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.
The Tour de Oahe is a classic road fondo featuring the beautiful Lake Oahe, Missouri River, Oahe Dam and Pierre/Fort Pierre area. There are three route options of 68 miles, 41 miles, and 22 miles. For 2025, due to road construction, the Tour de Oahe will kick off at the scenic Farm Island Recreation Area just east of Pierre. Riders will ride east along the gently rolling hills of Highway 34, with breathtaking views of the Missouri River. More route and registration information can be found on the Oahe Wheelmen Cycling Club website.
Head to the Dakota Bank Center (formerly the Swiftel Center) west lawn for the Uncle Sam Jam. Celebrate Independence Day in Brookings with free and fun activities for all ages as well as live music from 6-10 p.m. There will be a huge fireworks show at approximately 10 p.m. (shortly after sunset).
Every summer, hundreds of visitors congregate in Rapid City's Wilson Park to enjoy food, music, performances, and to shop dozens of local vendors selling everything from art and jewelry to food and drinks. The West Boulevard Summer Festival has been offering fun for the whole family for nearly 50 years. Hosted every Father's Day weekend, admission is free and open to the public. Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday.
The annual White River Frontier Days features an SDRA-, NRCA-, MSRA- and NSRA-sanctioned rodeo. Rodeo performances are both Saturday night and Sunday afternoon at the White River Rodeo Grounds. There is also a parade Saturday morning and a dance Saturday night following the rodeo. Admission is $12 for adults & high school-aged children, $5 for grade schoolers, and free for ages 6 & younger. Check Facebook for the latest updates and any changes.
Join us in welcoming more than 20 top songwriters and artists to Deadwood to take part in the annual Wild West Songwriters Festival. This festival features informal performances at various locations around Deadwood, writers rounds, and Grand Jam sessions. Discover the moments that inspired your favorite hits and hear the songwriters themselves put their original spin on what came to be a radio smash.
