The 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally officially began on August 8, 2026, attracting approximately 500,000 riders to the small town of Sturgis, South Dakota, and the surrounding Black Hills region. The rally, billed as the world’s largest motorcycle gathering, is held annually for ten days in August and features races, concerts, group rides, stunt shows, motorcycle demonstrations, vendor exhibitions, and organized rides across the area.

Sturgis, with a population of just 7,100, transforms into a bustling city as motorcycles fill downtown streets and riders explore the Black Hills. This year’s headliner is country star Lainey Wilson, scheduled to perform on August 12. Other performers include YUNGBLUD, Megadeth, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Rob Zombie, and Insane Clown Posse.

The rally was founded in 1938 by Indian motorcycle dealer Pappy Hoel, whose marketing skills, passion for motorcycle racing, and paternal care for World War II veterans helped make Sturgis synonymous with motorcycles. The Hoel family managed the rally for nearly 50 years before transferring control to the City of Sturgis in the 1980s.

In celebration of the rally's history, Indian Motorcycle introduced the new Indian Chief Vintage Sturgis SD Edition, featuring special paint and badging inspired by 1930s Indian motorcycles. The model sports a classic two-tone Red and Cream paint scheme with a multicolored Indian Motorcycle headdress logo.

Pappy Hoel is credited as "the man who put the brotherhood in motorcycles" and remains a central figure in the rally’s enduring appeal.

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