Hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally each year. The 79th rally is scheduled to begin on August 2, 2019, and continue through August 11, 2019. As always, riders and motorcycle enthusiasts can choose from a variety of activities and entertainment options. Below is a list of just of the few of the many activities that will be available this year in Sturgis, South Dakota.
Hundreds of Concerts
People attending the 2019 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally can choose to attend one or more of the 250 concerts over 10 days. According to the website, the concerts begin on August 1st and continue throughout the rally. The concerts are held at venues throughout Sturgis.
Some of the bands and entertainers scheduled for the rally include:
- Skid Row
- Keith Urban
- Coltford
- Cheap Trick
- Godsmack
- Collective Soul
- Snoop Dogg
- Bret Michaels
- Toby Keith
- George Thorogood & the Destroyers
There is something for everyone at the rally.
2019 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Events
In addition to great music, the rally boosts numerous events throughout the 10-day event. Highlights of the events include:
- Motorcycle Rides — Exciting motorcycle rides are planned throughout the rally, including a Doctor’s Ride scheduled for July 31st, the 17th Annual Sturgis Mayor’s Ride, and the Legendary Sturgis Adventure Ride.
- Sturgis Poker Tour — Poker stops for 2019 include Black Hills Contraband, The Knuckle Brewery, Naked Winery, Dakota Shivers Brewery, and Miner Brewing Co. The grand prize includes a VIP prize packet for the 2020 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
- Legendary Sturgis 5K — The 5K race is scheduled for Sunday, August 4. Participants can walk, jog, or run to raise money for a local charity.
- Races — Of course, the rally would not be complete without a variety of races. You can see the full race schedule on the rally’s website.
The above list includes just a few of the exciting events scheduled for the rally. The full list of the events is available on the rally’s website. If you are planning to attend the rally this year, you may want to download lists and information to begin planning your days to decide which events and activities are most important to you and your group.
The History of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
The first motorcycle rally was held in Sturgis, South Dakota on August 14, 1938. Known as the Black Hills Classic, the rally was a race with just nine participants sponsored by the Jackpine Gypsies motorcycle club. The early rallies were focused on motorcycle stunts and motorcycle races. The rally continued year after year, except during World War II.
In 1981, the Buffalo Chips Campground opened. It held its first concert during the Sturgis Rally in 1982 when it hosted Jerry Lew Lewis. Many entertainers have performed at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally since then, including the Marshall Tucker Band, Tom Petty, Sheryl Crow, Tim McGraw, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kid Rock, Zac Brown Band, Willie Nelson, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, and many, many more.
The motorcycle rally attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year. Some people ride their motorcycles from across the United States to attend the rally. Other individuals pull their motorcycles on trailers or ship their motorcycles to the rally. Once they arrive, motorcycles are the preferred method of transportation during the 10-day rally.
South Dakota Motorcycle Laws
If you are attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, it is important that you know and understand South Dakota motorcycle laws. For example, most riders are not required to wear motorcycle helmets when attending the rally because motorcycle helmet laws do not apply to anyone over 18 years of age. Minors under 18 years of age must wear a motorcycle helmet that meets the state’s DOT regulations. However, all motorcycle riders in South Dakota are required to use glasses or goggles while riding unless they have a windshield sufficient to provide eye protection. All motorcycles are required to have one functional headlamp, but no more than two headlamps.
Before attending the rally, riders may want to review the South Dakota Motorcycle Manual provided by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety. The goal of attending the rally is to have a great time enjoying the activities and events, not getting a traffic ticket for inadvertently breaking the law.
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