Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

What’s going on at the 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally? Simply put, everything you have ever heard of that happens at motorcycle events goes on at the Sturgis Rally.

History of the Sturgis Rally

Next, here is a quick history of the Sturgis Rally. In 1938, “Pappy” Hoel started the Black Hills Classic in Sturgis. Interestingly, the race had only nine riders and a few attendees. Eventually, the name was changed to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Over the following decades, Sturgis became the premier biker rally in the world.

What Happens at Sturgis?

Rides in the Black Hills Region
Here are five of the big rides in the Sturgis area:

-Devil’s Tower
-Mount Rushmore
-Crazy Horse Memorial
-Custer State Park
-Badlands National Park

Main Venues at the Sturgis Biker Rally
There are endless top-shelf attractions at these Sturgis venues :
-Broken Spoke
-Buffalo Chip
-Full Throttle Saloon
-Downtown Sturgis

Next, there are many events held around the entire Black Hills region. And this includes the famous Sturgis bars, dealerships, and other venues during the Motorcycle Rally.

You should check out each of these websites for details, as there are many venues with events during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Those sites will also have a complete list of events happening. Also, fees for different biker rally venues and events vary

Attractions at the Sturgis Rally
Here is a partial list of things happening at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in 2026:
-Top-name bands
-Biggest and best motorcycle shows
-Bike build-offs
-Motorcycle racing
-Chance to visit the Sturgis Museum & Hall of Fame
-Group rides
-Poker runs
-Field events
-Biker games
-Displays
-Tattoo contests
-Stunt shows
-Contests for the ladies
-Big rig setups by the largest motorcycle companies
-Vendors

Here’s how to find the best Sturgis Rally venue for your company and how to make the most money.

Sturgis Motorcycle Laws

-Sturgis Helmet Laws – In South Dakota, if you are over 18 years old, you do not need to wear a motorcycle helmet. However, the South Dakota motorcycle helmet law does require riders under 18 years old to wear a DOT helmet.
-Eye Protection – Eye protection is the law while riding during the Sturgis Rally or anywhere in South Dakota. There are two options: 1, glasses or goggles, or 2, a windshield high enough to protect the rider’s eyes. Note – Only clear sunglasses can be worn after dark.
-South Dakota Passengers Seat Laws – If you’re going to have a passenger at the Motorcycle Rally, they must have a seat. Riding on a fender is not allowed in Sturgis or South Dakota.
-Riding Side-by-Side – It is illegal to ride side-by-side in SD.
-Lane Splitting – You cannot split a lane anywhere in South Dakota.

Here are more details on the South Dakota motorcycle laws you should know for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally: https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Codified_Laws/2054730 and https://southdakotarides.com/motorcycle-safety/laws/.

** Finally, Sturgis is not just one of the Major Motorcycle Rallies, it is also one of the three “National Rallies” – the other two are Laconia Bike Week and Bike Week Daytona.