South Dakota events
South Dakota motorcycle events: Sturgis, rallies and bike nights
The biggest of the South Dakota motorcycle events is one of the biggest in the world: the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, about ten days every August in the Black Hills, first held in 1938. Around it are rally races, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum, the Buffalo Roundup each fall, charity rides, toy runs and weekly bike nights in Rapid City and Sioux Falls. Here's the calendar, how to ride the rally well, and how to find and post events in the free Rippin' app.
- Biggest rally
- Sturgis, every August
- First held
- 1938
- Post your own
- Free
- Platforms
- iPhone and Android
Every year
Big recurring motorcycle events in South Dakota
These come around most years. Dates change year to year, so check each organizer before you plan.
- Sturgis Motorcycle RallyAbout ten days in early August, centered on Main Street in Sturgis and spread across the whole Black Hills, with bike shows, vendors, concerts at big campgrounds like the Buffalo Chip, and group rides everywhere. It's on the Rippin' events map. Check the official rally site for dates.
- Rally racesThe Jackpine Gypsies, the club that started the rally in 1938, have long hosted racing at their grounds near Sturgis during rally week, such as hillclimb and short track. A race to watch, not a ride. Check the schedule for this year.
- Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of FameA museum in Sturgis with vintage bikes and rally history, worth a stop any time you're in the northern hills, and especially busy in August. Check hours before you go.
- Buffalo RoundupEvery late September, Custer State Park's bison herd is driven in for its annual checkup, and thousands come to watch. Not a motorcycle event, but a great reason for a fall Black Hills ride. Parts of the park close that morning.
- Distinguished Gentleman's RideEvery May, riders dress sharp on classic and vintage-style bikes to raise money for men's health. Sioux Falls and Rapid City usually hold rides. Register on the DGR site for dates and routes.
- Holiday toy runsClubs and shops in Sioux Falls, Rapid City and other towns run toy runs in late fall when the weather allows. Check the events map in November.
On the map
Upcoming South Dakota motorcycle events in Rippin'
The list right below comes from the Rippin' events map, where riders, clubs and shops post bike nights, rallies, charity rides and toy runs. Organizers set the details and they can change, so confirm before you ride out.
If your regular bike night, poker run or rally week party isn't listed, post it, and it shows up here and in the app for every rider nearby.
Live from the app
South Dakota on Rippin' right now.
2 upcoming events and 0 rider-added roads in South Dakota on the map today. This list updates whenever the site is rebuilt; the app always has the latest.
- Thu Dec 3J&L Harley-Davidson Ladies NightSioux Falls
- Fri Feb 19Counts of the Cobblestone Car & Cycle ShowRapid City
No South Dakota roads are in the app yet. Add the one you love from Segments and a person on our team checks it before it goes live. How roads get added.
Rally week
How to ride the Sturgis rally well
Want the full road list before you go? See the best motorcycle roads in South Dakota.
- Book early. Hotels and campgrounds across the Black Hills fill months ahead. Rapid City, Spearfish, Custer and Hill City all work as bases.
- Ride the famous roads at dawn. The Needles Highway, Iron Mountain Road and Spearfish Canyon jam up by late morning.
- Expect a lot of riders new to the roads. Leave space, especially in hairpins and at tunnel entrances.
- Expect heavy law enforcement presence on rally roads and in town.
- Get out of the Hills for a day. The Badlands Loop and the open roads around Bear Butte are calmer.
- Drink water and watch the sky. August afternoons are hot, and storms with hail build fast over the Hills.
In the app
Find and post South Dakota motorcycle events
Shops, clubs and brands that host a lot, especially during rally week, can use Organizer Pro ($8.99/mo) for unlimited and recurring meets, official events on the calendar and recurring ride plans. A shop or saloon can also become a Rippin' poker stop, where riders get a card when they arrive. More on motorcycle events in Rippin'.
- 1
Open Meets
Open the meets and events list in Rippin'. It covers bike nights, meets, rallies, swap meets, charity rides and toy runs, nearest first.
- 2
RSVP
Tap RSVP so the organizer knows you're coming and other riders can see who's going.
- 3
Post your own
Add the name, time, place and a note. A weekly bike night can repeat, so you post it once.
- 4
Ride in together
Start a group ride so the crew shows on one live map, which helps a lot in rally traffic.
Seasons
The South Dakota motorcycle event calendar, by season
Spring (April to May): Bike nights restart in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, and the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride lands in May. Late snow can still hit the Hills.
Summer (June to August): Peak season, building to the Sturgis rally in early August. June is the quiet sweet spot before the crowds.
Fall (September to October): Calm roads, Spearfish Canyon color and the Buffalo Roundup in late September.
Winter (November to March): Toy runs when the weather allows, then indoor meets until spring. See the best time to ride in South Dakota.
Before you go
Before you ride to a South Dakota event
For roads, seasons and laws in one place, see the South Dakota motorcycle rides overview.
- Confirm the date and entry with the organizer. Plans change.
- Buy your Custer State Park license if you'll ride the Needles or the Wildlife Loop.
- Plan fuel on the plains, where towns can be far apart.
- Ride home in daylight. Deer are everywhere in the Hills at dusk.
- Share a ride plan with your squad so everyone knows the departure time, route and stops.
FAQ
Questions riders ask.
When is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally?
It runs for about ten days in early August in Sturgis, South Dakota. Dates change year to year, so check the official rally site and book lodging early.
How long has the Sturgis rally been running?
It was first held in 1938, started by the Jackpine Gypsies motorcycle club.
Where should I stay for Sturgis?
Anywhere in the Black Hills works: Sturgis, Rapid City, Spearfish, Deadwood, Custer or Hill City, plus big rally campgrounds. Book months ahead.
Are there motorcycle events in South Dakota outside of Sturgis?
Yes. Bike nights in Sioux Falls and Rapid City, charity rides, poker runs, the Distinguished Gentleman's Ride in May and toy runs in late fall.
Can I post my own motorcycle event in Rippin'?
Yes, any rider can post a meet or event for free. Organizer Pro ($8.99/mo) adds unlimited and recurring meets and official events for shops and clubs.
Is the Buffalo Roundup a good time to ride the Black Hills?
Yes. It's in late September, when the crowds are gone and the color is coming in. Parts of Custer State Park close that morning, so plan around it.
See what's on in South Dakota.
Download Rippin' free, find Black Hills events and bike nights on the map, and post the ones we're missing.
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