The annual Festival of Books is South Dakota's premier literary event. It is held each year in the fall, alternating between eastern locations and western locations. The festival celebrates reading, writing and the humanities with locally-known and nationally-recognized authors. The 2025 event - the 23rd anniversary - is set to take place in Spearfish. (Currently, the 2026 event will take place in Brookings.)
The annual Open House Weekend includes free entrance to all South Dakota state parks and recreation areas statewide. Because it is also Free Fishing Weekend, fishing licenses are not required. A number of parks will also host special events to kick off the summer. Please note that camping fees and fishing regulations and limits still apply.
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.
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.
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.
The Tacos and Tequila Festival is the OG throwback hip-hop festival, serving up performances from world-renowned artists, craft margaritas, a tequila-tasting lounge, and locally crafted tacos. This event, strictly for ages 21+, offers a night out kickin' it with your favorite throwback artists, including T.I., Chamillionaire, Trick Daddy, Bubba Sparxxx, and more. It takes place at The Birdcage and starts at 2 p.m. and ends at 11 p.m. Tickets, parking passes, and more are available online.
Known for showcasing talented local artists, That Sounds Decent has been a beloved event in the Sioux Falls area. This full-day festival will feature live locally-tied music, food vendors, and a variety of engaging activities for all ages. Details about the performance schedule, food trucks, and activities can be found online. The 2025 That Sounds Decent Festival will take place at Levitt at the Falls from 3-10:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 28. Soulcrate Music is headlining this free event.
