The annual White River Frontier Days features an SDRA-, NRCA-, MSRA- and NSRA-sanctioned rodeo. Rodeo performances are both Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at the White River Rodeo Grounds. There is also a parade Saturday morning and a dance Saturday night following the rodeo. Admission is $12 for adults & high school-aged children, $5 for grade schoolers, and free for ages 6 & younger. Check Facebook for the latest updates and any changes.
Join us in welcoming more than 20 top songwriters and artists to Deadwood to take part in the annual Wild West Songwriters Festival. This festival features informal performances at various locations around Deadwood, writers rounds, and Grand Jam sessions. Discover the moments that inspired your favorite hits and hear the songwriters themselves put their original spin on what came to be a radio smash.
Get your “yee’s” and your “haw’s” ready for the annual Wild West Wednesdays Rodeo series on the grounds of Hart Ranch Camping Resort just south of Rapid City. Building upon our western heritage, that John Harrison Hart started so long ago, we’re pleased to offer action-packed, world-class rodeos at Hart Ranch. Join us every Wednesday night, June 25-August 13, 2025. Watch cowboys take on events like Saddle Bronc, Bareback, and Bull Riding and cowgirls show off their speed on the Barrels. Come early for some pre-rodeo treats, food trucks, beer garden and live entertainment, all starting at 5 p.m. The rodeo action starts at 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online. Seating may be limited. Bringing your own lawn chairs is encouraged.
Head to Lead in the northern Black Hills for Winterfest, an annual three-day snowbash. The weekend is jam-packed with events and activities for all ages. Events held throughout the city include fireworks, VIP party, parade of lights, bonfire of Christmas trees, snowshoeing, Mile High Songwriter Showcase, and much more. See the complete schedule of events will be online.
Ribfest is Yankton's first big event of the summer. Held in downtown Yankton, this free event is suitable for all ages. There are food vendors, an amateur barbeque contest, bouncy houses and kids area, and live music. Food vendors are open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and free outdoor music starts at 11 a.m.
An annual community festival held in Riverside Park and around town celebrating Yankton, the Missouri River and the arts. The three-day event includes an arts and crafts show with many vendors set-up in the park, lots food booths, a large beer garden, live music at all times of the day, kids entertainment, fireworks, carnival, quilt show, concerts and more. Riverboat Days is held in conjunction with the Summer Arts Festival.
Experience the magic as you journey from Hill City to the North Pole where Santa will be waiting to board the train. Each child will get the chance to meet Santa. All Holiday Express passengers receive hot chocolate, a sugar cookie and candy cane. The 1880 Train depot and train will be festooned with holiday cheer. This holiday ride is perfect for the whole family and lasts one hour. In 2025, varying departures are available November 26, 28 and 29, and December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 23, 24, 27 and 28. Admission: Ticket prices vary based on date and time. See our website for details, including information about the Holiday Express First Class (offered December 13-24) and the Winter Express (offered December 27-28).
Experience the magic and a spiked hot cocoa as you take a one-hour journey from Hill City to the North Pole (and back). Each passenger receives assigned seating in an adults-only car, spiked hot chocolate, and a keepsake mug. This special trip departs Hill City at 5:15 p.m. on November 28-29 and December 6, 13, 14, 20, 21, 23, 27 and 28. See our website for admission and other details. (Spiked! is for those 21 and older, only.)
Celebrate Oktoberfest on board the 1880 Train. On Saturday, September 27, the 1880 Train will hold its annual Oktoberfest Express. Prior to departure, enjoy snacks, beer and yard games 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. On board, passengers enjoy authentic seasonal beer along with traditional German foods. The train departs from the Hill City station at 2:30 p.m. and the round-trip ride takes about two hours. See website for special event rates information (must be 21 years of age or older).
Experience an old west shootout aboard the 1880 Train this summer. Dates for 2025 are June 8, 15, 22 and 29; July 6, 13, 20 and 27; and August 17 and 31. The shootout begins at the Hill City station, 5 p.m. round trip departure. A few bad guys board the train and hide their treasure. The train is stopped by cowboys and “held up” halfway between Hill City and Keystone. It's a good thing the sheriff is in town! Take the 5 p.m. round trip Hill City to Keystone departure to experience the shootout. See our website for ticket prices and to purchase tickets.
