Newton Hills State Park near Canton hosts its annual Fall Festival. From 1-5 p.m., there will be a craft fair with multiple craft and food vendors. Additionally, park staff will have make-and-take crafts available for children as well as trebuchets throwing pumpkins. From 7-9 p.m. there will be a self-guided two-mile walk through the deep woods of the park with local bands and performers stationed along the path. The event is free, but a State Park License is required. 2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the festival.
Every 4th of July, the central South Dakota community of Fort Pierre hosts two days of activities to celebrate our nation's independence. On July 3, there is a rodeo performance at 7 p.m. On July 4, there is a parade at 10 a.m., a second rodeo performance at 7 p.m., and a fireworks show following the rodeo. For parade and fireworks information, contact Fort Pierre Tourism.
Join in a fall tradition at the Beaver Creek Nature Area southeast of Brandon for the annual Homesteader Day Celebration on Sunday, September 7, 1-4 p.m. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the pioneer life from more than 100 years ago. The historical Samuelson cabin will be open for visitors to see and experience. There will also be pioneer agriculture demonstrations, a black smith, civil war soldiers, Dutch oven cooking, rope making, candle dipping, music and more. It is free for all ages.
Leading Ladies & Dakota Spirit offer the fastest marathon course in South Dakota. There is no better place to log miles than in the scenic beauty of Spearfish Canyon. The course departs from the Lead Country Club and follows a gentle, downhill, 26.2-mile journey to Spearfish through Spearfish Canyon. Distance options include full marathon, half-marathon, 10K and marathon relay. Runners are required to register. (Spectators are free.)
Market at the Meridian was created to help small-scale agricultural and home-based businesses who grow and produce their own products. The Market provides a place where local farmers and entrepreneurs can sell directly to the consumer. Held at the corner of 2nd Street and Douglas Avenue in downtown Yankton, hours are 9 a.m.-12 noon, Saturdays, May through October.
The George S. Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills of South Dakota is more than just a recreation Trail, it’s a trail of history. Burlington Northern built the rail line more than 100 years ago to accommodate the miners who had rushed to the area to pan for gold. In 1983, the rail line was abandoned and this incredible trail was envisioned and became a reality in 1998. In celebration, the third weekend in September finds hundreds of bicycle riders joining together in the annual three-day Mickelson Trail Trek. Rider registration fee includes: annual trail pass, shuttle service, six snacks, two meals and two meal vouchers for dinner in Hill City or Custer and Deadwood. Lodging is the riders' responsibility. Pre-registration is required and open until midnight on June 1 or until filled.
The annual Milk's Camp Community Traditional Wacipi is held the fourth weekend in July at the Joe Stars, Sr. Memorial Arena located 5.5 miles southwest of St. Charles. Other events include the Mud Races, Miss Milk's Camp Contest, Giveaways, Naming Ceremonies and more. See Facebook for more information and the latest updates.
Come for the live music and stay to watch the fireworks over Mina Lake at the annual Freedom Festival. Some of the activities include kids fishing, kids face painting, kids games, family picnic, live music, fun run/walk, parade, car/motorcycle show, and the fireworks display at dusk on July 3. You won't want to miss the AquaPalooza and hog roast on Sturday. See the full schedule on Facebook.
Head to the annual Mountain West® Whiskey Festival at The Rushmore Hotel in downtown Rapid City. Spend the evening with industry experts and whiskey connoisseurs alike at the Black Hills premier whiskey experience. The festival features a wide variety of different whiskeys, bourbons and scotches to sample, upscale catering, and live music, all in the heart of downtown Rapid City. Tickets are available online and include non-sampling, general admission, VIP, and platinum. Must be 21 to attend. Hours are 4:30-9 p.m. (see current schedule online).
The Annual North Country Fiber Fair will be held at the Codington County Extension Complex in Watertown. Visit the website for class and vendor information as well as a complete schedule. Vendor hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday. There are free demonstrations and classes held throughout the event, as well as a fiber animal barn. Explore the world of fiber, spinning, weaving, knitting and crochet. Admission and parking are free.
