The annual Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant in De Smet is an outdoor theater experience. Join us as we celebrate the Ingalls family and De Smet’s early history. Our outdoor prairie stage over looks cottonwood trees planted by Charles and the Big Slough. Seating is provided, but lawn chairs are welcome (jackets and/or blankets are recommended). The gates open at 6 p.m. and the performance begins at 8 p.m. All seating is general admission. The show does not sell out and we do not turn guests away. See website for admission information. 2025 performance dates are July 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27.
This free summer music festival is held the third weekend in July in Rapid City's Memorial Park. It features many of the best Christian artists over two days. There is a KidsZone with outreach ministry, on-stage shows, bouncy village, and a children's tent. Several delicious food vendors are on site, as well as merchandise vendors and non-profit booths. Don't miss the Friday night Artist Showcase at Main Street Square in downtown Rapid City. LifeLight Hills Alive brings in 20,000-25,000 people each day. 2025 marks the 40th anniversary.
It is the best party north of the Bayou! Celebrate Mardi Gras in the Wild West with a weekend full of free parades, costume contests, parties and live music. Make your plans now - you don't want to miss this cabin-fever-busting event in Historic Deadwood. The fun starts at 8 p.m. on Friday and lasts until 10 p.m. on Saturday.
The Mickelson Trail Summer Trek is a three-day bike ride of the entire 109-mile George S. Mickelson Trail. Pre-registration is required (early registration closes March 31). The registration fee includes: three meals, six snacks, refreshments, merchandise, and shuttle service. Participants will enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills and travel through scenic valleys, old railroad tunnels, and historic mining towns. Check-in is at Custer and the ride starts in Custer on Tuesday and Wednesday and in Deadwood on Thursday. Lodging is the riders' responsibility.
The Evening Lighting Ceremony at Mount Rushmore National Memorial is held beginning the Friday before Memorial Day through September 30 each year. From May through early August, the ceremony starts nightly at 9 p.m., and from early August through September 30, it starts nightly at 8 p.m. From October through May, there is no ceremony, but the sculpture is illuminated nightly at sunset. See the website for specific details.
Join us for our ranch rodeo with events such as trailer loading, mini bronc riding, stray gathering, hide race, and the range ride. For the kids, we have a boot and candy scramble. It's a fun time for spectators and contestants alike. This annual event, occurring the third weekend in July, is held at the Murdo Rodeo Arena on the north side of Murdo. The Gumbo Ridge Bronc Ride is on Friday and the Ranch Rodeo is on Saturday.
Join us for a rockin’ good time at Deadwood's Outlaw Square on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer. Free live music starts at 6:30 p.m. each week and features local and regional acts of all styles and genres. Bring your chairs or blankets and grab a good seat for this family-friendly night of music. The 2025 series runs May 28 through August 27 (except for August 6). Find the complete schedule of performers on our website (lineup and dates subject to change).
Cruise over to Mitchell for an evening jam-packed with excitement for the whole family. The free Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party will take place on Mitchell’s Main Street from 5-10 p.m. on the Thursday prior to the start of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Community members and motorcyclists from across the nation are invited to a night of fun with food vendors, stunt shows and live music. Vendors and a beverage garden will be available from 5-10 p.m.
Opening day of the pheasant hunting season in South Dakota is the third Saturday of October. The season then lasts through January 31 of the following year. Shooting hours are 10 a.m. (Central Time) to sunset for the entire season. (Central Time is used for opening shooting hours statewide.) Hunting licenses are required for both resident and non-resident hunters, including youth.
The Pine Island Gravel Odyssey (formerly Gold Rush Gravel Grinder) will be held on a Saturday in June in and around Spearfish. There are options for 45-mile e-bike, 65-mile, 100-mile and 210-mile gravel road bicycle races/rides/tours through the Black Hills. We look forward to another great season of grinding gravel.
