This wacipi is the oldest powwow in South Dakota and the second oldest in the nation (started in 1867). This social gathering of family and friends to observe and enjoy Native American culture is held at the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Ceremonial Grounds in Agency Village (seven miles south of Sisseton). Concessions, vendors and some bleacher seating are available. Activities include a walk/run, softball tournament and an adult/youth rodeo. Powwow Grand Entry information to be posted when available. All are welcome to attend. Purchase a wrist band for the weekend. Children aged five and under are free and so are adults aged 55 and over.
Since 1945, traditions of the Old West come alive at the PRCA-sanctioned Sitting Bull Stampede Rodeo every July 2, 3 and 4, 7:30 p.m. nightly. Featured are top-name professional cowboys and cowgirls, top animals and top rodeo entertainment. In addition to the rodeo action, there is a carnival, two big main street parades and a huge fireworks display on the night of the 4th after the rodeo. The annual Sitting Bull Stampede in Mobridge is the major event of the year, with its parades, carnival and rodeos.
Head to Freeman, the heart of the “Chislic Circle,” for the annual South Dakota Chislic Festival. Enjoy a chislic-day filled with food, beverages, activities, and entertainment for all ages. Vendors offer a variety of chislic, meats, sides, desserts, drinks, and South Dakota-brewed craft beers. There will be live bands at the Prairie Rose Amphitheater, bouncy castles, and entertainment for everyone. Held 10 a.m.-9 p.m. at the Freeman Prairie Arboretum. Free admission; food, beverages, and merchandise available for purchase.
The mission of the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival is to engage, connect, and inspire communities by exploring our shared human experiences through inclusive, professional Shakespeare productions and theatre arts education. SDSF will perform "Romeo & Juliet" for the 2025 summer season, June 26-29 at 7 p.m. each night. Bring your blanket or lawn chairs to Prentis Park in Vermillion. Admission is free.
More than 1,500 miles of snowmobile trails exist in South Dakota. Whether you have the need to cross the open prairie east of the Missouri River or lose yourself in the one million acres of ponderosa pine in the Black Hills, South Dakota has it all. Based on trail conditions, the season runs December 15-March 31 each winter. Trail conditions are available via the Game, Fish and Parks website (linked), the GFP mobile app (SDGFP Outdoors) and Twitter accounts for Black Hills (@BlackHills) and East River (@SDSnowEast) trails.
Head to Huron over Labor Day weekend for the South Dakota State Fair! During five days in early September, enjoy award-winning entertainers, thrilling carnival rides, special events and six stages of free entertainment. Take in a grandstand show and car races. Experience South Dakota's largest carnival midway. See the state 4-H and FFA exhibits and championships, including livestock and animal shows. Fun for the whole family! Daily gate admission is $10 for adults and $5 for youth (ages 6-15). Children ages five and younger are free. Family and weekly passes are also available. Gate hours are 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Join us for a stroll around the grounds of Fort Sisseton Historic State Park while learning about the Greek mythology and Dakota stories of the stars. Afterwards join us for a campfire and some yummy s'mores. Sturdy shoes are required, walking will occur over uneven our rough terrain. Meet in the South Parking lot, south side of the Fort by the South Barracks. Park entrance license is required.
The annual Storybook Land Festival will be held in Wylie Park in Aberdeen. It kicks off Friday night, with photos with costume characters, a concert in the Castle, and a free watermelon feed after the concert. Activities resume Saturday morning at 10 a.m. with author presentations, arts and crafts, inflatables, Storybook Land Theater performance and much more. Take a ride on the Storybook Land Train, Roller Coaster, Wizard Balloon Ride or the old-fashioned Carousel. Fun for the entire family! Admission is free. (There is a nominal fee to ride the rides)
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is one of the world's oldest and largest motorcycle gatherings, offering incredible riding, exhibitors, motorcycle shows, demo rides, racing, concerts and much more. Find out why this international phenomenon draws motorcycle legends, superstars and hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts to the Black Hills each year and is listed as one of the 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. The 85th Anniversary will take place August 1-10, 2025.
Mark you calendars! Each year, over the third full weekend in August, Yankton Area Arts hosts one of the premiere celebrations of the arts. The Annual Summer Arts Festival takes place along the Missouri River at Riverside Park in conjunction with Yankton's Riverboat Days. This juried arts & crafts show features more than 120 fine artists and craftsmen from around the country and includes traditional festival favorites as well as exciting entertainment. Admission is free to the public.
