Your Guide to Sturgis Bike Week Events for Women
The 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally isn’t just a gathering for motorcycle enthusiasts; it’s a celebration of community, empowerment, and passion, particularly for women riders. A variety of events will highlight the contributions and experiences of women in the motorcycle community. Here’s a comprehensive look at the exciting women-focused events you won’t want to miss. This year’s rally takes place August 7-16, 2026.
Biker Belles
Date: August 8, 2026 from 7:30 am- 4:00 pm
Location: Sturgis Buffalo Chip CrossRoads
Biker Belles is a signature event celebrating women in motorcycling by showcasing our achievements and camaraderie. The day kicks off with a guided ride through the breathtaking Black Hills, allowing participants to enjoy the stunning landscape. Following the ride, attendees can enjoy in a catered brunch. Other activities include a “coffee clutch,” a silent auction, a bike show, and rider mentorship programs supporting local charities. Numerous renowned women motorcyclists will be in attendance.
Learn more about this year's Biker Belles event.
Flying Piston Benefit Builders Breakfast
Date: August 9, 2026 from 8:30 am - 11:00 am
Location: Sturgis Community Center
The Flying Piston Benefit is an annual charity breakfast and art auction at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. It raises funds for All Kids Bike, which teaches kindergarteners how to ride bikes, and Motorcycle Missions, which helps veterans heal from PTSD.
The event regularly highlights prominent female bike builders. Special rosters have spotlighted top fabricators and designers like Lena Fairless, JoAnn Bortles, J. Shia, Brittney Olsen, and Cris Sommer Simmons. All-female custom build and design teams have included Women Riders Now and Motorcycle Missions. By putting women leaders, mechanics, and artists front and center at a major industry kickoff event, the benefit helps normalize and celebrate female leadership in a traditionally male-dominated custom motorcycle culture.
Pearl's Jam
Date: August 10, 2026 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame
Named in honor of Pearl Hoel, wife of Pappy Hoel and co-founder of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, the event celebrates the vital contributions of women in motorcycling.
This year’s Pearl's Jam recognizes the posthumous induction to the Hall of Fame for two legendary female motorcyclists. Bessie Stringfield, the "Motorcycle Queen of Miami" famously broke racial and gender barriers by riding solo across the U.S. in the 1930s and 40s. "Motorcycle Mary" McGee, a pioneering racer became the first American woman to compete (and win) in professional motorcycle road racing, enduro, and motocross. The event will also spotlight Florence Emde, the trailblazing matriarch of a multi-generational racing dynasty who features prominently in a new book about her racing champion husband, Floyd Emde.
In addition to historic tributes, attendees will witness the reveal of a custom, specialized piece of art by Dana KT of Metalwood Garage, designed to celebrate the modern experiences of women in the sport. Celebrity motorcyclists slated for attendance include: Cris Sommer Simmons, Ellie Rains, Vicki Roberts-Sanfelipo, Dana Metalwood Garage, Gloria Tramontin Struck, Kimba TheLioness, and so many more accomplished and inspiring riders. It's going to be an event to remember!
National Women’s Rides to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Two distinct groups of women motorcyclists are riding across the country in advance of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally week. Both rides culminate in a shared celebration at Pearl’s Jam. The festivities will feature presentations, book signings, moto celebrity visits, and a celebration of the Sturgis Museum’s 25th Anniversary.
Women Riders World Relay (WRWR)
Co-founder Liza Miller and long-distance rider Wendy Crockett are leading a 13,000-plus mile, coast-to-coast journey. Dozens of women and riding partners are joining for single days or full legs. The arrival at the Sturgis Hall of Fame caps the ride that successfully qualified for a world-record GPS route spelling "WRWR 2026" across the U.S.
Shantell’s Sisterhood Ride to Sturgis
Founded by rider and entrepreneur Shantell Williams, a diverse group of women riders is traveling backroads from Florida to Sturgis. The purposeful journey honors legendary rider Bessie Stringfield, the "Motorcycle Queen of Miami.” Stringfield is to be posthumously inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame.
Concerts Featuring Female Musicians
Throughout the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, various concerts will highlight female talent, making it a celebration of not just riding but also music. Here are some concerts to look out for:
- Jasmine Cain: Scheduled to perform at Kickstands on August 6, 2026.
- Kelli Baker: Set to perform at Kickstands on August 7, 2026.
- Lita Ford: August 10, 2026, at the Full Throttle Saloon.
- Miranda Lambert: Scheduled to perform at the Full Throttle Saloon on August 11, 2026.
- Lainey Wilson: Confirmed to perform at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip on August 12, 2026.
- Devon Worley Band: Scheduled to perform at the Buffalo Chip on August 14, 2026.
View the complete schedule by date and stage. in the official Sturgis Motorcycle Rally 2026 Event Guide.
A Bike Week to Remember
The 2026 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally promises to be an empowering experience for women riders. From Biker Belles to Pearl’s Jam, these events are not just about riding; they’re about building connections. All of the women’s events are designed to celebrate womens’ contributions to the motorcycle community. This supportive environment is designed to uplift women in the motorcycle world.
Mark your calendars for August 7-16, and get ready to celebrate the spirit of women riders in Sturgis. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting your journey, these events offer something for everyone. Join the movement and become part of an inspiring community.