This event marks the anniversary of when the Adams Homestead became a state park. Come out to the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve near North Sioux City and take a step back in time and enjoy a day at the homestead site filled with activities. There will be a threshing machine demo, corn shelling, candlemaking, tin punching, homestead tours, rope making, musicians, a buffalo chip throwing contest, a Dutch Oven cooking demo, a homemade pie contest, and much, much more! Fun, free activities for all ages taking place 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo in Rapid City features events, rodeos and vendors. It is the region's largest trade show, livestock sales and competitions, and was named the top indoor PRCA rodeos in the country in 2023 (as well as 2021, 2020, 2003 and
2002). Established
in 1959, the Stock Show takes place in late-January/early-February each year. It features 120 different livestock, horse and rodeo events along with more than 300 vendors. There are competitions for 10 different breeds of cattle, ranch rodeos, 14 different horse events, sheep dog trials, live music, a Western art show and more. Events are held at the Central States Fairgrounds and at The Monument (444 Mt. Rushmore Road North). Tickets may be purchased online and at the gate.
Bruce Honey Days is a family celebration and 2025 marks our 34th year. Friday activities include entertainment, a bean bag tournament and teen dance. Saturday hosts a parade, car show, music, burger feed, variety show and street dance, along with a co-ed volleyball tournament. Sunday has breakfast at the Legion, outdoor church service, more volleyball and the town vs. country softball game. Buzz into Bruce for a weekend of fun every last weekend in July.
The Dakota Five-O is a mountain bike race that is not for the weary. With a challenging track, it is a fun event that starts in Spearfish and has different trails for different riders. The Dakota Five-O continues to entice riders from across the country. From the pristine, hand-built singletrack that graces much of the course, to the high spirited after party, riders are impressed with the event. The start/finish is at the Spearfish City Park. 2025 marks the 25th anniversary.
The Festival in the Park is one of the largest outdoor summer arts festivals in the upper Midwest. It is sponsored by the The Matthews Opera House & Arts Center (a non-profit organization), and all proceeds are used to produce the annual festival and assist other arts activities in the greater Spearfish area. Activities run 4-10 p.m. on Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. Celebrating it's 47th year in 2025. Free admission on Saturday and Sunday. (Friday night is $5 Wristband Night.)
The Twin Rivers Old Iron Harvest & Kuchen Festival is an annual show that highlights the history of agriculture as well as the history of the machines that were used in years gone by. It also celebrates South Dakota's official state dessert: Kuchen. There will be parades on Saturday and Sunday, an antique tractor pull Sunday afternoon, and threshing demonstrations. There is fun for the whole family including vendors, playground equipment, and train rides for the kids. Lunch is available on the grounds, which are on the western edge of Delmont. Admission is free. Happening September 13-14, 2025, the festival will feature International Harvester. Kuchen will be for sale both days.
The Red Cloud Indian Art Show is one of the largest and longest-running Native American art shows of its kind in the country, and one of only a few held on an Indian reservation hundreds of miles from any urban area. Each year, the exhibition showcases more than 150 submissions in categories from painting and photography to beadwork and quillwork, and 2025 is the 57th anniversary. The show is held at the Red Cloud Indian School on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and is open daily, June 7-August 10, 2025.
The Rosholt Area Threshermen's Association was founded in 1988. Since then, men and women from the tri-state area have gotten together every summer to bring yesterday's memories to the present. Each annual Threshing Bee is full of old fashioned fun for the whole family. Events include threshing demonstrations, a parade, a car show, a horse show, a craft show, kids activities, music and food. The schedule runs 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. 2025 marks the 36th year of the Rosholt Threshing Bee and will feature CASE.
The annual Sioux River Folk Festival, held at Newton Hills State Park near Canton, is a great family event that happens rain or shine. It is dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional music for South Dakotans and the region. Enjoy musical performances, workshops, food vendors and yoga. Musicians perform 6-11 p.m. on Friday, 12-11 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sunday. Workshops are held 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday and 10-11 a.m. on Sunday. 2025 will mark the festival's 45th anniversary. See admission information online. State Park Entrance License is also required.
The annual Badlands Astronomy Festival brings together space science professionals, amateur astronomers, educators, youth groups and park visitors for a stellar three-day celebration. It supports the continued protection and enjoyment of our incredible night skies as a precious natural resource. Attendees will enjoy spectacular dark night skies at public star parties. During the day, a variety of family-friendly events will provide opportunities to learn about the night sky, the sun and space exploration. Special guest speakers, stargazing activities, solar observing opportunities, and more will take place at the Ben Reifel Visitor Center and Cedar Pass Amphitheater in Badlands National Park. Most events and activities are located in wheelchair-accessible areas. The festival is free. Park admission fees are required.
