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.
A beer stock exchange and tasting alley are part of Main Street Square’s annual Bierbörse, a German beer and cultural celebration, 12-5 p.m. Try a selection of brews down Tasting Alley, participate in a beer stock exchange, taste authentic German food, enjoy live music, test your strength and wit with 3 of your best mates in the Beer Olympics or enjoy other solo yard games such as stein-holding, keg bowling and more. The event is open to all ages. IDs are required to consume alcohol. For more event details, visit our website.
The Black Hills Camaro Rally is a thrilling, annual event that brings together Camaro enthusiasts from all over. Experience a weekend filled with car showcases, scenic drives, and camaraderie among fellow car lovers. In the past, this event has been called the Sturgis Camaro Rally. The Black Hills Camaro Club decided to change the name and move the event 16 miles west, from Sturgis to Spearfish. The four-day event will include a poker run, guided tours, socials, autocross, show & shine, awards and entertainment. Camaro owners will get the chance to cruise through the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota with their fellow Camaro owners while celebrating the number one American muscle car, the Chevy Camaro. See our website for the schedule and other details.
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.
