(July 13, 2018) The annual Sturgis (South Dakota) motorcycle rally begins Friday, Aug. 3, and continues through Sunday, Aug. 11. The City of Sturgis has published a tentative schedule of events for the this year's motorcycle celebration in the Black Hills.

500,000 riders, concert fanatics, and street-food enjoyers attend the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally every year. Sturgis is located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, only minutes away from Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Devils Tower, Custer State Park, and some of the most scenic riding in the country.

Details for all events can be found at www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com.

Friday, August 3

Main Street is closed to all traffic except motorcycles at 2 a.m.

Live music featured daily in the afternoon and evenings at Harley-Davidson Rally Point.

Opening Ceremonies — 2:30 p.m. parade from fairgrounds down Main Street to Harley-Davidson Rally Point. 

Parachute Jump at 2:45 p.m. into downtown Sturgis (intersection of Main and Harley-Davidson Way).

Saturday, August 4

Street Food Throwdown - Takes place at Harley-Davidson Rally Point. Time tba.

Sunday, August 5

5K Run/Walk - Registration begins at 7 a.m. at the Ft. Meade softball fields one mile east of City Park on Hwy 34 (turn right on east side of Ft. Meade - watch for signs).  Run starts at 8 a.m. The run ends in Sturgis.

Food Throwdown Awards at Harley-Davidson Rally Point.  Time tba.

Monday, August 6

Mayor's Ride - Pre-Registration required.  Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m.  Staging is at the tennis courts behind the Community Center 1401 Lazelle (north side of the building).  Ride leaves at 9 a.m.

Tuesday, August 7

Burger Battle - Harley-Davidson Rally Point at 11 a.m.

Military Appreciation Day - Green Knights Ride arrives in Sturgis at 1:50 p.m. USAF B-1 Flyover at 3 p.m.

Tattoo Contest - Harley-Davidson Rally Point registration at 5 p.m. Winners announced at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, August 8

Beard & Mustache Contest - 5 p.m. at Harley-Davidson Rally Point on Harley-Davidson Way.  Winners will be announced between 6 and 6:30 pm. depending on the number of entries.

Thursday, August 9

Sturgis Burger Battle at Harley Davidson Rally Point at 11 a.m.

Friday, August 10

Sturgis Burger Battle Championship at 5 p.m. at Harley-Davidson Rally Point.

Saturday, August 11

Closing Ceremonies at 3 p.m. at Harley-Davidson Rally Point.

Pictures courtesy of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally