STURGIS, S.D. – The Sturgis City Council met for their first July meeting Monday night, with preparations for this year’s Motorcycle Rally on the agenda.

The council first got an informational report on this year’s rally by City Administrator Aaron Jordan.  

The 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is scheduled for August 7–16, 2026.

Jordan says the City’s operational focus for the 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally remains consistent with the approach implemented in 2025. City-sponsored events will again be limited to the Opening Ceremony, Mayor’s Ride, and Military Appreciation Day, allowing staff to maintain their primary emphasis on providing safe and clean streets, effective traffic management, public safety, and essential municipal services throughout the Rally.

He says the most significant enhancement for 2026 is the expansion of Military Appreciation Day through a partnership with Harley-Davidson. “

“On Tuesday, August 11, Harley-Davidson plans to host a complimentary breakfast for active-duty military members and veterans at Rally Point, followed by additional activities leading up to the City’s Military Appreciation Day Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. The ceremony is anticipated to begin with a B-1 bomber flyover, pending aircraft availability. These additions are intended to further recognize and honor the service and sacrifices of military members and veterans while maintaining the City’s commitment to a focused and efficiently managed Rally event.”

Jordan added this year’s Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Grand Marshall is Tim Duffy, widely known and respected for his efforts to assist and rescue victims in New York City on September 11, 2001. Tim is also being inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s Hall of Fame Class of 2026, for the American Hero Award.

The council Monday night also approved open container for beer and wine as well as approved a consumption permit at City Hall for this year’s Rally.

The council also re-visited the resolution that approved the annual road closures and temporary traffic devices for this year’s 86^th annual event. The council reconsidered the resolution to determine whether or not to keep a portion of Main Street between Middle and Fourth closed to motorcycle traffic only on the final Sunday of the rally.

After discussion, the council decided not to revise the resolution and it remained as it was passed last month. That means Main Street will still fully open on the final Sunday, August 16^th.