It’s about that time of year, when the quiet town of Sturgis, South Dakota, prepares to erupt into a mecca of biker culture, drawing folks from around the world to ride, party, and rock out in the Black Hills. There’s so much on the schedule for the 85th annual rally that just scrolling through the events list is a 30-minute task. Don’t worry: We’ve got you covered with all the best stuff to see and do at the 2025 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Find all of American Rider‘s Sturgis Rally news here
Concerts
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally wouldn’t be complete without a rockin’ lineup of musical guests. At the time of publication, big names on the musical schedule include Gene Simmons, Nickelback, Jason Aldean, Five Finger Death Punch, Marilyn Manson, ZZ Top, Stone Temple Pilots, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, Buckcherry, Hinder, Josh Ross, Saliva, and Citizen Soldier, with more to be added.
On June 7, 10 bands duked it out at the Harley-Davidson Rally Point in downtown Sturgis to determine who would open for ZZ Top on Friday, Aug. 1, for the Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff event. The heated battle included top-notch performances from musicians from across the U.S., but it was Stil Runnin who came out on top and won the coveted gig.
Bike Shows
When you ride to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, you know you’ll see the best of the best custom bikes. Twelve bike shows are on schedule for the 2025 event, and the Best of Show winner from each show will go on to compete for the title of Custom Series King Presented by Gates Belt Drive, judged from the Buffalo Chip’s Wolfman Jack Main Stage by celebrity judges.
Bike shows include: Ride Now Magazine High Octane Bike Show, School’s Out Chopper Show, FXR Show & Dyna Mixer, Camp Zero Contraption Show, Global Getdown Bike Show, Evo Entanglement Bike Show, Sportster Showdown Bike Show, Biker Belles Women’s Bike Show, Camp Zero Mini Bike Show, Bikini Beach Bike Show, Pretty Fast Bike Show, and Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show, plus several events hosted by V-Twin Visionary. If you can’t find something to like, you just can’t be pleased.
Charity Rides
Despite the stereotypical image of rowdy badass bikers, we love to get down for a good cause. The 2024 rally set a record of $530,498 raised for charity, becoming the first Sturgis Rally to surpass half a million dollars. The schedule of charity events for 2025 is sure to keep the numbers trending up.
Charity rides are a popular way to enjoy the gorgeous Black Hills and escape the hubbub of downtown Sturgis. Joining the annual Legends Ride are big names like Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, Journey’s Neal Schon, Orange County Choppers’ Paul Teutul Sr., South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, and more. The Biker Belles Morning Ride celebrates women in motorcycling and supports organizations benefitting women’s causes. The Rusty Wallace Ride invites bikers to meet and ride alongside the famous NASCAR driver. The new Heroes Honor Ride celebrates the heroes who go above and beyond for their fellow Americans.
Revved Up Racing
Bringing high-octane action to the 85th annual rally are racing events. American Flat Track kicks off Aug. 4-5 with the Jackpine Gypsies ST I & II in Sturgis, featuring the Harley-Davidson XG750R back in action. The AFT Sturgis TT is a can’t-miss event, with flat-track racers barreling down the streets of downtown Sturgis on Aug. 10. Other racing events include the ULTRA4 USA, Hell Track Time Trials, Pull Start Barrel Racing, Minibike Flat Track Racing, Big Grass Race, Sasha’s Cycles Rodeo Games, Anarchy Games, Buffalo Chip Street Drag Invitational, and Minibike Street Drags.
Black Hills and Beyond
If the concerts, bike shows, charity rides, and races aren’t enough to keep you busy, then hit the road for a scenic ride. In South Dakota, there are iconic rides throughout the Black Hills, including Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway, Spearfish Canyon, Vanocker Canyon, and the Wildlife Loop State Scenic Byway in Custer State Park, as well as rides to Mount Rushmore National Memorial and the Crazy Horse Memorial. South of Sturgis, take a memorable ride through the rugged landscape of Badlands National Park.
In Wyoming, about 80 miles west of Sturgis is Devils Tower National Monument, and about 70 miles south of Devils Tower is the Thunder Basin National Grassland. For a longer ride, head to Carbon County in southern Wyoming to check out the Snowy Range Mountains and 10,847-foot Snowy Range Pass, which contributor Larry King says is “one of the most scenic rides in Wyoming.”
Get Your Passes Now!
Needless to say, you won’t get bored during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Visit BuffaloChip.com for the full events list and to book your passes and secure your campsite.
