Head to Prairie Village west of Madison for Hobo Marlin's Pumpkin Train. Ride the train to the Pumpkin Patch where children (ages 12 and under) can pick a pumpkin from the patch. The event runs 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. and also includes donuts, cider and games. Admission is $5 per child (ages 12 and under) and $2 per adult/teen. Proceeds benefit the Prairie Village Herman & Milwaukee Railroad. (Prairie Village season passes not accepted.) Also included is the SoDak Vendor Showcase featuring a variety of South Dakota vendors on site.
Members of the Dakotas Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club from five states will meet in Custer for a weekend of cruising and showing off their cars. Owners will display their cars and trucks on 6th Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be both restored and customized vehicles in the show. Viewers can vote for their favorite car or truck. Free admittance to viewers who can vote for their favorite vehicle.
The annual Sturgis Mustang Rally is a week-long rally packed with racing, cruises, a car show and fun events. Racing events include autocross, drag racing, barrel racing and rodeo. Take a BFGoodrich Driving Class and learn how to increase your skills. Most of the events take place at the ThunderDome and are only open to SMR registered participants. The Show & Shine and parade are open to the public.
Live performances by local and regional artists with vibrant Downtown Aberdeen as the backdrop – what could be better? The Aberdeen Downtown Associations hosts three family-friendly, free outdoor concerts each summer, serving as an opportunity to get out and enjoy what downtown has to offer. Whether you (and your kiddos) want to dance or you prefer to relax on the sideline, our diverse line-up of artists are sure to entertain young and not-so-young alike. You’ll also find an impressive collection of beers and food vendors, so plan to have dinner with us as well. Bring your camp chairs and enjoy a fun night of free outdoor entertainment for the whole family. Held at the Malchow Plaza with food & beverages starting at 6 p.m. and music at 7 p.m. Dates in 2025 are June 26, July 10 and July 24.
The Highmore Area Council of the Arts and the Highmore Civic and Commerce are hosting the annual Sunflower Festival in Highmore on Saturday, August 16. The festival provides an opportunity to see and learn about the production of the bright yellow sunflower blooms in central South Dakota when they're at their most beautiful. The festival features art and craft vendors, hayrides, local talent and live music, as well as the opportunity for guided and self guided visits to sunflower fields in the rural area around Highmore. Admission to the festival is free. See the full event schedule online.
With 71,000 acres of diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, Custer State Park is a hidden gem of untamed beauty in the picturesque Black Hills.
Learn about The Sour, Rapid City’s rising star in artisan baking. Meet the owners, discover their process and get inspired to try their creations for yourself.
The Belvidere East / Exit 170 KOA Journey campground has RV sites, cabins and tent sites. It is safe and clean, with friendly staff and many amenities, including a snack bar, cable TV and Wi-Fi, a dog park, and bike rentals. Located one-half mile north of Interstate 90 at Exit 170, this campground is the best stop for exploring the nearby 1880 Town before visiting Badlands National Park and the Wall Drug Store.
Come visit Black Hills Highlands near Spearfish and enjoy our friendly, hairy coos! Take your time and relax with the cows and sheep in beautiful Black Hills scenery. Our ranch is located where the northern Black Hills and prairie meet, and where so much adventure and fun await. Our tours are designed to be a friendly, hands-on introduction to both Scottish Highland cattle and sheep, as well as to the ever-changing prairie ecosystem. We'll start with a brief safety talk including an overview of what to expect and how to behave around our livestock. Then, off to meet the stars of the show. Have your camera and smiles ready. Tours are by appointment, can accommodate 2-6 people, last approximately 2-2.5 hours, and cost $50 for adults, $25 for students 12-21, and are no charge for children younger than 11.
1st Fridays on Main in Mitchell is held the first Friday of each month, 5-9 p.m., May through September (May 2, June 6, July 4, July 31, and September 5, 2025). Event goers will enjoy live music, food trucks, vendors, activities and games for both adults and children. This free event is held around the Corn Palace Plaza in downtown Mitchell, corner of 6th Avenue & Main Street. (July 4 hours are 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July 31 is a Thursday and is the Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party.)
