Legendary 81st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Guide

Welcome to TMW’s legendary 81st Sturgis motorcycle rally guide with full schedules, all events, demo rides, concert listings, rocking venues, live webcams plus when and where EVERYTHING Strugis will be happening! With everything on one page it’s easy to reference and share with others. From August 6-15th over 100,000 riders will descend upon the town of Sturgis, SD, be informed!

The Ride. The Roar. The Rally. It is The BIGGEST, CRAZYIST AND BADDEST Motorcycle event of the year is here and Total Motorcycle has the ULTIMATE Legendary 81st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Guide for you!

Looking for an awesome ride for Strugis? Check out our latest 2021 and 2022 motorcycle models from 39 manufacturers right here on Total Motorcycle! More vintage? We also have you covered from 1934 to 2020 as well!

See past years of coverage of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on Total Motorcycle right here.

Legendary 81st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Guide LIVE WEBCAMS

Main Street – watching Main Street and Junction Ave intersection from the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum at 999 Main Street.

Live View from The Hotel Sturgis on Main St. and Harley-Davidson Way in Sturgis SD

Sturgis Liquor Cam – watching Lazelle Street from 1075 Lazelle.

GET YOUR MOTOR RUNNING: PREPARING FOR THE STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY

Get your motor running! The 81st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally and it’s sure to be a good time for all in the motorcycle Mecca of the West. As you tune up your engines and start your checklist for your pilgrimage to western South Dakota, take a look at this blog of everything you need to prepare for the 81st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

WHAT TO EXPECT

For all newcomers and non-bikers, the Black Hills and Badlands are a veritable paradise of motorcycle riding that brings in thousands of bike enthusiasts every year for the world famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Rides like Iron Mountain Road, Needles Highway, the Badlands Loop and Vanocker Canyon are rites of passage for many bikers across the globe. Expect to see tons of bikes on the road during the Rally—be prepared to drive slower, give bikes plenty of space (remember, a bike will need more room to stop in an emergency) and check your blind spots carefully, particularly along popular driving routes.

Most of all, keep an open mind and prepare for a good time! There will be visitors from all walks of life, a variety of concerts, incredible motorcycles, tasty food and great fun across the entire region.

CONCERTS

There’s always a concert happening during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and whether you’re looking for big name shows or smaller main street gigs, you’re sure to find it in the Black Hills and Badlands.

Drop by spots like the Knuckle Saloon, Iron Horse Saloon, Full Throttle Saloon, Rally Point and Loud American Roadhouse in Sturgis for free concerts daily.

Looking for free concerts in other places? Take a look at our events calendar for concerts happening throughout the region.

Just outside of Sturgis City limits, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip also hosts free entertainment daily at the Big Engine Bar and CrossRoads. Their free bands in 2021 include Thunderosa and BC & The Big Rig. You can also catch their big name acts like Kid Rock, REO Speedwagon and ZZ Top every evening on the Wolfman Jack Stage.

NONSTOP EVENTS

There are plenty of thrilling events all across Sturgis and the Black Hills and Badlands to keep the party going all Rally long. Tour the various bike shows or enter your bike and show it off, join a poker run, take a group ride, watch a race or just watch the traffic go by.

UNPARALLELED RIDING

There’s more than a few reasons why the Black Hills and Badlands are a motorcyclist’s dream. With dramatically curvy roads, craggy badlands, sweeping views of granite peaks and an expansive forest, some of the most impressive scenery in the West for motorcycle riders is right here. The routes range anywhere from easy to challenging, so it’s rider’s choice. Take a look at our Motorcycle Map of the region to start planning.

In addition to touring the area on your own, consider joining one of the group rides and experience the best of the region with the best riders. Cruise the Hills with a local, Aug. 6, 10 & 13 to see the lesser known parts of the Black Hills and Badlands and experience every hidden dip and curve. Early birds can take the Director’s Ride Aug. 4, or wait later in the week for the Mayor’s Ride on Aug. 7 and the Legends Ride Aug. 9.

