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For generations, Fort Pierre has gathered on the banks of the Missouri River for a 4th of July celebration like no other—a tradition that began in 1825 with what is recognized as the first Independence Day celebration in the state of South Dakota. In 2026, as our nation marks 250 years, we’re elevating this historic legacy with a bold new theme: Boots & Roots: 4th in Fort Pierre. With a full week of events showcasing our heritage, hometown pride, and the all-American spirit that sets Fort Pierre apart, Boots & Roots will culminate in the biggest Independence Day celebration our community has ever hosted. There will be the 100th annual Fort Pierre Rodeo performances June 30-July 4, a boat parade and a concert by Wade Hayes on July 3, the annual parade and a B-1 Bomber flyover on July 4, and the grand finale fireworks Saturday night. See our website for the full schedule.

Boots & Roots: Fort Pierre's 4th of July Parade, Rodeo & Fireworks

Since 1945, traditions of the Old West come alive at the PRCA-sanctioned Sitting Bull Stampede Rodeo every July 2, 3 and 4, 7:30 p.m. nightly. Featured are top-name professional cowboys and cowgirls, top animals and top rodeo entertainment. In addition to the rodeo action, there is a carnival, two big main street parades and a huge fireworks display on the night of the 4th after the rodeo. The annual Sitting Bull Stampede in Mobridge is the major event of the year, with its parades, carnival and rodeos. 

Sitting Bull Stampede Rodeo

The annual Owakpamni Wacipi is a traditional powwow held in early July. It takes place at the powwow grounds at Greenwood (southwest of Wagner, near the Missouri River). A schedule can be found on Facebook. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. 2026 marks the 23rd annual powwow.

Owakpamni Wacipi

Experience 4th of July fireworks along the Missouri River. Join us in Chamberlain for the annual Rock the Bluffs Fireworks show. The free display begins at dusk (approximately 10:20 p.m.) and lasts about an hour. The fireworks are shot off from the causeway, almost in the middle of the Missouri River (on the Interstate 90 business route), and can be seen from many areas around Chamberlain and Oacoma. During the day, Chamberlain-Oacoma's traditional 4th of July Celebration includes a Fun Run at 7:30 a.m. and parade on Main Street starting at 11 a.m. followed by lunch at the American Legion.

Rock the Bluffs Fireworks

Rooted: A Prairie Arts Weekend is a three-day celebration of art, nature, and community. It's not just an art festival, it is a gathering built around place, story, and connection. Set in the heart of southeast South Dakota in Geddes, this event brings together artists, performers, and visitors for an experience that blends creativity with the landscape that inspires it. Join us for gallery time, a special reception for our Creative Aging class, and a full weekend of art and wellness in the Geddes City Park. All events are free to attend. Hosted by Authentic Arts, Rooted is for anyone who loves art, nature, and community time together.

Rooted: A Prairie Arts Weekend

<p>The Grassland Gravel race/ride showcases the 116,000 acres of rolling mixed-grass prairie of the Fort Pierre National Grassland. It starts and ends at the Expo Center in Fort Pierre. There are three route distances - 31, 53 and 71 miles - that feature wide sky spaces and sparse traffic of gravel roads and doubletrack across three counties. The surfaces on each route include packed and loose gravel, bare dirt road, and double track. We’re cool with whatever you’d like to ride - drop bar, flat bar, e-bike, etc. - as long as it’s set up appropriately for a gravel adventure. E-bikes are welcome but are not eligible for race prizes. More route and registration information can be found on the Oahe Wheelmen Cycling Club website. (This is the first event in the Grasslands Triple Crown point series competition, which also includes the Thunderhawk Wide Open and Wheelin' to Wall.)</p>

Grassland Gravel

The annual Milk's Camp Community Traditional Wacipi is held the fourth weekend in July at the Joe Stars, Sr. Memorial Arena located 5.5 miles southwest of St. Charles. Other events include the Mud Races, Miss Milk's Camp Contest, Giveaways, Naming Ceremonies and more. See Facebook for more information and the latest updates.

Milk's Camp Community Wacipi

The annual Lower Brule powwow, fair and rodeo is held the second weekend in August at the Iron Elk, Rencountre, Ziegler Memorial Arena. The weekend includes rodeo, powwow, bull bash and softball. There are men’s memorial and women’s softball tournaments, rodeo performances at 6 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. on Saturday, ranch rodeo on Sunday at 1 p.m., and Wacipi Grand Entries at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, 1:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 1:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Kul Wicasa Wacipi, Fair & Rodeo

Join us at Fur Traders Days in Geddes. Experience a unique blend of nostalgia for roots and the excitement of our bright future. Celebrate tradition while embracing innovation in a vibrant atmosphere filled with activities, stories, and community spirit. Enjoy three days of activities, including a parade, flea market, kids' pedal pull, softball tournament, 5K run/walk, horseshoe pitching, bean bags, a car show, bull riding, a tractor pull, and more. Don't miss out on this unforgettable event in south central South Dakota!

Geddes Fur Trader Days

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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

Explore the Cheyenne River Reservation’s scenic and cultural attractions, including Timber Lake and the Native American Scenic Byway.

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe

Covering 2.3 million acres, the Standing Rock Indian Reservation is the fifth-largest reservation in the United States.

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

Find out how a chance discovery by three children revealed a hidden link to South Dakota’s earliest European explorers.

Discovering the Verendrye Plate

Perched on a bluff between exits 263 and 265 on Interstate 90 near Chamberlain, Dignity: Of Earth & Sky is a stunning combination of art and history.

Events in Central South Dakota