The Black Hills Photo Shootout brings photographers from across the country together in the Black Hills of South Dakota for photography, education, sightseeing, camaraderie, and fun. Through the Photo Shootout, we are able to showcase the beauty and diversity the area has to offer both visitors and residents while providing attendees an incredible weekend packed full of informative photography workshops, great photo networking opportunities, unbelievable outdoor photography subjects, and most of all, fun! Workshops will take place throughout the Black Hills. See website for registration, hotel and headquarters information.
The Black Hills Renaissance Festival, held at Kickstands Campground near Sturgis, is a weekend filled with magic, merriment, and medieval mayhem. Enjoy music, Renaissance-themed entertainment, and games. Festival hours are 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. See our website for information about single-day and weekend passes and a link to purchase tickets. The location offers tent and RV camping as well as plenty of parking on-site.
The annual Christmas at the Capitol display in Pierre includes nearly 100 trees that are decorated by volunteers from communities, schools, churches, nonprofit organizations and state government offices. This year's Grand Lighting Ceremony takes place in the rotunda on Tuesday, November 25, at 7 p.m. The 2025 display is then open to the public daily, 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, December 26, including Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve Day, and Christmas Day. Other areas of the Capitol are also decorated for the holiday season, including the Capitol grounds. Admission is free.
The Corn Palace Festival celebrates the annual redecoration of the World’s Only Corn Palace in Mitchell. The tradition of bringing in great entertainment to headline the event continues. Carnival rides, food and specialty vendors, and locals bringing in their best produce to be judged make this an event not to miss. Join in the fun Wednesday-Sunday. See our website for a full schedule of festival entertainment and events, admission information, and to purchase tickets.
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.
BronzeAge Art Casting hosts the Falls Art Market four Saturdays throughout the summer. You are invited to wake up and stroll the lawn at this relaxed, outdoor event featuring original artwork changing variety of artists, art demos and drop-by workshops for all ages. This free event is held near the BronzeAge Art Casting studio & foundry on N Metli Place east of the Levitt Shell. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and the 2025 dates are May 24, June 28 and July 26.
BronzeAge Art Casting hosts the Falls Art Market four Saturdays throughout the summer. You are invited to wake up and stroll the lawn at this relaxed, outdoor event featuring original artwork changing variety of artists, art demos and drop-by workshops for all ages. This free event is held near the BronzeAge Art Casting studio & foundry on N Metli Place east of the Levitt Shell. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and the 2025 dates are May 24, June 28 and July 26.
For the annual Main Street Arts & Crafts Festival in Hot Springs, vendors are instructed to provide hand-crafted items as opposed to commercial or machine made crafts. There are local artisans as well as ones from several states. The festival includes food vendors and entertainment. A children’s stage is also part of the event. The event takes place in Centennial Park and runs three days over the last full weekend of June. Festival hours are 12-6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday. 2027 will mark the 50th year of the festival.
The Mount Rushmore Half Marathon is a race with presidential views. It is a challenging course with lots of gorgeous views of Mount Rushmore and the surrounding Black Hills. The starting line of this uphill, paved course is at Ghost Canyon Getaway near Hermosa, and the finish line will be at the Rushmore Borglum Story museum in Keystone. The rolling wave start begins at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday. Runner shuttles are available.
Mountain West Beer Fest is held each November in the Rushmore Hall inside The Monument near downtown Rapid City. Spend the day with industry experts and sampling the fares produced by 80+ craft breweries from around the area. There will be 200+ beers, seltzers and NA drinks, plus food trucks and bar games. General admission entry is 1-5 p.m., the VIP doors open at noon. Tickets may be purchased online. Check our Facebook and website for updates.
