The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally – scheduled to run Friday, August 5, through Sunday, August 14, this year – is the largest gathering of riders in the country, if not the world, with a bevy of events to choose from. To help map out your Sturgis plans, we’ve compiled a list of headlining events you won’t want to miss.
1-4 | BIKINI BEACH PRE-PARTY
The Buffalo Chip will open its doors four days before the official rally kickoff for attendees who want to be around for the start of the action and the best camping spots. Big Skillet will be performing nightly on the Bikini Beach Stage.
BuffaloChip.com
3 | CHIEF’S RIDE
Sturgis Chief of Police Geody VanDewater heads a guided ride through the Northern Hills on the Wednesday before the official rally begins. Proceeds benefit a local nonprofit (TBA), and registration includes a catered sandwich lunch and commemorative Rally Challenge Coin. Registration is $55.
SturgisSuperstore.com
5 | OPENING CEREMONIES
The schedule of events for the opening ceremonies includes live music at Harley-Davidson Rally Point, a parade on Main Street, the Mayor’s Welcome with the Grand Marshal and special guests, the Woodland Native Dancers, an Unknown Industries Stunt Show on Harley-Davidson Way, and a special guest band playing on the H-D Rally Point Stage.
SturgisMotorcycleRally.com
5 | LIVE CONCERTS: QUIET RIOT, CAMP COMFORT, JUDD HOOS
The music at the “Biggest Party Anywhere” kicks off with Quiet Riot and Camp Comfort performing at the Buffalo Chip and Judd Hoos taking the Wolfman Jack Stage.
Sturgis.com/Concerts
5-6 | ULTRA4 BLACK HILLS SHOWDOWN
Taking place at the Buffalo Chip PowerSports Complex, this is the 2nd annual edition of the off-road racing that pushes man and machine to the brink. Admission is $20 per day for adults and free for children 9 and under or for those with a Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campground Admission Pass.
BuffaloChip.com
5-13 | IVES BROTHERS WALL OF DEATH
The world-famous Ives Brothers take to the walls and defy death with vertical stunts and great thrills. The classic show will take place daily throughout the rally at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads.
BuffaloChip.com
5-13 | MISS BUFFALO CHIP PAGEANT
Three rounds of the pageant take place nightly on the Wolfman Jack Stage as the ladies of the International Bikini Team compete for the title of Miss Buffalo Chip.
BuffaloChip.com
5-13 | LIVE CONCERTS: BIG SKILLET, DJ HULIO
Big Skillet will take the Wolfman Jack Stage on August 5 and 6, and their sound can be found the following nights on both the Bikini Beach and Big Engine Bar stages. DJ Hulio will perform late night sets for rallygoers at Club Chip.
BuffaloChip.com
6 | STURGIS MAYOR’S RIDE
Led by Sturgis Mayor Mark Carstensen and Grand Marshal Jody Perewitz, this 20th annual Sturgis ride passes through the Black Hills and features stops like Mount Rushmore and Custer State Park. Registration is $145, and all proceeds go to local emergency services.
SturgisSuperstore.com
6 | MAYOR’S PUB CRAWL
Starting at Harley-Davidson Rally Point, this pub crawl takes you to five of Sturgis’ most famous bars. Registration is $35 and includes a swag bag.
SturgisMotorcycleRally.com
6 | SCHOOL’S OUT CHOPPER SHOW
This show for chopper lovers features bikes that are old school, new school, and everything in between. It’s free to attend at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads, and you can win prizes and meet special guests like Mondo Porras of Denver’s Choppers.
BuffaloChip.com
6 | AMERICAN FLAT TRACK BLACK HILLS HALF-MILE
This dirt-track racing series comes to the Black Hills Speedway in Rapid City with Round 12 of the 2022 Progressive American Flat Track championship. General admission grandstand passes range from free (for those 12 and under accompanied by a paying adult) to $65, with premium options available.
