Black Hills Motorcycle Show

The Black Hills Motorcycle Show has reinvented itself since leaving the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center after a 32 year run. Revived in 2023 under new ownership by Jason Mook of Deadwood Custom Cycles and his wife Charlie, the show now takes place on Memorial Day weekend Saturday at the Deadwood Mountain Grand Events Center, located at 1906 Deadwood Mountain Drive.

The 2026 edition is scheduled for May 23. More than 200 custom motorcycles fill the upstairs events center, competing across more than 15 categories including baggers, bobbers, antiques, metrics, and one of a kind builds.

A $1,000 Best in Show award headlines more than 45 specialty honors. Past celebrity builders such as Paul Yaffe of Bagger Nation and Nick Trask of Trask Performance have drawn large crowds eager to see their craftsmanship up close.

Admission details and show features

General admission is just $5, with children 13 and under admitted free. Motorcycle entry costs $25 and includes one admission, giving builders the opportunity to roll their own bike directly onto the show floor for judging.

Doors open at noon and close at 8:00 PM. Vendors including Klock Werks, Feuling Parts, and Black Hills Harley Davidson sell gear and accessories, while Gypsy Rose Tattoo Studio offers on the spot tattoos during the event.

Family friendly elements are woven throughout. The Kids’ Corner, sponsored by Bikers Against Bullies, features a bouncy castle and character photo opportunities, making the show accessible even for families despite its adult focused theme.

Community impact and evening entertainment

After the show wraps up, free concerts at Outlaw Square in downtown Deadwood extend the celebration into the evening. Proceeds from the event benefit the Sacred Mountain Retreat Center, which supports veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD.

Where to stay and what to do nearby

Hotels at the Deadwood Mountain Grand place you just steps from the show floor. Additional lodging options include the DoubleTree by Hilton at Cadillac Jack’s and SpringHill Suites near the Days of ’76 Arena, both offering competitive rates that often start around $70.

For riders eager to hit the road, scenic routes through Spearfish Canyon, Needles Highway, and Iron Mountain Road all begin within 30 minutes of Deadwood. Sheridan Lake, about 13 miles south, offers a refreshing swimming beach and kayak rentals, while Pactola Reservoir features a full service marina renting pontoons and fishing boats for a slower paced afternoon on the water.

The Black Hills Motorcycle Show positions itself as the official kickoff to Midwest riding season, building anticipation for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally each August.