What to Expect at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 2023
The roar of the engines, the energy from the crowds, nonstop entertainment, and the scenic rides through small town America—Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has it all and is proudly back for its 83rd edition with biking, festivities, concerts, and vendors. Considered the largest biking celebration in the world of motorcycling, it’s time to mark your calendars and make your plans for August 4–13, 2023 in South Dakota. Whether you’re riding or spectating, Cycle Trader has everything you need to get you there, and what to do once you’ve arrived. Ready to roll? Here’s what to expect at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 2023.
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What is Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?
Based in Meade County, South Dakota, Sturgis is a small town of just over 7,000 residents but plays a big host to one of the most popular motorcycle events on the globe. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally originates with its founder Clarence “Pappy” Hoel, the owner of the Indian motorcycle franchise and founder of Jackpine Gypsies MotorCycle Club. The first Sturgis Rally was held on August 14, 1938 when the club competed head-to-head in the “Black Hills Classic” race with only nine riders and 200 spectators.
To this day, the motorcycle club owns and maintains Sturgis’ tracks, hillclimb, and fields that play host to the rally, now with half-a-million visitors in attendance and generating $800 million in revenue. Each year, Sturgis invites riders and spectators downtown to join for the biker rally, concerts, shopping from vendors booths and local shops, eat and drink at local restaurants and bars, all in the name of motorcycling, history, and community.
Plan to Attend Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Among the top 10 motorcycle rallies and events, Sturgis is free to attend, though there are ticket fees for vendor booths and related activities, along with entertainment like concerts, lodging, and dining. We recommend you plan out your trip to figure out what you want to do according to your budget, book a hotel well in advance or look into camping somewhere with motorcycle accessibility, fill up on gasoline, and figure out your dining options. While you can bring your kids for daytime fun, come nighttime the crowd can get rowdy with adult-only activities that aren’t exactly family-friendly, so just keep that in mind.
Lodging
Book your lodging well in advance! See if there’s any availability at favorite hotels like Deadwood or Franklin Hotel, or search for stays in nearby towns and enjoy the ride into Sturgis during the event. Consider outdoor stays at places like Blue Chip if you opt for motorcycle camping.
Parking
One more perk of Sturgis is the free and plentiful parking around town, and free parking for motorcycles on Main Street in downtown. There’s also more parking options nearby at off-site venues, including Buffalo Chip, Pappy Hoel Campground and Resort, and Iron Horse Saloon.
What to Do At Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
With rides, racing, shopping, concerts, contests, dining, and parties, there’s something for everyone at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 2023. Here’s a highlight of some of the fanfare you can find during the weeklong event, so don’t miss out.
Opening Ceremony
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2023 kicks off Friday, August 4 with a parade on Main Street to 4th Street at 3 p.m. local time. Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen and local dignitaries will lead the charge, while you can expect a flag procession, singing of the National Anthem, special performances, and a blessing of the bikes.
Mayor’s Ride
The mayor and the Grand Marshal of the Rally return for a ride through the Black Hills joined by bikers, traversing alongside stops like Mount Rushmore. The Ride includes a lunch with presentation and special giveaways, with proceeds benefiting local emergency services.
Motorcycle Racing
Spectator or racer, motorcycle racing at Sturgis is one of the most adrenaline-packed events and part of the tradition. You’ll find different types of races too, whether it’s Moto-X or Pro-Am, this is your chance to see something new.
Vendors
Main Street in downtown Sturgis is closed off to motor traffic during the event so shoppers can find everything they want. Shop from biking gear to tech, jewelry, clothing like leather goods, accessories, souvenirs, unique items, and much more.
Live Music
This year’s lineup features concerts held alongside promotional events and charity fundraisers, held throughout the event. You can expect performances from KoeWetzel, Lynyrd Skynyrd, REO Speedwagon, and Whiskey Myers.
Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame
Get a better understanding of the background of the Rally and the history of motorcycling with a visit to the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame. Learn all the facts behind this top event while checking out an impressive display of vintage motorcycles.
Buffalo Chip
This off-site campground near downtown includes a bike show, vendors, concerts, roller derby, and more recreational fun.
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Sturgis Riding Routes
It’s no secret, South Dakota is one of the best states for riding your motorcycle, which includes several scenic routes to get to Sturgis. While a riding helmet isn’t required in South Dakota, it’s strongly encouraged. Gear up and prepare for hot weather and the possibility of rain showers or thunderstorms during your ride.
There are miles of scenic roads often with straightaways where you can hit a top speed of 80 mph, and hairpin turns through breathtaking canyons and mountains. With so many miles of freedom ahead of you on the road, the journey to Sturgis is about as fun as the rally itself. These are routes you should either take to Sturgis, or daylong getaways to discover during the event:
- Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway is one of the best riding destinations for beginners through the Black Hills with winding roads that pass jagged rock formations.
- Vanocker Canyon through the Black Hills has another 17 miles of scenic riding through rolling hills.
- Badlands National Park has open roads, rugged rock formations, sprawling prairies, and wildlife.
- Visit Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse Memorial, both are iconic monuments located in the Black Hills.
- Iron Mountain Road on Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, US 16A has hairpin turns through rocks and forest.
- Devil’s Tower is a towering butte in Wyoming just west of the South Dakota border, and is definitely worth a pitstop.
Whatever adventure you crave next with your motorcycle, Sturgis has something to offer for every rider. Take part in the excitement, marvel at the landscapes, and plan your trip now for an unforgettable experience. When you’re ready to take off and ride, shop from the nation’s largest selection of new and pre-owned motorcycles from dealers and private sellers on CycleTrader.com.
Ryan Miller
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