AmericanFlatTrack.com
6 | LIVE CONCERTS: SNOOP DOGG, BUCKCHERRY, MOLLY HATCHET
Live music lovers will have plenty of listening opportunities with Snoop Dogg and Buckcherry on the Wolfman Jack Stage at the Buffalo Chip. Molly Hatchet will be performing at the Full Throttle Saloon.
Sturgis.com/Concerts
6-11 | MOTORCYCLES AS ART EXHIBIT
Curated by Michael Lichter, the Motorcycles as Art exhibit features a collection of custom motorcycles, this year open to all those new to the exhibit with the theme “Emergin’ Virgin.” Free and open to the public, this exhibit can be found at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Event Center.
BuffaloChip.com
7 | FLYING PISTON BENEFIT BUILDERS BREAKFAST
Join cutting-edge builders from Michael Lichter’s Motorcycles as Art exhibit and motorcycle enthusiasts at the Big Engine Bar at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads West Gate to enjoy breakfast while celebrating custom motorcycles and benefiting new rider efforts. The cost to attend is $20 in advance or $25 at the door.
BuffaloChip.com
7 | MEDICINE WHEEL RIDE
This ride stretches from Bear Butte to the Crazy Horse monument, raising awareness and support for issues affecting Indigenous people, with 100% of the proceeds going toward the cause. Registration is $40.
MedicineWheelRide.org
7 | MAYOR’S CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT
This golf tournament serves as a fundraiser for the Sturgis first responders. Registration includes green fees, the cart fee, warm-up range, and a post-tournament meal. Tickets for a two-man team go for $275.
SturgisSuperstore.com
7 | FXR SHOW AND DYNA MIXER
This free event brings together riders with a focus on their stories and their rides. Coordinated by Joe Mielke of Snap Fabrications and held at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads, the 10th year of this show will award great prizes and donate 100% of revenue to LifeScape of SD.
BuffaloChip.com
7 | LIVE CONCERTS: LYNYRD SKYNYRD, BUSH, SLAUGHTER
Continuing the concert lineup is Lynyrd Skynyrd on the Wolfman Jack Stage and Bush at the Buffalo Chip amphitheater. Slaughter will be performing at the Full Throttle Saloon.
Sturgis.com/Concerts
7, 9, 12 | RIDE WITH A LOCAL
Ride with a Local takes Sturgis first-timers, or those wanting to get to know their way around the Black Hills, on a guided ride to familiarize riders with the backroads and best places to visit throughout the area. Each ride is limited to 25 bikes, and there are three days to choose from. Registration is $45.
SturgisSuperstore.com
7-13 | LIVE CONCERTS: DEVON WORLEY BAND
Kicking off with a performance on the Wolfman Jack Stage on August 7, the Devon Worley Band will be sticking around for the remainder of the week with daily encore performances on showcase stages.
BuffaloChip.com
8 | LEGENDS RIDE
Following a route from the Historic Franklin Hotel in Deadwood to the legendary Buffalo Chip, this ride raises funds for local charities. Having raised more than $1.6 million for charities and featuring celebrity guests, the Legends Ride has a unique edge.
LegendsRide.com
8 | LEGENDARY 5K FUN RUN
Walk, jog, or run to raise money for a local charity (TBA). Registration is $40 and includes a free breakfast, challenge coin, and T-shirt.
SturgisSuperstore.com
8 | MAYOR’S CHARITY POKER TOURNAMENT
The 5th annual Mayor’s Charity Poker Tournament at Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort features a $60 buy-in for 3,000 chips. 50% of the payout will be donated to a charity of the mayor’s choice.
SturgisMotorcycleRally.com
8 | HARDCORE CYCLES PERFORMANCE MOTORCYCLE SHOW AND SKINNY TIRE BAGGER BUILD-OFF
Held at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip CrossRoads, the Hardcore Cycles Performance Motorcycle Show brings together the industry’s top performance builders, while the Skinny Tire Bagger Build-Off challenges owners and builders to customize a V-Twin bagger on a budget. Free to attend, $20 to enter.
