Get your motor running at these biker-friendly South Dakota events in Sturgis and beyond.
Every August, Sturgis welcomes hundreds of thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts from across 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. But that's not all! Small towns along the rally route put on their own festivities that make for memorable and fun stops on your way to or from Sturgis.
Check out these can’t-miss events happening during this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Events
Buffalo Chip
July 29-August 10
During the rally, the Buffalo Chip Campground hosts dozens of exciting events, including the Bikini Pre-Party, Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party, Moto Stampede, custom bike shows, daily slip ‘n' slide relay races and much more.
And don’t forget about the concerts! This year’s lineup includes Kid Rock, Jelly Roll, Travis Tritt and plenty of other legends playing throughout the week. See why the Buffalo Chip claims to be the “Best Party Anywhere!”
Sturgis Rally Concerts
August 2-8
From tributes to your high-haired favorites (Poison, Mötley Crüe, Ozzy) to original rock acts from across the country, Sturgis turns up the volume every year. All you have to do is dance. Head to Sturgis.com for a full list of concerts.
Mayor’s Pub Crawl
August 3
Walk, run and rally (responsibly) from bar to bar with Mayor Angela on her annual pub crawl. Participants will sip their way from One-Eyed Jack’s, the Loud American and Oasis Bar & Fireside Lounge to The Knuckle and Iron Horse saloons, all in downtown Sturgis.
Legendary Sturgis 5K
August 5
Hop off your bike for a fun, scenic 5K benefitting the Sturgis Animal Shelter. The run kicks off at Fort Meade Recreation Area and ends with a hearty breakfast at Sturgis City Park.
Military Appreciation Day
August 6
Join the community of Sturgis and Veterans of Foreign Wars as they honor the servicemen and women of the U.S. military. The afternoon event kicks off with several VIP speakers and ends with a B-1 bomber flyover from Ellsworth Air Force Base.
Beard and Mustache Contest
August 9
Whether you’re sporting a “papa beard” (a full beard over 6 inches) or a “beer-soakin’ mustache,” show off what you’ve got at the annual Beard and Mustache Contest. Each winner will take home goodies from rally sponsors, plus some City of Sturgis swag.
Visit SturgisMotorcycleRally.com for all official Rally events.
Events On the Road to Sturgis
Yankton Rock-n-Rumble Motorcycle Rally, Yankton
July 27, 2024
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 all day long.
South Dakota Chislic Festival, Freeman
July 27, 2024
On your way to Yankton, grab a bellyful at the South Dakota Chislic Festival in Freeman, the chislic capital of America. A 605 staple, chislic consists of half-inch cubes of meat, typically lamb, that are deep-fried or grilled and served on skewers. All that deliciousness pairs well with the locally brewed beer and live music.
Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party, Mitchell
August 1
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.
Stone House Saloon, Belle Fourche
August 2-11
At the geographical center of the country sits the Stone House Saloon, which opens its doors once a year during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. A 30-minute ride from Sturgis, the saloon serves soda, water, beer and mixed drinks, as well as burgers and brats on the patio. Insider tip: The bar is best known for its homemade bloody marys.
Potato Days, Clark
August 2-4
Those traveling to Sturgis from neighboring Minnesota and other points east should make a stop at Potato Days, an ode to Clark’s favorite starch. Like the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, it’s one of South Dakota’s most anticipated events of the year. The highlight of the three-day throwdown is definitely the mashed-potato wrestling contest… yes, you read that right!
Hulett Ham N Jam, Hulett, Wyoming
August 7-9
Take the Spirit Highway to nearby Wyoming for the Hulett Ham N Jam. Every year, this small town (pop. 300) welcomes more than 25,000 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally riders for three days of music and entertainment, free food and other rubber-burning shenanigans. Hulett is only 10 miles from Devils Tower National Monument, a natural marvel and the country's first national monument.
Corn Palace Festival, Mitchell
August 21-25
Many who attend the Sturgis Rally tack on a few extra days (or even weeks) to explore South Dakota’s wide-open spaces and other summer events, like the Corn Palace Festival. An annual celebration of the redecoration of the World’s Only Corn Palace, the four-day fest includes carnival rides, specialty vendors and a-maize-ing entertainment by national musicians.
Roadhouse Bike Nights, Pierre
July 25 and August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
Every Thursday night between May 16 and Sept. 26 is Roadhouse Bike Night at Grey Goose Social Club. Located 7 miles north of Pierre, this beloved bar and restaurant offers you a scenic ride to some great food, drink and music. Plus, every event features a swap meet! For a complete list of 2024 acts, check out the venue’s Facebook page.
Summer Rodeos, Various Locations
In the weeks leading up to and during the Sturgis Rally, South Dakota hosts several rodeos around the state. Immerse yourself in SoDak's cowboy culture at these events:
- Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo: July 18-21
- Burke Stampede Rodeo: July 19-21
- Days of ’76 Rodeo & Parades: July 21-26
- Mount Rushmore Rodeo at Palmer Gulch: August 1, 17 and 24
- Watertown Rodeo: August 2-3
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
Pro Tip: Look for businesses sporting Rally Rush stickers and posters. This statewide campaign celebrates the state’s local and visiting motorcycling community.
Concerts, motocross races and more adventures await at this year's Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Say #HiFromSD to share your event memories!
