More Annual Events
Wild Bill Days
Feel the buzz of excitement as you celebrate the history of Deadwood’s famous gunslinger, Wild Bill Hickok, at Wild Bill Days in June. This free, annual event spans three days and features electrifying concerts to energize you. The classic car auction offers a chance to bid on vintage beauties. For a hands-on experience, try lessons in gold panning and sluicing, where you can feel the thrill of striking gold firsthand.
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South Dakota Chislic Festival
Immerse yourself in the heart of the "Chislic Circle" at Freeman's annual South Dakota Chislic Festival! People come from across the country for these half-inch cubes of meat that each chef puts their own twist on. The day-long celebration, held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Freeman Prairie Arboretum, is a feast for the senses, offering a delightful array of food, drinks, activities and entertainment suitable for all ages. Indulge in diverse chislic variations, savory meats, delectable sides, sweet desserts and refreshing South Dakota craft beers from numerous vendors. Enjoy live music performances at the Prairie Rose Amphitheater, and let the kids revel in bouncy castle fun. Admission is free, with food, beverages and merchandise available for purchase. Come hungry!
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Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo
Yee haw! Since 1971, Mitchell has hosted the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo during July. This PRCA rodeo features performance at the Rodeo Grounds north of Mitchell. Other events during the four-day celebration include a golf tournament, barrel racing, team roping, Mutton Bustin', parade, Cowboy Church Service and a chili cook-off. This long-standing tradition is a highlight of the summer in Mitchell. Giddy up!
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Black Hills Powwow
The annual Black Hills Powwow happens at Summit Arena at the Monument (formerly Rushmore Plaza Civic Center) in Rapid City. Known as one of the premier Indigenous cultural events in the United States, the Black Hills Powwow attracts hundreds of dancers, singers, artisans and thousands of spectators. In addition to the powwow, spectators can enjoy a fine arts show, He Sapa Win pageant, wellness symposium for youth and tournaments for hand games, softball, golf and archery.
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Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant
Discover the prairie that inspired generations! The Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant in De Smet, South Dakota, is an annual outdoor theatrical production that vividly recreates scenes from Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" books, offering attendees a historical glimpse into pioneer life on the prairie. Performed by community volunteers, this long-standing tradition draws visitors globally, providing an immersive experience of the Ingalls family's time in De Smet.
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Christmas at the Capitol
The lights, the smell of pine in the air—Pierre’s Christmas at the Capitol event transforms the South Dakota State Capitol into a festive spectacle each holiday season. Crafted and customized by local groups, nearly 100 uniquely decorated Christmas trees fill the building's halls to create a magical winter wonderland full of festive ambiance. This beloved annual event includes a grand lighting ceremony, musical performances and special events like story time for children.
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Sanford International Golf Tournament
Held at the Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls, the Sanford International is an official PGA TOUR Champions event. The field typically features 80+ professionals and is a 54-hole Stroke Play event. There is a pro-am event open to the public on Thursday. The first round of the Sanford International is on Friday, the second round is on Saturday and the final round and trophy presentation is on Sunday. Find the full schedule of events and ticket information on the official website.
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Brookings Summer Arts Festival
Be ready to come home with some art! Since 1972, beautiful Pioneer Park in Brookings has been home to South Dakota’s premier juried art festival in early July. More than 200 selected regional and national artists representing 17 disciplines display their original and handcrafted works of art. There are more than 40 food booths as well as numerous living history, antique and children's booths that complement the festivities in Pioneer Park. There is also entertainment on three stages, and shuttle buses are available.
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Fort Sisseton Historical Festival
Ten-HUT! During the first weekend in June, cavalry troops and infantry units converge on the grounds of Fort Sisseton Historic State Park in northeastern South Dakota to form a military encampment with soldiers, women, children and all the necessary tents, uniforms, horses and memorabilia. The festival covers the gamut of frontier life and settlement. It includes fiddle music, historic figures, an arts and craft show, a melodrama stage show and music from the Civil War.
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Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Annual Wacipi
Started in 1867, this wacipi is the oldest powwow in South Dakota and the second-oldest in the nation. This social gathering of family and friends is to observe and enjoy Indigenous culture at the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Ceremonial Grounds in Agency Village (7 miles south of Sisseton). Concessions, vendors and bleacher seating are available. Activities include a walk/run, softball tournament and an adult/youth rodeo.
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