BuffaloChip.com
8 | SPEED & STYLE SHOWCASE
The Speed & Style Showcase is back for 2022, located at the Outlaw Square in Deadwood. Part of the 2022 V-Twin Visionary USA Tour moving through more than 40 states, this Sturgis edition will be an H-D takeover.
VTwinVisionary.com
8 | LIVE CONCERTS: LITA FORD, ROB ZOMBIE, FOUNDRY, TESLA, TIM MONTANA, LOCASH, CECIL ALLEN MOORE
More music, anyone? Lita Ford, Rob Zombie, and Foundry will be performing at the Buffalo Chip. Tesla will be performing at the Full Throttle Saloon. Tim Montana and LOCASH will be performing at Shade Valley. Cecil Allen Moore will be performing at Stoneville Saloon.
Sturgis.com/Concerts
9 | BIKER BELLES WOMEN’S DAY
This full day of events celebrates women in motorcycling. The Biker Belles Women’s Day events include a guided ride through the Black Hills called the Morning Ride, pampering in the Comfort Zone, a chance to enjoy coffee and listen to panelists during the Coffee Clutch, the Biker Belles Women’s Bike Show presented by Maiden Moto, and the Maiden Moto Art Show.
BikerBelles.com
9 | WOMEN, WIND, AND WHEELS BIKE SHOW
Presented by Ride Wild, this all-female ride-in bike show takes place during the Biker Belles Women’s Day celebrations, showcasing a collection of women-owned motorcycles.
Sturgis.com
9 | MINI BIKE SHOW
Featuring Joe Mielke of Snap Fabrications and taking place at Camp Zero, this free show displays custom minibikes in two classes: Coleman Powersports minibikes and all other things mini and two-wheeled.
BuffaloChip.com
9 | SPORTSTER SHOWDOWN
This free communal event celebrates the history, culture, and diversity of the Harley-Davidson Sportster with cash prizes, aftermarket parts, and handmade trophies in nine classes. It will be held at Camp Zero next to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip’s PowerSports Complex.
BuffaloChip.com
9 | TATTOO CONTEST
Hosted at H-D Rally Point, the corner of Main Street and Harley-Davidson Way, Tuesday’s tattoo contest features four categories: Best Black & Grey, Best Fresh Tattoo, Best Color, and Best Tribal. There is a $10 category entry fee, and each contestant is limited to two categories. Category winners will be entered in the “Best of Show” competition.
SturgisMotorcycleRally.com
9 | LIVE CONCERTS: HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD, BAD WOLVES, FALLING IN REVERSE, PAPA ROACH, CHASE MATTHEW, LILIAC, STEPHEN PEARCY, REVOLVER
Tuesday at the rally will feature a hefty music lineup. Hollywood Undead, Bad Wolves, Falling in Reverse, and Papa Roach will all be performing at the Buffalo Chip. Chase Matthew will be performing at the Full Throttle Saloon. Liliac and Stephen Pearcy will be performing at Shade Valley. Revolver will be performing at the Stoneville Saloon.
Sturgis.com/Concerts
10 | EVO ENTANGLEMENT BIKE SHOW
Presented by S&S Cycles, this show is dedicated to the Harley-Davidson Evo engine. The free-access CrossRoads at the Buffalo Chip will display Dynas, Softails, FXRs, Sportsters, touring bikes, and CVOs.
BuffaloChip.com
10 | V-TWIN VISIONARY PERFORMANCE BIKE SHOW
This is the largest performance bike show of its kind, displaying the next generation of performance-based American V-Twin motorcycles, riders, and builders. The show will be held at H-D Rally Point.
VTwinVisionary.com
10 | BEARD AND MUSTACHE CONTEST
Hosted at H-D Rally Point, the corner of Main Street and Harley-Davidson Way, this contest features six categories: Papa Beard, Baby Beard, Double Dapper, Beer Soakin’ Mustache, Dapper Stache, and Whiskerina. Registration is $10.
SturgisMotorcycleRally.com
10 | FAN FEST
Bring your family and friends to Fan Fest at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads. This free-access party is an opportunity to catch up with old friends, meet some new ones, and enjoy drinks, live music, contests, and giveaways.
