Every summer, hundreds of visitors congregate in Rapid City's Wilson Park to enjoy food, music, performances, and to shop dozens of local vendors selling everything from art and jewelry to food and drinks. The West Boulevard Summer Festival has been offering fun for the whole family for nearly 50 years. Hosted every Father's Day weekend, admission is free and open to the public. Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday.
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.
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.
