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.
Hosted by Deadwood Custom Cycles, the Black Hills Motorcycle Show features custom-built bikes and industry leaders like Paul Yaffee, Klock Werks, Feuling Parts, Hofmann Designs, Bikers Against Bullies and more. Held at the Deadwood Mountain Grand Events Center, this premiere event showcases 17 classes of one-of-a-kind bikes designed by the most skilled, creative, and influential custom-builders in the motorcycle world. Running from 12-8 p.m., the day includes a motorcycle show & contest with cash and prizes, celebrity judges, vendor booths, photo ops, kids activities, and live music. Food, beverages and gaming are available on-site. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Sacred Mountain Retreat Center.
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.
The Black Hills Renaissance Festival, held at Recreational Springs Resort near Lead, will take you on a magical tour through time and legend. Enjoy music, Renaissance-themed entertainment and games. Discover exquisite items in the village shoppes and marvel at the artisan demonstrations. Feast on food and drink fit for royalty including local mead, ale and wine. Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. See our website for information about single-day and weekend passes and a link to purchase. A free shuttle service will be provided. Parking and shuttle pick-up is at 160 W Main Street in Lead (Sanford Lab Homestake Visitor Center). Limited parking will be available on-site and the cost is $20 per car.
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.