Make sure to stop in at the Black Hills Visitor Information Center at Exit 61 on I90 to pick up maps, motorcycle maps, vacation guides on everything there is to do and see, and information from the knowledgeable guides.

WHAT TO BRING

Weather in the Black Hills and Badlands can be unpredictable, especially in August. While one day may be sunny and blistering hot, the next may bring chilly showers. Even in the matter of a few hours, the Black Hills can see large thunderstorms, as recent months have proven. Having a change of clothes or wearing layers for inclement weather is recommended. Remember: traffic lines can get especially long and hot! Bring raingear, potable water and sunscreen, especially for long rides and tours in the Badlands area.

AFTER THE RALLY

As the Rally turns down and we once again inch closer and closer to autumn, it’s still the perfect time to be out on a motorcycle, riding the Black Hills and Badlands. You can expect traffic to slow down, the weather to become gradually cooler with the shorter days, and the region to be as beautiful as ever. In short, though the concerts and vendors pack up, the fall transition makes the perfect time to get out and ride in western South Dakota. If you’re aiming to miss the crowds and you’re more interested in the Black Hills riding experience, this is the time of year for you. Additionally, the fall season is packed full of iconic, must see events, so be sure to stick around, take a few cruises, see a few sights and join in the local fun.

Whether you join in on the Sturgis fun or visit the region afterwards, the Black Hills and Badlands riding experience will always stay the same—unparalleled.

Legendary 81st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Guide Day Rides!

It’s the 81st anniversary of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Harley-Davidson’s roots run deep in this town and at the legendary event. As the official motorcycle of the rally, we’re celebrating our long-lasting relationship by going bigger than ever. Come enjoy the festivities and the unmatched scenic riding in and around Sturgis, SD. We encourage our H-D® community to ride free and ride safely.

Rides Around Sturgis – HOT SPRINGS LOOP – 1 hr 52 min – 78 mi

Ride from Custer, SD through Wind Cave National Park to the Mammoth Site in Hot Springs, SD with return to Custer, SD

Rides Around Sturgis – DEVILS TOWER – 3 hr 15 min – 186 mi

Leaving from Pappy Hoel Campground home of the HOG Check In, head through Alzada, MT to Devil’s Tower National Monument. Return via Hulett, WY to the Sturgis, SD Community Center.

Legendary 81st Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Guide 2021 Full Concert Schedule

Harley-Davidson Demo Rides and Events

WE RUN DEEP
Harley-Davidson’s roots run deep at Sturgis. Some would say our names are synonymous with each other. As the official motorcycle of the 81st Sturgis Rally, we’re going to honor our long-lasting relationship by going bigger than ever. More events. More music.

More new bikes. More everything. To help you get the most of it, we’ve put together this 2021 Sturgis Guide. Everything you don’t want to miss is listed for you in here, under their locations: H-D event headquarters at the Sturgis Community Center at 4th & Lazalle, Full Throttle Saloon’s Pappy Hoel Campground, Outlaw Square & Deadwood Welcome Center, Spearfish Canyon Lodge, Hill City and Rapid City. Think of this as your go to source to experience all the great things Harley-Davidson has to offer at this Sturgis Rally. I look forward to seeing you there. -Bill Davidson

DEMO THE FULL LINE-UP OF H-D MOTORCYCLES
Stop by our main demo headquarters at the Sturgis Community Center to ride any of our 2021 models, including the Pan America and the new Sportster S. We will also have the full 2021 line-up available for demo at Pappy Hoel Campground. If you’re looking for a longer riding experience, we will be offering extended demos at the Deadwood Welcome Center, the Spearfish Canyon Lodge and the 1880 Train in Hill City.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Enjoy daily stunt shows and police skills demonstrations at the Sturgis Community Center. At Rally Point in downtown Sturgis and Outlaw Square in downtown Deadwood, you’ll find daily live music & entertainment including a DJ, bands and other live performances. Take a ride out to Pappy Hoel Campground/Full Throttle Saloon to enjoy nightly bands and a great party atmosphere. Don’t miss out!

