Sturgis, SD (Feb. 6, 2025): The Legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip is promising the most exciting 85th Sturgis Rally anniversary kickoff party ever, featuring the bearded giants of classic rock, ZZ Top, a motorcycle parade, the Support Bikers Moto Meetup, on-stage contests and the winner of the Sturgis Battle of the Bands. The Buffalo Chip’s Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff™ takes place Friday, Aug. 1. Passes are on sale now at BuffaloChip.com.
“Two years ago, we brought in ZZ Top on the first day of the rally to make a much bigger deal out of the start of the Sturgis Rally, and boy, did it work!” said Rod Woodruff, CEO of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. “ZZ Top knows how to get a party started, so it makes sense to kick off The Best Party Anywhere with the best party-startin’, good-time-makin’ band of all time.
ZZ Top
Aug. 1
They’re bearded, they’re bad, they’re that little ole band from Texas and they’re coming to rock the Buffalo Chip’s Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff. Calling all Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers to get down to megahits like “La Grange, “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Legs,” “Tush,” “Cheap Sunglasses” and so many more.
The Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party
The Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party starts the rally with a bang Friday, August 1:
- 4 p.m. the Support Bikers Moto Meetup at the Big Engine Bar
- 5 p.m. Parade lineup begins at the Buffalo Chip Big Engine Bar
- 6 p.m., the first 150 to reserve their spot in the parade will get to ride into the amphitheater and park their bikes in front of the stage for the concert
Once inside the amphitheater, the festivities will continue on the Main Stage with contests, a toast, the Star-Spangled Banner, live entertainment from the winner of the Sturgis Battle of the Bands, the International Bikini Team and ZZ Top.
Kickoff Party Parade
To reserve a spot, riders can submit their reservation number and number of bikes to [email protected]. Riders can then check in the day of the event at the Support Bikers Moto Meetup at the Big Engine Bar.
Sturgis Battle of the Bands
June 7
One lucky band will score the set on the Buffalo Chip Main Stage opening for one of the Rally’s biggest concerts, ZZ Top, during the Buffalo Chip Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party. The third annual Sturgis Battle of the Bands hosted by the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce culminates with a live competition on June 7 at Harley-Davidson Rally Point in Sturgis, and the winner of the battle will get the gig at the Buffalo Chip Aug. 1 along with other amazing prizes. Bands can learn more and enter at https://bit.ly/2025battleofthebands
The festival runs Aug. 1-10, 2025. For a full list of Sturgis Buffalo Chip events, see BuffaloChip.com/EVENTS. The Buffalo Chip is home to the Sturgis Rally Information Center™ and is the official sponsor of Sturgis.com’s free Official Sturgis Rally Registration Program.
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About the Sturgis Buffalo Chip
The Sturgis Buffalo Chip® is the award-winning leader in music and motorcycle lifestyle experiences. Hailed as The Largest Music Festival in Motorcycling® and The Best Party Anywhere®, it has been the epicenter of the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally since its establishment in 1981. Every August, the Buffalo Chip brings together the world’s largest gathering of music and motorcycle fans, with visitors from all 50 states and over 20 countries. It remains one of the world’s most televised and longest-running independent music festivals. The Chip advances the Sturgis Rally by being home to the Sturgis Rally Information Center™ and the official sponsor of the Sturgis.com Official Sturgis Rally Registration
Further Inquiries:
Cody Ertman
[email protected]
605-347-9000
