From mid-November through December 31, you can obtain a permit and cut down your own ponderosa pine, spruce or juniper tree in the Black Hills National Forest. Permits can be obtained at all National Forest Service offices in the area (except the Hell Canyon Ranger District office in Custer), several surrounding National Grassland offices, some private businesses and by mail. Visit the National Forest Service website for more information, helpful tips, maps and office locations. Cost is $10 per permit, maximum of five permits per household.
The Black Hills Corvette Classic (BHCC) is the longest-running Corvette event in the nation. This annual event was started in 1971 by the Sioux Falls Corvette Club and is operated by volunteers to celebrate America's sports car - 2021 marked the 50th year. The BHCC attracts people from across the US and Canada. There is a great selection of activities, seminars, races, vendors, food, beverages and entertainment. Activities start in Sioux Falls and Beresford before heading west to Spearfish and the Black Hills.
Since 1946, this cultural gem has been producing theatre on the site of a Civilian Conservation Corps Camp. Join us for musicals, romance, comedy and drama in the rustic beauty of Custer State Park. We offer a casual atmosphere and air-conditioned theater, featuring concessions and lovely picnic grounds. A Custer State Park entrance pass is required. For 2025, the season includes Agatha Christie's Murder on the Orient Express (June 8-22), Legally Blonde: The Musical (June 29-July 13), Waitress: The Musical (July 20-August 3) and The Book of Will (August 10-16). See our website for more about the shows, showtimes, and to purchase tickets.
Polka, Polka, Polka! Join us for the Black Hills Polkapalooza at Palmer Gulch on a Friday night and Saturday night in September. Come to Mt. Rushmore Resort at Palmer Gulch, just southeast of Hill City, and enjoy great music, great food and great drink. Each night from 4-10 p.m. you can sample some authentic German food and drink, listen to two great Polka bands, and show off your dancing moves. Make your reservations today and remember to bring your Polka dancing shoes. Admission is $5 per person, per night. See our website for more information.
The annual Black Hills Powwow is takes place at Summit Arena at the Monument (formerly Rushmore Plaza Civic Center) in Rapid City. Known as one of the premier American Indian cultural events in the United States, The Black Hills Powwow attracts hundreds of dancers, singers, artisans and thousands of spectators. In addition to the powwow, spectators have the opportunity to enjoy a fine arts show, He Sapa Win pageant, wellness symposium for youth, and tournaments for hand games, softball, golf and archery.
Ride your bike and come fly a kite at the annual Brookings Kite Festival. This is a free, fun-filled, family event for all ages. You can watch massive demonstration kites, fly your own kites, enjoy face painting and more. There will also be food vendors and South Dakota State University ice cream. Join in the fun at the Fishback Soccer Complex, both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.
Since 1972, beautiful Pioneer Park in Brookings has been home to South Dakota’s premier juried art festival held in early July. More than 200 selected regional and national artists representing 17 disciplines display their original and handcrafted works of art. There are more than 40 food booths, as well as numerous living history, antique and children's booths that compliment the festivities in Pioneer Park. There is also entertainment on three stages and shuttle buses are available. The hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free.
The Brown County Fair is a family-friendly, week-long event held every August in Aberdeen. The grandstand is packed with big name entertainment. There is a carnival midway as well as two Expo buildings full of vendors for your shopping pleasure. The Fair also hosts the largest 4-H program in South Dakota and many open class livestock and arts and crafts events. There is a rodeo, tractor pulls, food vendors, children's events, chili cook-off and much more. Open daily, 8 a.m.-12 midnight. Ticket prices vary based on each day's events. The 90th Anniversary will be celebrated in 2026.
First held in 1991, the annual Burke Stampede Rodeo became a PRCA-sanctioned event in 2021. It features bareback riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, ladies breakaway roping, team roping, saddle bronc riding, barrel racing and bull riding. Other activities include dances Friday and Saturday nights and a cowboy breakfast. Rodeo performances take place nightly at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are available locally and online. See our website and Facebook for the latest information.
The biggest South Dakota fair west of the Missouri River takes place in Rapid City at the Central States Fairgrounds. Spend your day sampling delicious food and checking out carnival rides and exhibits for all ages before capping off each night with a demolition derby, rodeo, or concerts by great country music acts. The fair also features children's entertainment, regional music, a magic show, and pig wrestling. See the website for admission and additional information.
