Top Sturgis Events for 2022
There’s always something happening at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Each day of the ten-day rally, numerous activities, events, and other festivities occur in downtown Sturgis, at the Buffalo Chip Campgrounds, and at several off-site locations.
Before you head to Sturgis 2022, be sure to take a look at the event schedule to plan out your rally trip. Here are the top Sturgis events for 2022 to add to your schedule:
Major Sturgis Concert Headliners
Saturday, August 6th – Friday, August 12th @ Varying Times
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has hosted several legendary performers on the Buffalo Chip stage. This year, rally attendees can enjoy concerts from some of the biggest names in the music industry.
Here’s a sneak peek at the headliners for Sturgis 2022:
Saturday, August 6th:
- Buckcherry: 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Snoop Dogg: 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Sunday, August 7th:
- Bush: 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Lynyrd Skynyrd: 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Monday, August 8th:
- Lita Ford: 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Rob Zombie: 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Wednesday, August 10th:
- Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners: 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Travis Tritt: 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Friday, August 12th:
- Puddle of Mudd: 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Pop Evil: 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Sturgis will announce additional artists leading up to the rally in August.
Buffalo Chip Daily Contests
Friday, August 5th – Sunday, August 14th @ Various Times
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campgrounds hosts mini contests each day that keep the spirit of the Sturgis Rally alive. A few games you can look forward to at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2022 include:
- Poster Model Search
- Chip Shots Photo Contest
- Miss Buffalo Chip Pageant
- Air Sex World Championship
- Homemade Bikini Contest
- Homemade Mankini Contest
- Sassy & Classy Over-35 Model Search
- Ultimate Rope Swing Contest
- Slip ‘n Slide Relay
- Dick Pictionary
- Beer Belly Contest
- Beers & Burps Contest
- Frozen T-Shirt Contest
- Cherry Pie Eating Contest
- Fake Orgasm Contest
- Best Beard Contest
- Stud Contest
- Mullet Contest
School’s Out Chopper Show
Saturday, August 6th
The School’s Out Chopper Show is an event celebrating Buffalo Chip’s history. The first campers to visit Buffalo Chip in 1981 rode choppers. For the past few years, the campground has held a chopper show to remember the old-school popularity of choppers and celebrate new models.
This chopper show will feature old choppers, new choppers, and everything in between. You’ll also have a chance to meet well-known chopper builders, such as Mondo of Denver Choppers. If you’re a chopper fanatic, be sure to stop by this rally event at Buffalo Chip.
Legendary Sturgis 5K
Monday, August 8th @ 7:00 a.m.
If you’re a runner, you’ll want to pack your racing shoes before leaving for Sturgis. The Legendary Sturgis 5K is a five-kilometer race for rally attendees.
Check-in for the race will begin on the Monday of the rally at 7:00 a.m. You can check in at the Woodland Park Shelter at the beautiful Sturgis City Park. Once all runners check in, the rally will offer a free shuttle on “Da Bus” to the starting line at the Fort Meade Softball fields.
The 5K route will traverse the historic Fort Meade Loop and travel along Bear Butte Creek, ending at the Woodland Park Shelter. Once you cross the finish line, you can enjoy a complimentary catered breakfast from the City of Sturgis.
Hardcore Cycles Performance Show & Skinny Tire Bagger Build-Off
Monday, August 8th
The Sturgis Rally celebrates all things motorcycles — including some of the most powerful ones in the industry. This bike show and build-off, hosted by Hardcore Cycles and John O’Brien, aligns with the heart of Sturgis.
First, the industry’s best builders will compete to bring the most power to the road in the Hardcore Cycles Performance Show. Then, builders will go head-to-head to customize a V-Twin bagger.
This event is free to attend and $20 to enter. If you think you have what it takes to compete, you could receive a prize from one of the seven award classes. The Best of Show winner will get a title to an FXR frame, while the Skinny Tire Bagger Build-Off winner will receive a $500 cash prize.
Legends Ride
Monday, August 8th @ 11:00 a.m.
Group rides are some of the most enjoyable events during the Sturgis Rally. South Dakota is full of scenic attractions and beautiful routes that make for stunning motorcycle rides. However, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally allows thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts to ride together to experience these attractions as a community.
The Legends Ride is an annual group ride that invites celebrities and riders to enjoy a route together through the Black Hills. In the past, featured stars have included Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, Neal Schon of Journey, and Paul Teutul, Sr. of Orange County Choppers.
This year, the 14th-annual Legends Ride will begin at the Historic Franklin Hotel in Deadwood. The event will start with a motorcycle auction to raise money for local charities. Then, you’ll enjoy a self-guided scenic ride through the Black Hills alongside hundreds of other rally attendees.
Mini Bike Show
Tuesday, August 9th
Bigger doesn’t always mean better. The Mini Bike Show gives motorcycle enthusiasts a chance to display their small bikes and showcase the power they hold. Snap Fabrications, alongside Joe Mielke, will host this event on the Tuesday of rally week. Feel free to ride your own tiny bike over to Camp Zero to participate in this show.
Biker Bell’s Women’s Day
Tuesday, August 9th
Calling all women — you won’t want to miss the Biker Bell’s Women’s Day on the Tuesday of the rally. This day will feature relaxing festivities and events that celebrate female bikers and raise money for women’s causes.
The day will begin with The Morning Ride, a beautiful group ride through the Black Hills. Then, women can attend the Coffee Clutch panel to hear from special guests and enjoy brunch together.
Later in the day, the Women, Wind, & Wheels bike show will feature unique women-owned bikes. Various sessions from expert presenters will take place throughout the afternoon.
You can reserve your spot at Women’s Day on the Buffalo Chip website.
Rusty Wallace Charity Ride
Wednesday, August 10th @ 1:00 p.m.
The Rusty Wallace Charity Ride provides a unique opportunity to meet and ride alongside Rusty Wallace and his celebrity NASCAR driver friends. Rusty has chosen a scenic route throughout the Black Hills to guide ride participants. At the end of the ride, participants can enjoy an exclusive reception at Buffalo Chip.
This group ride event supports worthwhile charities.
Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show
Thursday, August 11th
The Rat’s Hole Custom Bike Show is the longest-running bike show in the world. This unique show features international judges and numerous competitors vying for 60 hand-crafted trophies.
The Rat’s Hole show notoriously showcases top-quality bikes alongside motorcycles with personalities and special features that celebrate biker culture. Over 16 classes of bikes will receive awards, highlighting the uniqueness that the biker community offers.
Ted Smith and Big Daddy Rat will host this event. Be sure to stop by to show off your own custom bike or check out some of the most eccentric bikes at the rally.
OK, we just covered a whole lot of ground. Thirsty yet? Let’s hit the top Sturgis bars and restaurants that rally veterans and regulars return to year after year.
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