The rugged beauty of the Badlands draws visitors from around the world. These striking geologic deposits contain one of the world’s richest fossil beds. Ancient mammals such as the rhino, horse and saber-toothed cat once roamed here. The park’s 244,000 acres protect mixed-grass prairie where bison, bighorn sheep, prairie dogs and black-footed ferrets live today. This cycling event held in Badlands National Park offers a choice of six rides: pavement 31 miles, pavement 38 miles, gravel 35 miles and gravel 64 miles, plus pavement 28 miles (Sunday) and gravel 33 miles (Sunday). (This event is part of the Grasslands Triple Crown point series competition, which also includes Grassland Gravel and the Thunderhawk Wide Open.)
Free concerts on Main Street Deadwood are awesome, but that's not all! You can also check out the National Dock Dogs Competition and learn the tricks of gold panning and sluicing from Black Hills pros right on Main Street. There's also a weekend-long classic car auction, and free concerts by top bands. Have fun celebrating the life and times of Wild Bill Hickok in Deadwood.
Wild Deadwood Reads is an annual event held at The Lodge at Deadwood Gaming Resort in Historic Deadwood. Our multi-author, multi-genre Book Fair is just one of the exciting events happening, along with a basket raffle to support a local nonprofit organization, numerous giveaways and prizes, and much more. In attendance will be more than 100 authors from all over the country, including bestselling and award-winning authors of every genre—romance, historical, Christian, children’s, mystery, thrillers, Western, non-fiction and more. You will be able to find something for everyone in the family to enjoy. Admittance is free, so bring the whole family and find your new favorite books and authors.
Deadwood’s finest businesses will once again serve up samples of select fine wines, pleasing cheeses, and sweet chocolates to ticket holders. This yearly event runs 1-5 p.m., with registration from 12 noon-3 p.m. Your ticket will get you tastings at all participating locations along with a commemorative Reidel wine glass. Registrations are limited to 300 people so buy early and don’t miss out on great times in Deadwood this winter. Must be 21+ to participate and must show photo ID at registration. All participants are required to check-in at the registration at the Deadwood Visitor’s Center.
The ADA Festival is a partnership event organized by the ADA Sioux Falls Committee and the City of Sioux Falls Disability Awareness and Accessibility Review Board. This milestone celebration will mark the 35 years since the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act—a pivotal moment in securing rights and protections for people with disabilities. The festival will feature an evening of celebration with interactive booths, engaging activities, vendors, food trucks, and more. It will culminate in memorable performances by talented artists with disabilities and a special Proclamation from Mayor Paul TenHaken. The ADA Festival honors the shared connections we all have with the disability community, fosters greater understanding, and envisions a future enriched by diverse perspectives and abilities. This free event will run from 5-9:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 26.
Join us for the annual Mitakuye Owas’in * All My Relatives * Mitákuye Oyás’in Festival at Levitt at the Falls near downtown Sioux Falls. This celebration of Native American music, art, and culture begins at 10 a.m. and offers a full day of performances, activities, and creative experiences. Highlights include Levitt Concert Performances throughout the day (including a special morning show for youth and families and an evening performance), featured speakers and comedians offering engaging and inspiring presentations, visual arts activities and an Emerging Artist Showcase, a vendor fair, a fashion show featuring three featured designers and three emerging designers, and interactive children’s activities. More details can be found online.
More than two dozen of the top cowboys in the nation will be matched up against some of the best bucking stock in the Midwest at the Annual Casey Tibbs Match of Champions. Bronc riding, steak fry and entertainment will be held at the Stanley County Fairgrounds in Fort Pierre. Gate opens at 4 p.m., there is a steak fry at 5 p.m., the Long Round Calcutta starts at 6 p.m., and the Match of Champions starts at 7 p.m. Advance tickets will be sold at the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center and online.
Hosted by Deadwood Custom Cycles, the Black Hills Motorcycle Show features custom-built bikes and industry leaders like Paul Yaffee, Klock Werks, Feuling Parts, Hofmann Designs, Bikers Against Bullies and more. Held at the Deadwood Mountain Grand Events Center, this premiere event showcases 17 classes of one-of-a-kind bikes designed by the most skilled, creative, and influential custom-builders in the motorcycle world. Running from 12-8 p.m., the day includes a motorcycle show & contest with cash and prizes, celebrity judges, vendor booths, photo ops, kids activities, and live music. Food, beverages and gaming are available on-site. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Sacred Mountain Retreat Center.
The Black Hills Renaissance Festival, held at Recreational Springs Resort near Lead, will take you on a magical tour through time and legend. Enjoy music, Renaissance-themed entertainment and games. Discover exquisite items in the village shoppes and marvel at the artisan demonstrations. Feast on food and drink fit for royalty including local mead, ale and wine. Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. See our website for information about single-day and weekend passes and a link to purchase. A free shuttle service will be provided. Parking and shuttle pick-up is at 160 W Main Street in Lead (Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center). Limited parking will be available on-site and the cost is $20 per car.
Bring the whole family out to enjoy a free fun day of learning about the Dairy Industry at this year's Dairy Fest in Brookings and White. The day's events include a tour of the SDSU Davis Dairy Plan (10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.) and a Day on the Farm activities at Providence Dairy (11 a.m.-2 p.m.). Free shuttle service to and from the Davis Dairy Plant is available. Enjoy a free grilled cheese lunch, SDSU ice cream, kids activities, a chance to meet the cows, and more.
