The 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally continues through Sunday, August 16, 2026. If you are already in the Hills, there is no reason to park your bike in one community all day. Sturgis, Deadwood, Spearfish, the Buffalo Chip, the Badlands and Devils Tower each offer a different way to spend the remaining Rally week.
Use this guide to find bike shows, rides, concerts, scenic roads and rider-friendly stops from Tuesday, August 11, through Sunday, August 16. Schedules can change, so check official listings before heading out.
Choose Your Rally Stop
- Bike shows, stunts and major concerts: Buffalo Chip
- Main Street Rally atmosphere: Sturgis
- Historic nightlife: Deadwood
- Canyon riding and community stops: Spearfish
- Mount Rushmore and evening lighting: Keystone
- Rodeo and Central Hills riding: Hill City
- Dining, services and downtown entertainment: Rapid City
- Wildlife, scenic roads and a slower pace: Custer
- Open landscapes and roadside attractions: Badlands and Wall
- A memorable Wyoming ride: Devils Tower
- Fuel, food and route connections: Hulett and Sundance
Rally Riding Notes
- Check official schedules before leaving your lodging or campground.
- Confirm concert access and admission requirements.
- Fuel up before longer canyon, prairie or Wyoming rides.
- Carry water, sunscreen and a light weather layer.
- Arrive early at Devils Tower and Badlands overlooks.
- Expect heavy traffic around popular Rally destinations.
- Respect cultural and sacred places.
- Ride sober and plan a safe trip back after evening events.
- Check South Dakota and Wyoming road conditions before departure.
Sturgis: Home of the Rally
Sturgis remains the center of Rally activity, with downtown vendors, motorcycle displays, food, drinks and rider services. The city also provides access to popular Northern Hills rides, including Vanocker Canyon and routes near Bear Butte.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame is hosting Hall of Famers, Past and Present on Thursday, August 13, from 9–11 a.m. The museum’s Peanut Butter Drive continues through Sunday, August 16, from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Check the official Sturgis event schedule for additional rides, bike shows and Rally activities.
Concerts at the Buffalo Chip and Full Throttle Saloon
Two venues carry much of the remaining Rally concert lineup: the Sturgis Buffalo Chip and Full Throttle Saloon.
Buffalo Chip
- Tuesday, August 11: Lynyrd Skynyrd
- Wednesday, August 12: Lainey Wilson and Halestorm
- Thursday, August 13: Collective Soul and Buckcherry
- Friday, August 14: Drowning Pool, Fuel and Devon Worley Band
- Saturday, August 15: Van Zeppelin and The Iron Maidens
The Buffalo Chip also lists daily activities, bike shows, contests, stunt performances and live music throughout the Rally.
Full Throttle Saloon
- Tuesday, August 11: Miranda Lambert
- Wednesday, August 12: Rob Zombie
- Thursday, August 13: Jackyl
- Friday, August 14: Insane Clown Posse
Concert access, start times and admission requirements vary by event. Check the current venue schedule before making evening plans.
Buffalo Chip: The Best Party Anywhere®
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip offers a full schedule through Rally weekend, with bike shows, stunt performances, contests, rides and daily activities at CrossRoads, Bikini Beach, the PowerSports Complex and other areas of the property.
Tuesday, August 11
- Biker Belles registration: 8–10:30 a.m. at The Lodge at Deadwood
- Biker Belles Morning Ride: 9 a.m.–noon
- Free pancake breakfast: 7–10 a.m.
- Swap Meet: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Biker Belles activities at the Buffalo Chip
- Biker Belles Women’s Bike Show
- Sportster Showdown and other bike shows
- ULTRA4 USA activities
The Biker Belles Ride begins at The Lodge at Deadwood before continuing to the Buffalo Chip for additional activities and awards.
Wednesday, August 12
- Free pancake breakfast: 7–10 a.m.
