The Dakota Angler Ice Institute was started in 2008 to give ice fishermen an opportunity to see the latest and greatest in the ice fishing industry and to learn from the experts how to use the equipment. Throughout the years, the Ice Institute has a had a number of professors share their knowledge. A few of those have included the "Godfather" of ice fishing - Dave Genz, Jason Mitchell, Chip Leer, Brad Hawthorne, Dennis Kassube, Brian Brosdahl, and many, many more. You'll be able to see all the latest and greatest in the ice fishing world, including portable and permanent ice shacks, augers, electronics, as well as plenty of jigs and lures. Held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center & Arena, admission is $7 per day, or get a weekend pass for $15. Hours are 3-9 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday.
Held annually at Dalesburg Lutheran Church north of Vermillion, the annual Dalesburg Midsummer Festival has been held for more than 150 years. This celebration of Scandinavian and rural heritage includes musical entertainment, a Scandinavian meal and the raising of the Midsummer Pole. Activities start at 2 p.m. on Friday and the dinner is served 4:30-6:30 p.m. General activities and programming are free. There is a fee for the dinner. A community church service is also held the Sunday following Midsummer.
Danish Days in Viborg has a long and rich history dating back to Viborg’s earliest days. Originally celebrated on June 5th to coincide with Denmark’s independence day, the celebration has been moved to the third weekend in July. Although the dates have changed, the spirit has remained the same. We still host many of the same events that our founding fathers did such as a parade, community worship service, ball tournaments, dances, and ethnic food. We invite you to come be a “Dane for a Day!”
Truly the Best Rodeo. No Bull. The Days of '76 Rodeo was named the PRCA Small Outdoor Rodeo of the Year four times (1998-2001), the PRCA Midsize Rodeo of the Year 14 times (2004-2017), and the Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year in 2020. It has also held the title of Badlands Circuit Rodeo of the Year 16 times. The Days of '76 Rodeo and Parades are held over five days in late July, with rodeo performances Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights (and Saturday afternoon), and free parades on Historic Main Street Deadwood on Friday and Saturday.
Head to Deadwood for the annual Deadweird celebration. It's how Deadwood does Halloween. Make plans for the annual Monster Ball on Friday (7-10 p.m.), with a live band, dancing and prizes; and the annual Costume Contest with more than $10,000 in cash and prizes for the best costumes on Saturday (6-9 p.m.). Both of these events are FREE, so come in costume or just come to watch - it is quite the sight! Must be 21 to participate. Admission: Free
The Deadwood 3 Wheeler Rally (D3WR) is an event with the goal to bring three-wheelers, also known as Trikes, to Deadwood and the Black Hills. This annual event runs for five days and includes daily destination rides to sites in the Black Hills area. Other activities - most of which take place in downtown Deadwood - include vendors, socials/BBQ, entertainment, Trike Show n’ Shine, awards, trike parades, charitable fundraising and more. The event is organized by First Gold Hotel & Gaming. Admission: Parade, show n' shine, and vendor area are free to spectators. Trikers must pre-register for the event.
Get ready for the inaugural premiere Blues Festival of the Black Hills this July in Historic Deadwood. This three-day festival features co-headliners Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Samantha Fish on the Outlaw Square stage, over a dozen local and regional blues bands performing throughout town, a La Aurora Cigar VIP Party at Deadwood Tobacco Company, and a blues brunch at Deadwood Mountain Grand.
Rock, reggae and blues fill the Black Hills for two incredible days of outdoor concerts. Each year, the Deadwood Jam brings a wide array of top musical talent to the Black Hills and Deadwood's Outlaw Square, from celebrated acts to newcomers, rising stars and local talent. For more than 30 years, Deadwood has hosted this fun festival of music each September. Admission is free.
Discover 26.2 miles of absolute Black Hills beauty during the annual Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon that starts and finishes near Historic Deadwood. The race takes place the first Sunday in June and follows one of the most scenic routes in the country. Half-marathon and five-person marathon relay options are also available. On Saturday, there is a fast 5K and a kids 1K. See website for registration deadlines and fees.
The bull riders of the PBR are coming to Historic Deadwood. Bull riding is one of the most extreme sports known to man and the best of the best belong to the Professional Bull Riders. In the world of professional sports the PBR brings the top bulls and the top riders to fans all over the country. Head to the Days of '76 Event Complex for two nights of bull riding action. This will be the ultimate showdown at the Deadwood PBR Touring Pro Division. Ticket booths open at 5 p.m., gates open at 6 p.m., and the shows start at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online.