H.O.G. MEMBER PERKS
At this year’s Annual Sturgis Rally, members of Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) will have the opportunity to ride and engage with other members. From group rides to a pool party at the campground, members will get together to enjoy the camaraderie that HarleyDavidson riders share.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS TAKING OVER DEADWOOD
Located in the heart of the Black Hills and arguably some of the best riding in the area, this historically lawless town is a must stop destination for riders and lovers of the old west. You’ll find extended demos at the Deadwood Welcome Center and an overload of entertainment at Outlaw Square, all sponsored by Harley-Davidson.

CELEBRATE WOMEN RIDERS IN STURGIS
Harley-Davidson is proud to support women riders. On Tuesday, August 10, the Buffalo Chip becomes home to women who ride. Join us as we welcome the Suffragists Centennial Ride as they ride cross-country through Sturgis. Harley-Davidson will be part of the Biker Belles ride (advanced registration required). Don’t forget to check out the Maiden Moto Art Show, all week at the Buffalo Chip, featuring moto-centric art from female  artists.

HARLEY OWNERS GROUP

H.O.G. MEMBER CHECK-IN LOCATIONS
Each location will have a unique rally token for H.O.G. Members. Sat 8/7/2021 – Sat 8/14/2021 – 9am-5pm

PAPPY HOEL CAMPGROUND/FULL THROTTLE SALOON
19942 SD-79, Vale, SD

STURGIS COMMUNITY CENTER
1401 Lazelle St, Sturgis, SD

CLUB H.O.G AT STURGIS
Stop in, grab a refreshment, and relax at the Harley-Davidson Garage. The Club is open to H.O.G. Members and one guest per member. While there, you can enjoy complimentary haircuts, hair braiding, tattoos, and pinstriping.
Sat 8/7/2021 – Sat 8/14/2021 – 9am – 5pm

PAPPY HOEL CAMPGROUND/FULL THROTTLE SALOON
Harley-Davidson Garage
19942 SD-79, Vale, SD

H.O.G. SOCIAL HOUR
Enjoy complimentary appetizers and beverage specials throughout the week.
Sat 8/7/2021 – Sat 8/14/2021 – 4pm–6pm

IRONHORSE SALOON
888 Junction Ave, Sturgis, SD
H.O.G MEMBER EVENTS AT STURGIS
In addition to the H.O.G. Member Check-Ins, check out these H.O.G. Member Events throughout the event. These events are open to H.O.G. Members and one guest per member.
H.O.G. Member Ride at Sturgis

PAPPY HOEL CAMPGROUND/FULL THROTTLE SALOON
Monday 8/9/21
Rider Check-In & Staging starts at 8:00am
Kickstands Up at 9:00am
H.O.G. Bike Games

PAPPY HOEL CAMPGROUND/FULL THROTTLE SALOON
Thursday 8/12/21 – 3:00pm
Party at the Pool

PAPPY HOEL CAMPGROUND
Thursday 8/12/21 – 6:00pm

Harley-Davidson Locations

STURGIS COMMUNITY CENTER
1401 Lazalle St, Sturgis, SD 57785

HARLEY-DAVIDSON RALLY POINT
2nd St, Sturgis, SD 57785

PAPPY HOEL CAMPGROUND/FULL THROTTLE SALOON
19942 SD-79, Vale, SD 57788

DEADWOOD WELCOME CENTER
501 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732

OUTLAW SQUARE
703 Main St, Deadwood, SD 57732

SPEARFISH CANYON LODGE
10619 Roughlock Falls Rd, Lead, SD 57754

1880 TRAIN – HILL CITY
222 Railroad Ave, Hill City, SD 57745

BLACK HILLS HARLEY-DAVIDSON
2820 Harley Dr, Rapid City, SD 57702