- Swap Meet: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- ULTRA4 USA: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Pretty Fast Bike Show registration: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Bikini Beach Bike Show registration: 10 a.m.–noon
- Bikini Beach Bike Show
- Black Hills Rumble
- Run to the Line through Vanocker Canyon
Thursday, August 13
- Free pancake breakfast: 7–10 a.m.
- Swap Meet: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Rat’s Hole Bike Show registration: 10–11 a.m.
- Rat’s Hole Bike Show: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Live DJ music and Biker Bar Games: noon–6 p.m.
- Pit Bike Palooza
- Timberworks Log Rolling and axe throwing
Friday, August 14
- Swap Meet: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Rusty Wallace Charity Ride reception: noon–6:30 p.m.
- Live DJ music and Biker Bar Games: noon–6 p.m.
- Beers and Burps Contest: 12:30 p.m.
- Rope Swing Contest: 1 p.m.
- Belly Flop Contest: 1:30 p.m.
- Slip ’N’ Slide Relay: 2 p.m.
- Timberworks Log Rolling and axe throwing
Saturday, August 15
- Garage Services: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Swap Meet: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Freedom Field: 8 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Live DJ music and Biker Bar Games: noon–6 p.m.
- Beers and Burps Contest: 12:30 p.m.
- Rope Swing Contest: 1 p.m.
- Belly Flop Contest: 1:30 p.m.
- Slip ’N’ Slide Relay: 2:30 p.m.
- Mini Bike Games: 5–7 p.m.
- Van Zeppelin: 8:30–9:45 p.m.
- The Iron Maidens: 10:30–11:59 p.m.
Sunday, August 16
Sunday marks the final day of the 2026 Rally. The Buffalo Chip schedule includes Tattoo Café hours from 10:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. at CrossRoads and 11 a.m.–2 a.m. at the Amphitheater. Check the official schedule for final-day updates.
Deadwood: Ride Into History
Deadwood combines Rally energy with historic Main Street, casinos, saloons and restaurants.
On Tuesday, August 11, Deadwood serves as the starting point for the Biker Belles Morning Ride. Registration takes place at The Lodge at Deadwood from 8–10:30 a.m., with the ride scheduled from 9 a.m.–noon.
Deadwood is also a strong stop for riders who want to walk historic Main Street, find a meal, visit a saloon or spend the evening at a casino. Check current parking, trolley and Rally access information before arriving.
Spearfish: Take the Canyon Route
Spearfish gives riders a scenic alternative to the busiest Rally corridors. Ride through Spearfish Canyon, stop near the waterfalls and continue into town for food, drinks and local Rally activities.
The official Rally schedule lists Run to the Line on Wednesday, August 12, from 11 a.m.–4 p.m., beginning at Iron Horse Saloon and traveling through Vanocker Canyon.
Spearfish Canyon, downtown Spearfish and nearby campgrounds offer plenty of places to pause between rides.
Keystone: Landmark Views and an Evening Ride
Keystone is a natural stop for riders connecting Mount Rushmore, Iron Mountain Road and the Central Hills.
Mount Rushmore’s evening program, including the lighting of the memorial, takes place nightly at 8 p.m. from August 10 through September 30. No reservation is required, but parking and nearby roads can be busy during Rally week. (home.nps.gov)
During the day, riders can:
- Ride Iron Mountain Road
- Visit Mount Rushmore National Memorial
- Explore Keystone’s shops, restaurants and attractions
- Connect with Hill City, Custer and Rapid City
- Make Keystone an evening stop after a Central Hills ride
Hill City: Rodeo and Central Hills Riding
Hill City offers a strong western addition to Rally week, with easy access to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, the Needles Highway and scenic roads through the Central Hills.
Saturday, August 15
Mt. Rushmore Rodeo at Palmer Gulch
6 p.m. | Mt. Rushmore KOA at Palmer Gulch
The rodeo features bull riding, rough-stock events, team roping, barrel racing and mutton busting. It gives riders an opportunity to trade concert stages for arena action while continuing the western spirit of the Rally.
Hill City also makes a practical stop for fuel, food, galleries and local businesses before continuing toward Keystone, Custer or Rapid City.
