Legendary Sturgis BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Get ready to rock! Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 6th 2026!
2026 Band Applications are NOW OPEN.
Prepare yourself for the face-melting, mind-bending sounds of garage band stew at Harley-Davidson Rally Point during our third annual Legendary Sturgis Battle of the Bands!
We are teaming up with the most prestigious regional names in business to bring a one-day Battle of the Bands festival the evening of Saturday, June 6th 2026 in downtown Sturgis. This brand new multi-genre competition welcomes groups from large to small, old to young, and heavy to mellow for a competitive line-up like no other. All ages will compete for substantial cash and in-kind prizes – and don’t forget, the honor of being Battle of the Bands Champion in legendary Sturgis, SD!
CALL FOR BANDS
2026 registration is now OPEN. Click the button below to submit your band application. There is a $100 registration fee per band, payable at the Sturgis Chamber office at 2040 Junction Avenue or by card over the phone at (605) 347-2556. Please make sure your fee is paid in full as soon as possible to ensure consideration by the jury panel.
PRIZES
Our team works tirelessly to create the BEST line-up of prizes for our top three competitors to launch you the next level! First, second, and third place bands will win from our major prize pool:
Cash Prizes:
★ 1st Place Cash Prize: $3,000 ★
★ 2nd Place Cash Prize: $2,000 ★
★ 3rd Place Cash Prize: $1,000 ★
Additional Prize Options:
COMING SOON!
JUDGES & SCHEDULING
Competitors are allowed a 15-minute set with 15-minute change-over time between groups at the legendary Harley-Davidson Rally Point Stage in downtown Sturgis. Our Stage Manager and production crew will be contact registered competitors prior to the competition to finalize equipment needs and scheduling.
A panel of expert judges from varying backgrounds will score competitors in a variety of categories. Categories may include criteria such as originality, musicality/theory, energy/quality of stage presence, professionalism, and others. A more detailed rubric of judging criteria will be provided prior to the competition date. 2026 Judges will be required to sign a Conflict of Interest Disclosure to help ensure fair judging practices.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Your support for this new experience is critical to success as we move into our second year. Sponsors will have a wide range of benefits, from in-person participation to the gamut of advertising perks. We are looking for a few extra-generous sponsors to help us keep it “grunge” by sponsoring our cash prizes for winning competitors – these sponsors will have in-person recognition and a variety of other highlights leading up to and during the event.
Please contact us as soon as possible join our 2026 sponsor line-up. We can’t thank you enough for all you do – let’s bring some visitors to the Black Hills and let the music flow this June at the Sturgis Battle of the Bands!
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL
Click the buttons below to follow us on Facebook and Instagram! Stay tuned on our social for upcoming judge interviews, performance tips & tricks, sponsor shout-outs, competitor spotlights, prize announcements, and more!
JUDGE INTERVIEWS | PERFORMANCE TIPS & TRICKS | PRIZE ANNOUNCEMENTS | BAND FEATURES
EVENT OVERVIEW
- Event Date: Saturday, June 6th 2026
- Event Time: 1PM – 6PM (tentative; may change depending on # entries)
- Industry Night & Pre-Party: Friday, June 5th - Details TBA!
- Awards & After Party: 6PM at Rally Point
- Event Location: Harley-Davidson Rally Point (corner of Main Street & Harley-Davidson Way), Downtown Sturgis, SD
- Contact Info: Sturgis Area Chamber / (605) 347-2556 / Events@SturgisAreaChamber.com
- Event Description: The Legendary Sturgis Battle of the Bands is a 4th-year event held in conjunction with the 6th Annual Sturgis Art Festival located in downtown Sturgis, SD. This family-friendly event is organized by a committee within the Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization. This event aims to bring visitors to Sturgis, enhance the resident experience, and support the fine arts in our community. Our first two years have been MASSIVE successes! Please contact us to learn more and submit your application. THANK YOU for supporting the arts in Sturgis!