The countdown is on for the 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, taking place August 7-16, and now is the time for communities to finalize plans to welcome riders to the Black Hills & Badlands through the Rally Rush initiative.
Led by Travel South Dakota’s Rally Rush initiative, the program encourages communities across the state to create memorable welcome experiences for rally visitors while showcasing local hospitality, businesses, and attractions.
Travel South Dakota is currently accepting requests for Rally Rush promotional funding assistance. Regional tourism associations, CVBs, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, and civic groups are encouraged to apply for support of community-driven rider welcome efforts, events, promotions, and hospitality activities.
Funding requests must include contact information and details about planned promotional efforts and items and should be emailed to Thad.Friedeman@TravelSouthDakota.com no later than Wednesday, June 3, 2026.
Each approved community will also receive a starter assortment of Rally Rush swag and collateral, including 20 T-shirts, window clings, stickers, and up to 30 posters.
BH&B also encourages individual businesses to connect with their local chamber of commerce, CVB, or community tourism organization to share what they are planning during the Rally. Whether it is a special event, rider discount, extended hours, themed menu item, live entertainment, or simple hospitality touches, community organizations can often incorporate those efforts into broader Rally Rush funding applications and promotions.
After the Rally, communities participating in Rally Rush may also apply for the Rally Rush Rumblin’ Community Award, which recognizes outstanding involvement, creativity, and enthusiasm in welcoming rally visitors. The award will be presented during the 2027 Governor’s Conference on Tourism, and BH&B would love the opportunity to showcase to the rest of the state the outstanding ways Black Hills & Badlands communities welcome Rally attendees.
As communities begin finalizing plans, remember that hospitality remains one of the strongest impressions visitors take home from the Black Hills & Badlands. A friendly greeting, visible community pride, and collaborative efforts between businesses and organizations can go a long way toward creating memorable experiences for riders.