The Official Website of The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
84th Rally, Aug. 2nd-11th, Begins in

    • Clarence "Pappy" Hoel purchased an Indian Motorcycle Franchise in Sturgis, SD. The Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club was formed.
    • The Rally Begins The first Sturgis Rally, known as the Black Hills Classic was held on August 14th with a race of 9 participants and a small audience.
    • Due to gas rationing in support of the war efforts the Rally did not take place from 1939-1941. 1942 was the return year of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
    • For the 1st time, Sturgis Main Street is blocked off for a 2 hour awards ceremony.
    • The Jackpine Gypsies introduce the Hill Climb and Motocross races.
    • One block of Main Street is officially closed for motorcycle parking over the course of the 3 day event.
    • The Rally moves to a 5 day event.
    • The first temporary vendor set up in the Sturgis Auditorium.
    • The Rally evolves to evolves to a 7-day event.
    • The City of Sturgis begins licensing temporary vendors. 9 vendors licensed.
    • City Park is closed to camping due to fire outbreaks.
    • Local man, Tom Monahan, donates the artwork of the Official Rally Logo to the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce.
    • 117 vendors licensed in the City of Sturgis.
    • Sturgis Rally Founder, Pappy Hoel passes away at the age of 85.
    • The Sturgis Rally saw the largest attendance exceeding as high as 600,000 people.
    • The City of Sturgis formed a city department within the city government to take the place of all prior contract labor hired to promote and organize the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
    • 70th Annual City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with 466,769 in attendance!
    • Attendance of 445,700 with participants from all 50 states as well as Canada and dozens of other international communities including Japan, Australia, Germany, England, etc.
    • The City of Sturgis is proud to have celebrated the 75th annual event with a record attendance of an amazing 750,000+ participants spanning over a 10 day period.
    • The City of Sturgis expands the City of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally to 10 days
    • 80th Anniversary held during a viral pandemic