MITCHELL, S.D. (Mitchell Now) — The Palace City is gearing up to host the 2026 Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party as a prelude to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally! This event, set to take place tomorrow, August 6, starting at 5 PM, promises to be a thrilling experience for motorcycle enthusiasts, music lovers, and families alike.
This event began in 2007 at Klock Werks, a motorcycle shop in Mitchell, as a small gathering for riders before the Sturgis Rally. It started as a cozy pit stop with food, music, and camaraderie, but over the years it expanded into a full downtown celebration featuring concerts, bike and car shows, stunt performances, kids’ activities, and food vendors. In 2018, the event moved from Klock Werks to downtown Main Street, near the Corn Palace, and was renamed the Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party to reflect its new location.
From its 2007 debut to the 19th annual edition, the party has grown from a local motorcycle shop tradition into one of the most anticipated pre-Sturgis events in the region.
The Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party is excited to announce motorcycle stunt team performances by V-Twin at 5:45, 7:30, & 9:30 PM. There will be live music from the pre-band Turtle Peak Band with Redferrin headlining from 8:00 – 9:30 PM. Prior to the performance, Brian Klock will be making a presentation of a custom-built motorcycle to Redferrin. The event will also feature Gary Michaels, Biker Magic, hypnotist & comedian who will be walking the crowd, as well as a selection of food trucks, cowboy fast draw exhibitions at 5:45, 6:45 and 8:30 PM, a mechanical bull, a car show, a bike show. And much more.
This event is FREE to attend, and everyone is welcome! Main Street will be closed from 1st Ave to 7th Ave for the evening’s events.
The Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party is set to be an unforgettable event that will kick-start the excitement leading up to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally while bringing lots of visitors to Mitchell. “It makes me proud that the community embraces the opportunity” said Brian Klock, Klock Werks president and visionary.
Ahead of the party, Klock Werks will open its shop to the public throughout the day, offering tours and
hosting visitors. At 8 a.m., the public is invited to join the company’s daily morning meeting, where
employees pray together and share weekly wins and compliments. At 4:45 p.m., Klock Werks will lead a
motorcycle ride from the shop down to Main Street, kicking off the event; all riders are welcome.