It doesn’t matter if you’re the next Hendrix, can burp your ABCs or are simply riding a streak of luck. There’s a way for anyone to get on stage at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip. If you’d like to walk in the very footsteps of some of the most legendary names in music and spend a moment in the spotlight, make sure you check out these six simple ways that can land you a spot on the Chip stage.
1. Enter the Sturgis Area Battle of the Bands
STIL RUNNIN entered and won the 3rd annual Sturgis Battle of the Bands in 2025, earning them a spot on the main stage opening for ZZ Top.
Enter this competition for the chance to earn an opening performance at the legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip during its historic 45th Annual Motorcycle & Music Festival, August 7–15, 2026 – where top winning bands will be chosen to perform the Chip’s Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff Party on Friday, August 7, as well as other festival performances. All entrants will receive priority consideration for opening and showcase performances throughout the festival.
Presented by the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce, this competition culminates in a live Battle of the Bands on June 6, 2026, held at Harley-Davidson Rally Point in downtown Sturgis, SD, during the Sturgis Art Festival. Finalists will perform live for judges and fans to earn a coveted opening slot on the Buffalo Chip’s legendary Wolfman Jack Main Stage, plus substantial cash and prizes.
You’ll be competing for a place on one of the most diverse lineups in live music—spanning genres and generations—with artists like Lainey Wilson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Megadeth, David Lee Roth, and dozens more still to be announced.
The opportunity is open through 2/24/25.
Find out more about the experience of performing at The Best Party Anywhere® here!
2. Enter the Sturgis Buffalo Chip Poster Model Search
2014 Poster Model Laramie, 2015 Poster Model Raven, 2019 Poster Model Lainie, 2020 Poster Model Mai, 2022 Poster Model Marilyn and 2024 Poster Model Vanessa (above) have all been invited to be part of the International Bikini Team and compete in the nightly Miss Buffalo Chip Pageant on the Main Stage.
Are you sizzlin’ hot and ready to rock? If so, you could land yourself some serious time in the spotlight as the Buffalo Chip Poster Model.
Winning the annual Sturgis Buffalo Chip Poster Model Search could get you $18,000+ in cash and prizes thanks to sponsors including Twisted Tea, Cassio’s Tattoo Gallery, Mr. Liquor, Pepsi, Sailor Jerry, Sturgis Harley-Davidson and XROCK. In addition, it puts your likeness in countless advertisements, videos, magazine spreads, billboards and posters leading up to and during the Sturgis rally and puts you smack dab in the middle of some of the industry’s hottest events.
On top of all this, the role could also open opportunities for a place in the nightly Miss Buffalo Chip Pageant, allowing you to strut your stuff on the Wolfman Jack Main Stage throughout the rally.
Find out more about qualifying to become the Buffalo Chip’s next Poster Model here!
3. Enter the Hot Hunks Contest
2025 Hot Hunk “Dutch Disaster” with Stitch from Hot 93.1 during the Homemade Bikini/Mankini Contest on the Main Stage.
Fellas, this is your time to shine! Calling all hunks, studs, beefcakes and dad bods for the Hot Hunks Contest hosted by Hot 93.1! Demonstrate the right combination of manliness, moves and charisma, and you could be the next Buffalo Chip Hot Hunk!
In addition to the title and prizes, you’ll have a chance to help us kick off the festivities on stage during the Buffalo Chip Official Sturgis Rally Kickoff.
Watch for more details on this contest to drop in May!
Meet the 2023 Hot Hunks Finalists here!
4. Enter your ride in one of the daily custom motorcycle shows
The Best in Show winner from each show in the Buffalo Chip Custom Series Presented by Gates Belt Drive will go on to compete against one another for the title of Custom Series King (or Queen). All Best in Show winners will be invited onto the Buffalo Chip’s legendary Wolfman Jack Main Stage where one will be crowned the winner of this prestigious award, handcrafted by Joe Mielke of Snap Fabrications.
5. Take part in hilariously fun contests at Bikini Beach
No matter your hidden talent, there’s a special spot for you to show it off on the Bikini Beach Stage. Join comedian Chris Trew every afternoon for crazy contests including the Homemade Bikini Contest, Beers and Burps Contest, Air Sex World Championships, Frozen T-Shirt Contest, Dick Pictionary and more!
6. Hit up the daily contests at the Big Engine Bar
Generous giveaways are the name of the game on the Buffalo Chip’s Big Engine Bar Stage. Participate in a variety of crazy contests on stage including the Biker Bar Games, Beer Belly Contest Presented by Volt Lifeproof Grooming, Beard Contest, Cherry Pie Eating Contest, Mullet Madness Contest and many others.
Winners receive prizes ranging from motorcycle tires to free Sturgis Buffalo Chip admission passes for the following year.
Presented by the Sturgis Buffalo Chip®
Known as The Best Party Anywhere®, the Legendary Buffalo Chip believes festivals should be fun like a high five, reenergize you like a broken rule, and romance you like someone you just met and have to take home.
This nine-day festival remains one of the most televised festivals in the world and has been featured on the Travel Channel, the Discovery Channel, CMT Bike Week, HISTORY, TLC, National Geographic and more.
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