The Sturgis Buffalo Chip continues to add top-notch musical acts to its 2025 schedule. The latest addition is the classic rock band ZZ Top, who will perform at the Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff party on Friday, Aug. 1. Other activities during the party include a motorcycle parade, the Support Bikers Moto Meetup, on-stage contests, and more.
Those with dreams of playing on the Buffalo Chip Main Stage will also have a chance to enter the Sturgis Battle of the Bands on June 7 at the Harley-Davidson Rally Point in Sturgis. The winner of the battle will earn the opening spot ahead of ZZ Top on Aug. 1.
Other musical acts on the 2025 schedule include Jason Aldean, Five Finger Death Punch, and the Gene Simmons Band, with more bands to be announced in the coming months. Visit American Rider’s Sturgis page to find more Sturgis Motorcycle Rally news and coverage.
Find more information in the press release below.
Sturgis, SD (Feb. 6, 2025): The Legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip is promising the most exciting 85th Sturgis Rally anniversary kickoff party ever, featuring the bearded giants of classic rock ZZ Top, a motorcycle parade, the Support Bikers Moto Meetup, on stage contests and the winner of the Sturgis Battle of the Bands. The Buffalo Chip’s Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff takes place Friday, Aug. 1. Passes are on sale now.
“Two years ago, we brought in ZZ Top on the first day of the rally to make a much bigger deal out of the start of the Sturgis Rally, and boy, did it work!” said Rod Woodruff, CEO of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “ZZ Top knows how to get a party started, so it makes sense to kick off The Best Party Anywhere with the best party-startin’, good time makin’ band of all time.”
They’re bearded, they’re bad, they’re that little ole band from Texas and they’re coming to rock the Buffalo Chip’s Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff. Calling all Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers to get down to megahits like “La Grange, “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Legs,” “Tush,” “Cheap Sunglasses,” and so many more.
Buffalo Chip Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party
The Buffalo Chip Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party starts the rally with a bang Friday, August 1:
- 4 p.m., the Support Bikers Moto Meetup at the Big Engine Bar
- 5 p.m., parade lineup begins at the Buffalo Chip Big Engine Bar
- 6 p.m., the first 100 to reserve their spot in the parade will get to ride into the amphitheater and park their bikes in front of the stage for the concert
Once inside the amphitheater, the festivities will continue on the Main Stage with contests, a toast, the Star-Spangled Banner, live entertainment from the winner of the Sturgis Battle of the Bands, the International Bikini Team and ZZ Top.
Kickoff Party Parade
To reserve a spot, riders can submit their reservation number and number of bikes to info@buffalochip.com. Riders can then check in the day of the event at the Support Bikers Moto Meetup at the Big Engine Bar.
Sturgis Battle of the Bands
One lucky band will score the set on the Buffalo Chip Main Stage opening for one of the Rally’s biggest concerts, ZZ Top. The third annual Sturgis Battle of the Bands hosted by the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce culminates with a live competition on June 7 at Harley-Davidson Rally Point in Sturgis, and the winner of the battle will get the gig at the Buffalo Chip Aug. 1 along with other amazing prizes. Bands can learn more and enter here.
Find More Info
The festival runs Aug. 1-10, 2025. For a full list of Sturgis Buffalo Chip events, see the Buffalo Chip Events Calendar. The Buffalo Chip is home to the Sturgis Rally Information Center and is the official sponsor of Sturgis.com’s free Official Sturgis Rally Registration Program.
