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 Sioux Empire's favorite Sportsmen’s Show is held at the Sioux Falls Arena & Convention Center. You will find the very best in resorts, lodges and camps from the Midwest and Canada, as well as Boat Show pricing on the newest fishing boats and pontoons, tackle and electronics and more. Plus, RV Show pricing on the best campers and trailers by the area’s best dealers and great hunting and fishing seminars. There's fun for the whole family. See our website for show hours, events schedule, and admission rates.
1st Fridays on Main in Mitchell is held the first Friday of each month, 5-9 p.m., May through September (May 2, June 6, July 4, July 31, and September 5, 2025). Event goers will enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors, activities and games for both adults and children. This free event is held around the Corn Palace Plaza in downtown Mitchell, corner of 6th Avenue & Main Street. (July 4 hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 31 is a Thursday and is the Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party.)
Schmeckfest is an annual festival held in the southeastern South Dakota town of Freeman. The gathering uses food, art and a celebration of community to honor the history of Germans that emigrated from Russia. Held on the campus of the Freeman Academy, it’s been a fundraiser for the school every spring since 1959. The ethnic German meal, served family-style, and the community musical take place over two days each spring, in March or April. Admission information and complete details can be found online.
Events at the annual Twin Brooks Threshing Show include quilting, lead pouring, blacksmithing, sanctioned Kids Pedal Pull, tractor pull, threshing and baling, as well as horse demonstrations, saw mill demonstrations, log cabin, school house, flea market, homemade food and music. There are parades both days, 1 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Cockshutt Farm Equipment is featured in 2025, our 39th annual show. Weekend admission is $10 for adults and free for children under 12. Souvenir buttons are available.
Archeology Awareness Day is a fun-filled event showcasing technologies used by the original inhabitants of the Village, including flint knapping, atlatl throwing and other on-site demonstrations. Attendees can meet with Native American cultural presenters as well as archaeologists who are engaged in the archaeological excavation, and discuss archaeological techniques, discoveries and artifacts at the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village in Mitchell. See our website for information about admission and hours.
The annual Black Hills Film Festival will be held in Rapid City at The Journey Museum. In addition to screening great Independent Films, the Festival also features seminars and workshops with industry experts and great parties with celebrity guests. See the website for full schedule and admission information.
The Black Hills Photo Shootout brings photographers from across the country together in the Black Hills of South Dakota for photography, education, sightseeing, camaraderie, and fun. Through the Photo Shootout, we are able to showcase the beauty and diversity the area has to offer both visitors and residents while providing attendees an incredible weekend packed full of informative photography workshops, great photo networking opportunities, unbelievable outdoor photography subjects, and most of all, fun! Workshops will take place throughout the Black Hills. See website for registration, hotel and headquarters information.
The Black Hills Plein Air Paint-Out gathers artists in western South Dakota to paint the beautiful Black Hills in late September. The area offers rolling green hills, thick green forests, prairie, lakes, creeks, and wildlife. Hill City and Custer State Park both have a myriad of awe inspiring painting options, and a quick drive will take you to two historic monuments: Mount Rushmore National Memorial and Crazy Horse Memorial. This event includes daily plein air painting, homework displayed for sale in a gallery, Artists meet and greet, wet sale, Sponsors and Artists reception, and a Quick Draw Competition and Auction. See the Hill City Arts Council website for complete details.