Rapid City: Downtown Entertainment and a Flexible Basecamp
Rapid City works well for riders who want a central basecamp with dining, nightlife, fuel, services and access to several Rally routes.
August 11–16
Rapid City Summer Nights continues through August 20. Check the current schedule for downtown music and entertainment.
Saturday, August 15
Back to School Block Party
10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Main Street Square
This free downtown event includes water slides, inflatables, games, food trucks and local vendors. It is not a biker-specific event, but it offers a daytime community stop for groups traveling with families.
Rapid City also provides easy access to:
- Sturgis and Deadwood
- Mount Rushmore and Keystone
- Custer and Hill City
- The Badlands and Wall
- Downtown restaurants, breweries and evening entertainment
Custer: Scenic Roads and a Change of Pace
Custer is a good choice when the goal is to ride through wildlife country, take in granite formations and spend time outdoors.
Ride through Custer State Park, follow Needles Highway or connect with Sylvan Lake and the southern Black Hills. Custer’s downtown offers restaurants, shops and rider-friendly places to pause.
Friday, August 14
Field Notes: Escape the Rally… Find the Wild
5–6:30 p.m. | Black Hills Nature Shop, Custer
This ticketed program offers stories, photos and nature observations focused on local plants, wildlife, tracks and animal signs. It is a quieter option for riders looking to step away from the Rally rush. Admission is $10 per person or $30 for a family of up to four.
Badlands and Wall: Trade Pines for Open Prairie
The Badlands offer a complete change of scenery from the forested Hills. Ride the Badlands Loop Road, stop at overlooks and take in the layered formations and open prairie.
Badlands National Park is open 24 hours a day. The Ben Reifel Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. during summer hours.
Wall makes a practical stop before or after the Badlands. Visit Wall Drug, pick up food and supplies, refuel and continue along I-90 or into the park.
Plan this ride early or later in the day, especially during August heat. Carry water, check your fuel level and confirm conditions before leaving the main travel corridors.
Devils Tower and Eastern Wyoming: Add Another State to the Ride
Devils Tower makes a memorable cross-border ride from the Black Hills. The monument offers prairie scenery, a distinctive rock formation and the 1.3-mile paved Tower Trail.
Devils Tower National Monument is open 24 hours a day. Parking can fill between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., so arriving earlier or later may make for an easier visit. The annual Rally ride to Devils Tower traditionally takes place on Wednesday of Rally week, making Wednesday, August 12 an especially active day.
Hulett and Sundance provide useful stops for fuel, food and route planning in eastern Wyoming. Build the ride around Devils Tower, then allow time for the return trip and changing road conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening during the final days of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?
The Rally continues through Sunday, August 16, with concerts, bike shows, rides, contests, motorcycle displays and community events across the Black Hills.
What concerts are happening at the Buffalo Chip?
The Buffalo Chip lineup includes Lynyrd Skynyrd on August 11; Lainey Wilson and Halestorm on August 12; Collective Soul and Buckcherry on August 13; Drowning Pool, Fuel and Devon Worley Band on August 14; and Van Zeppelin and The Iron Maidens on August 15.
What concerts are happening at Full Throttle Saloon?
Full Throttle Saloon lists Miranda Lambert on August 11, Rob Zombie on August 12, Jackyl on August 13 and Insane Clown Posse on August 14. Check the venue schedule for current times and admission details.
Is Badlands National Park open during the Rally?
Yes. Badlands National Park is open 24 hours a day, and the Ben Reifel Visitor Center is open daily from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. during summer hours.
Can I ride to Devils Tower during Rally week?
Yes, but plan for heavy traffic and limited parking. Wednesday, August 12, is traditionally a busy ride day for Devils Tower during Rally week, so arrive early or later in the day and follow directions from park staff.
How long is the Tower Trail at Devils Tower?
The Tower Trail is a 1.3-mile paved loop near the visitor center. Bring water and allow extra time if parking is busy.
Keep the Party Rolling
View Events to find more Rally rides, concerts, bike shows and community gatherings.