Going to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally this year? Here’s some information you’ll need and some tips you’ll want to make your trip as awesome as it can be.

When: August 4th – 13th, 2023, but there are pre-rally festivities that start the week before.
Where: Sturgis, South Dakota
Little-known facts:
Here are some tidbits of info to stump your friends on Sturgis Rally trivia night.

How long should I go for?
It’s entirely up to you, but there’s a lot happening every day during the event. For some folks, this is a bucket list item, and they are here for the duration. Others stop in for a couple of days just to say they’ve been. For many attendees, Sturgis is an annual event and they won’t miss it for anything.

What should I bring?
The good news is that you don’t have to bring much. And make sure you leave room in your Tour Pack or Saddlebags, because you’re going to get some souvenirs. But be sure and pack a jacket and/or long sleeves. It may be in August, but it’s South Dakota. Temperatures get into the mid-80’s but occasionally into the high-40’s at night.

Rain gear might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning here. It rains a day or two every year, so pack it if you don’t want to get wet.

If you’re traveling a long way and from out of state, be smart and pack a first-aid kit, essential repair tools and keep your emergency contact info someplace handy. Fortunately, there’s a lot of repair shops just in case you need it.

Lastly, we want you to come home in one piece. Remember, there will be a couple hundred thousand motorcycles and riders who may not be as responsible as you (right!?). Wear your helmet and bring ear plugs.

Where do I stay?
There are lots of people coming to Sturgis, but it is spread out over 10+ days. The options range from vacation rentals and hotels to campsites, RV parks, and cabins. Some locals even rent out rooms in their homes.

Hotels: If you want a hotel room in Sturgis, it’s too late by now. You can always check. The Hotel Sturgis is THE place to stay, but it books up fast. Other hotel options in Sturgis include the Baymont Inn, Sturgis Lodge and Suites, the Days Inn, and The Sturgis Motel. Other options include hotels in nearby Deadwood, Whitewood, and Rapid City is only 30 minutes down the road.

Camping and RV Parks: There are tons of campgrounds all over the area that cater to Sturgis. If you’re here for live music and love big crowds, get a site at Buffalo Chip, which has tent spaces and RV campsites. This is party central for Sturgis, so if you want peace and quiet, look elsewhere.

Another hot spot that rent cabins and campground spots is the Full Throttle Saloon, which bills itself as the “World’s Largest Biker Bar.” And we’re not arguing, because they get about 15,000 people a night during the rally.

Other campgrounds include Rush No More and Days End Campground. Both of these campgrounds offer cabins as well.

Vacation Rentals: If you prefer your corn a little higher, go with AirBNB or VRBO. You can still find super nice digs, but you’ll probably be staying in Deadwood or the Terry Peak area. It’s not too far. We also recommend Black Hills Adventure Lodging, which rents cabins all over the area.

What are the best things to do during the Sturgis Rally?
There are so many awesome events every day during the rally. So, if you’re here for a day or the entire rally, you’re in for a treat. Here are some highlights:

Mayors Pub Crawl: You get to enjoy food/booze/beer at 5 of Sturgis’ most famous watering holes.
Contests: Sturgis is the pinnacle of contests that you can’t unsee, including tattoos, bikini, mankini, beard/mustache, and of course, motorcycle shows.

Music Events: You’re going to hear live music just about everywhere, but the center of it all is the Buffalo Chip. The big concerts this year include ZZ Top, Def Leppard, Kid Rock, and Lynyrd Skynyrd (Turn it up!). There are several other smaller venues throughout Sturgis playing all kinds of music to keep your motors running. They also have their world-famous beach parties, so if you’re not shy, you’ll want to show up.

And again, the Full Throttle is a can’t miss bar if getting a little rowdy while listening to live music is your thing. You’ll be in good company.

Iron Horse Saloon is also a popular spot and their concerts are free, which is a pretty good deal.

Bike Shows: This is bike show overload country for both pros and amateurs. If you really want to show off your bike and maybe win a ribbon or plaque, you have multiple opportunities. Iron Horse hosts several for all skill levels and awards for more than a dozen categories. On top of the custom bike shows, there are shows for vintage bikes, performance bikes, custom paint, choppers, bracket racing and even the Biker Olympics.

Harley Davidson Rally Point: For us Harley enthusiasts, the city of Sturgis has a long partnership with Harley Davidson. This is a focal point and a meetup for multiple events every day of the Rally, including rides, concerts, contests. Check out this handy schedule. The HD Rally Point is the place you’ll run into old friends, meet new friends, and have the time of your life.

Rides Galore: Dozens of organized rides go in all directions and last from a couple of hours to all-day excursions. You’ll understand why the Black Hills are widely known as having some of the most scenic, enjoyable rides in the country. You can always head out on your own, as well, but if you’re new to Sturgis, we recommend registering for an organized ride. You’ll meet lots of awesome folks too!

Of course one of the best rides is the shortest (distance) but also the longest (time). And that’s just riding your bike downtown and experiencing the heart of Sturgis. You just won’t believe your eyes.

Remember, with so many people to deal with, most of the events require registration and there’s usually a cost involved. Google is your best friend to make detailed plans.

Gussy Up Your Harley!
There’s still plenty of time to spruce up your bike. Pick out an Advanblack accessory you’ve always wanted to add and make it happen. How about speaker lids for your saddlebags? A Tour Pack to carry all your stuff? Maybe go all out with a new color with our full body color swap for your Harley Street or Electra Glide.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is unlike any other event you’ve ever seen, and it will be the trip of a lifetime for you. Just the sheer number of amazing motorcycles is worth the trip. The never-ending roar is incredible, the motorcycles are a sight to behold, but the best part for our money is the people.

Stop by and say “hello” to us at the Advanblack area at the Black Hills Harley Davidson lot!