bikes through the Sturgis Buffalo Chip after the Support Bikers Meetup. All types of motorcycles, atvs, mini bikes, even a school bus rode through the campground into the amphitheater to kickoff the opening of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Bikers standing on the sidewalk in front of Gas Monkey Bar in Sturgis

STURGIS WAS AWESOME

YouTube Video August 19, 2026

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2026 faced its share of challenges, but did the negativity overshadow the experience? Join The Badgers as they dive deep into the realities of attendance, price gouging, police presence, and unpredictable weather at this iconic event. If you've ever hesitated to attend due to the chatter around the rally, this episode is a must-listen!

History of Sturgis & South Dakota

Long before motorcycles filled Main Street each August, the Black Hills and the town of Sturgis had a rich history worth exploring. Learning more about the area helps you appreciate why the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has become one of the most iconic events in motorcycling and why riders return year after year.

Beyond the Motorcycle Rally

Many visitors extend their trip to explore everything western South Dakota has to offer. From off-road adventures and scenic parks to family-friendly attractions, there's plenty to experience before or after the rally. If you're turning your Sturgis trip into a longer vacation, these guides can help you discover even more.

PAST STURGIS RALLY COVERAGE

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EXPLORE MORE SOUTH DAKOTA RESOURCES

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally offers much more than motorcycles parked along Main Street. Throughout the rally you'll find world-class concerts, motorcycle shows, vendor exhibits, organized rides, charity events, and campgrounds that become destinations of their own. Whether you're looking for live entertainment, the best places to shop, or iconic rally experiences, these resources will help you plan your visit.

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