BuffaloChip.com
10 | RUSTY WALLACE CHARITY RIDE
NASCAR Hall of Famer Rusty Wallace is bringing his NASCAR friends to join riders on a route from Rapid City to the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. The contribution to join the ride is $150 and includes perks like a live auction, a souvenir gift pack, and more.
RustyWallaceRide.com
10 | LIVE CONCERTS: TRAVIS TRITT, AARON LEWIS & THE STATELINERS, WILLIAMS AND REE, BLACKBERRY SMOKE, NITA STRAUSS
Travis Tritt, Aaron Lewis & The Stateliners, and Williams and Ree will be performing at the Buffalo Chip. Blackberry Smoke will be performing at the Full Throttle Saloon. Nita Strauss will be performing at the Iron Horse Saloon.
Sturgis.com/Concerts
11 | RAT’S HOLE CUSTOM BIKE SHOW
The 50th year of the Rat’s Hole brings together the world’s best builders, who will be judged in 14 different classes based on personality, function, and a progressive sense of motorcycle culture. More than 70 hand-sculpted trophies will be awarded to the winners. Free to attend, it will take place at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip CrossRoads.
BuffaloChip.com
11 | WESTERN FRONTIER MOTORCYCLE RIDE
Local historian Tom Griffith leads a ride back in time from the Buffalo Chip Campground to the gravesite of Jonathon “Buffalo Chips” White, the campground’s namesake, and to the site of the Great Sioux Nation Battle at Slim Buttes. The four-hour ride offers a hands-on history lesson and more for a $250 contribution.
BuffaloChip.com
11 | FREEDOM CELEBRATION
The Freedom Celebration is a full day of patriotic events at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads and amphitheater to honor the military. The day’s events will include a color guard, the Veteran’s Bike Presentation, a free Veteran’s Bike Raffle Presentation, a Veteran’s Service Dog Presentation, special guests, awards, and more.
BuffaloChip.com
11 | LIVE CONCERTS: JON PARDI, WILLIAMS AND REE, JACKYL
Jon Pardi and Williams and Ree will be performing at the Buffalo Chip. Jackyl will be performing at the Full Throttle Saloon.
Sturgis.com/Concerts
12 | FLORIDA FULL THROTTLE ALL BRANDS BIKE SHOW AND BAGGER BLASTOFF
The show welcomes all brands and awards prizes in 10 classes, including the Bagger Blastoff, for any brand bagger with a loud-and-proud sound system to crank it to 11. Taking place at the Buffalo Chip CrossRoads, attendance is free, and registration to enter your own bike in the show is $20 per class entered.
BuffaloChip.com
12 | STURGIS BUFFALO CHIP CUSTOM SERIES KING (OR QUEEN)
The winners from each show in the Buffalo Chip Custom Series compete against each other for the Custom Series King title, with the award ceremony taking place on the Wolfman Jack Stage.
BuffaloChip.com
12 | STURGIS RALLY WRAP PARTY
Presented by Why We Ride, the Sturgis Rally Wrap Party is a VIP event at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Event Center. The party will have a red carpet, cocktail hour, food, custom motorcycles, and more. Tickets are limited to 250 and cost $150.
BuffaloChip.com
12 | LIVE CONCERTS: PUDDLE OF MUDD, POP EVIL, BLACKHAWK, ZILLION
Puddle of Mudd and Pop Evil will both be performing at the Buffalo Chip. BlackHawk will be performing at the Iron Horse Saloon. Zillion will be performing on the Wolfman Jack Stage.
Sturgis.com/Concerts
13 | LIVE CONCERTS: STRUGGLE JENNINGS, BACK IN BLACK, BLACKLITE DISTRICT
Closing out the musical entertainment lineup for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is Struggle Jennings performing at the Iron Horse Saloon and Back in Black and Blacklite District performing on the Wolfman Jack Stage.
Sturgis.com/Concerts
