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The city of Wagner, South Dakota has been known as the home of the "World's Best Labor Day Celebration" since 1900. The weekend is packed full of events and activities, including a road race, kiddie parade, poker run, midway/carnival, kids fishing tournament, motorcycle ride, two nights of rodeo (Saturday and Sunday), a Festival in the Park (Sunday and Monday), and a parade at 10 a.m. on Monday. One thing is clear, each Wagner Labor Day celebration is better than the last. Come see for yourself!

Wagner Labor Day Celebration

Horse Nations Indian Relay Council (HNIRC) brings together the Horse Nations of the Plains in a team event of speed and skill. Indian Relay is a sport that encapsulates the centuries-old horse culture of many Native American tribes of the Great Plains. The Labor Day Relay Races leg of the 2026 Tour of Champions will be held Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend, September 4-5, at the Eagle Butte Rodeo Grounds on the east side of Eagle Butte. (Other South Dakota HNIRC races in 2026 include Pine Ridge, August 1-2, and Lower Brule, August 8-9.)

Horse Nation Indian Relay Races Tour of Champions: Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Labor Day Races

A traditional Lakota (Sioux) powwow helps Native American children, like those at St. Joseph's Indian School, appreciate their culture, develop pride in their heritage and share their traditions with friends like you from around the nation. Since 1976, St. Joseph's Indian School has hosted an annual weekend of Lakota culture on our Chamberlain campus. Visitors are welcomed and encouraged to attend many or all of our powwow activities. The powwow takes place on Saturday. In 2026, we celebrate 50 years of honoring Lakota (Sioux) culture, tradition and community at St. Joseph’s Indian School’s largest event of the year. Attend one day or enjoy the full weekend. Admission is free, but registration is required (available online).

Annual Powwow & Cultural Celebration

The annual Fort Pierre Horse Races at the Stanley County Fairgrounds are held in early October. Races feature quarter horses and thoroughbreds and take place on Saturday. Sunday is an "alternative" day in case of inclement weather on Saturday. Admission is $10 (free for ages 16 and under). 2026 marks the 78th year of Fort Pierre Horse Racing.

Fort Pierre Horse Races

Opening day of the pheasant hunting season in South Dakota is the third Saturday of October. The season then lasts through January 31 of the following year. Shooting hours are 10 a.m. (Central Time) to sunset for the entire season. (Central Time is used for opening shooting hours statewide.) Hunting licenses are required for both resident and non-resident hunters, including youth.

Pheasant Hunting Season

The annual Christmas at the Capitol display in Pierre includes nearly 100 trees that are decorated by volunteers from communities, schools, churches, nonprofit organizations and state government offices. This year's Grand Lighting Ceremony takes place in the rotunda on Tuesday, November 25, at 7 p.m. The 2025 display is then open to the public daily, 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, December 26, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day. Other areas of the Capitol are also decorated for the holiday season, including the Capitol grounds. Admission is free.

Christmas at the Capitol

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Don’t miss these unique stops at blooming sunflower fields in South Dakota from July to August. 

Explore the Sunflower Corridors of South Dakota

Discover a road where the spirit of the Great Plains meets the rich heritage of Native nations.

Journey Through Culture & Nature: Exploring the Native American Scenic Byway

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Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

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Whether you prefer kayaking or canoeing, paddling the Missouri River in South Dakota — also known as The Mighty Mo — deserves a spot on your bucket list.

Events in Central South Dakota