Travel & Destination

Get Ready for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Barrett Baker

Published: July 16, 2025 •Edited: January 14, 2026

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Get Ready for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

According to Loudwire.com, up to one million people are getting ready to descend on the small town of Sturgis, South Dakota (population 7,000) between August 1 and August 10 this year for the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Considered one of the oldest motorcycle rallies in the country, Sturgis will be celebrating its 85th year this time around, and the town is gearing up for a lot of excitement.

Cycle Trader checked into what visitors can expect from the 2025 rally, including the pre-rally event that will begin at the legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip—the original “by bikers, for bikers” campground and entertainment venue—which begins on July 28th.

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The Pre-Game

In what the Sturgis Buffalo Chip website describes as a “…keg party in a pasture with a handful of bands and a few hundred friends,” the Sturgis Buffalo Chip officially got its start in 1982 when the City of Sturgis residents proposed to abolish the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The referendum survived by a slim margin, but Sturgis kicked bikers out of the City Park. Four miles out of town, riders found refuge at the Buffalo Chip where they could set up camps and enjoy each other’s company.

The facility has continued to grow in size, dimension, and popularity over the years, making “The Chip” one of the main places to be during the Sturgis rally. They’ll be hosting the Bikini Beach Pre-Rally from July 28th to July 31st, with a variety of activities and entertainment before the official rally kicks off on August 1st. In fitting fashion, ZZ Top will perform on August 1st on the Wolfman Jack Stage at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip.

The Big Event

One of the biggest misconceptions about the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is that you have to be a Harley rider to participate. While Harley-Davidson is a primary sponsor of the event and they will have dealership representatives on-site for test rides, the event has become continually “inclusive” over the years. Even though some old-school riders feel the rally should only be open for those who own American-made bikes, a gradual shift of acceptance has created an atmosphere where it’s more of a motorcycle enthusiast rally, no matter what you ride.

Even if you’re not into riding but you want to be a part of the history, there are plenty of spectator opportunities, including concerts, races (motocross, hill climbs, drag racing), vendors, and various forms of entertainment, including the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, which will be held on Saturday, August 2nd at the Buffalo Chip amphitheater. If you’re so inclined, you can also pick up a new tattoo along the way to commemorate your visit.

Music

In addition to ZZ Top, there will be several other well-known bands playing at various venues throughout the event. STILL RUNNIN won the third-annual Battle of the Sturgis Bands to earn the honor of opening for ZZ Top. Other names you might recognize include bands such as Jefferson Starship, Saliva, Gene Simmons (of Kiss fame), Colt Ford, Citizen Soldier, Five Finger Death Punch, Tesla, Buckcherry, Jason Aldean, Disturbed, Joss Ross, Nickelback, Lita Ford, Marilyn Manson, Hinder, Stone Temple Pilots, and Pop Evil.

Events

In addition to the Opening Ceremonies Parade on the first day of the event, it is also a long-standing tradition to have a Blessing of the Bikes ceremony, as well as a welcome from the Sturgis mayor, a presentation of colors, and greetings from rally sponsors.

A few rides that will take place during the event include scenic rides such as:

The Mount Rushmore Loop that takes riders past the Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
Devils Tower Loop for those who want to see the iconic formation where “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” took place.
Needles Highway, a challenging ride known for its narrow tunnels and stunning rock formations.
Spearfish Canyon Loop, which offers a picturesque ride through a canyon featuring towering limestone cliffs and waterfalls.
Bear Butte & Badlands Loop that showcases more unique geological formations found in the area.

Planned organized rides include:

Mayor’s Ride, which is a signature event that kicks off the rally with a group led by the Sturgis Mayor.
Biker Belles Ride & Celebration, a ride specifically for female riders.
Buffalo Chip’s Legends Ride, which benefits local charities and often includes celebrity appearances.
Heroes Honor Ride, dedicated to honoring veterans and active-duty military personnel.

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Straight From The Source

The activities planned for this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally are far too numerous to mention here. If you’re planning to attend, now’s the time to queue up your summer motorcycle playlist and get ready to hit the event in style. For additional information on events, lodging, and even live webcams for those who aren’t going to the event, visit Sturgis.com.