A festival that goes by “the biggest music festival in motorcycling” can only raise more questions than it answers. Questions like biggest? And, where do the motorcycles fit in? Well, on Monday, July 29 at 8 a.m. sharp, the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Rally’s garage services begin, opening the floodgate for over 400,000 bikers who will ride through the festival’s open fields during its two-week run.
For the entirety of its first four days, before the music even begins, the festival follows the same routine: the garage opens, the information center hands out maps and then there’s a bikini beach pre-party until 1:45 a.m. This may sound like a harsh cut-off point for a bikini party on the beach in the landlocked state of South Dakota, but remember, you’ve gotta get up and ride! Does the event sound a little dated? Don’t worry, they’ve modernized by adding in a homemade mankini contest.
Once the music kicks in on Friday, the bikini beach parties become bikini bike washes and motorcycle stunt shows in between acts like Jelly Roll, Bad Wolves and Kid Rock. Past performers have included legendary acts such as Ozzy Osbourne, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and Aerosmith. It’s bike show, concert, refuel and start again for a whole week. You can camp on the festival grounds among the Black Hills (and park your bike) or come and go as you please.
Food vendors this year include JAK’s Porky’s BBQ, Coffee Crib, Wok-n-Roll Asian Food and Lazy River Donuts — because humans also need to refuel. And of course, you don’t want to miss the beauty pageant to see the judges hand out the title every little girl dreams of: Miss Buffalo Chip.
The Specs
- Over 400,000 people attended the festival in 2023.
- Tickets start at $40 for the lowest tier of admission and range up to $840. The full breakdown of ticket tiers and prices can be found here.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to the best things to do in South Dakota here.
FAQs
Where does the festival take place?
The festival is held at Sturgis Buffalo Chip in South Dakota.
What’s the best way to get there?
There are several small airports nearby, however, the best way to get to the festival is via motorcycle.
Are there any age restrictions?
No, but minors must have a DOT-approved helmet to ride.
Who’s on this year’s lineup?
Bad Wolves, Kid Rock, Travis Tritt, Aaron Lewis, Jelly Roll, Theory of a Deadman, Hinder and more to be announced.
Playlist
Poster
