The Battleship South Dakota Memorial in Sioux Falls draws visitors from all fifty states and around the world to view artifacts from the ship and its crew members. It's mission is to preserve the history of USS South Dakota (BB-57) and its crew through the operation of a world-class museum that educates current and future generations on the most decorated battleship of World War II. The memorial is open 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Sunday through Saturday, May through September.
The Zesto Drive Inn in Watertown is an ice cream shop and fast food restaurant. In addition to ice cream and sherbet (with low fat and non-dairy options), we feature burgers and sandwiches, appetizers, tacos, nachos, chicken baskets and buckets, and a selection of beverages. Our seasonal hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sunday through Saturday. See our Facebook page for a full menu, including sherbet flavors.
The annual Quilt Show sponsored by the Black Hills Quilters Guild is held in early June at The Monument in beautiful downtown Rapid City. There will be 400-500 quilts on display and about 20 vendors with quilt-related products. The show, one of the largest in the Dakotas, is a colorful feast for the eyes. Show hours are 5-8 p.m. on Thursday (preview), 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is $7 per day, or $10 for a three-day pass. Free admission for children. See our website for the latest updates and information.
Celebrate the holiday season with the Annual Festival of Lights in Downtown Brookings. This annual celebration brings together the entire community for lots of lights, hot chocolate, and your favorite holiday tunes. The parade goes down Main Avenue to 3rd Street, up 5th Avenue, across 6th Street, and back to Main Avenue. Pre-parade activities start at 4 or 5 p.m. and the parade kick-off at 7 p.m. 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the celebration.
Dazzling lighted holiday floats and music flood historic Phillips Avenue from 13th Street to 5th Street in downtown Sioux Falls. The Annual Parade of Lights is the official start to the downtown holiday season. Join in the fun the Friday after Thanksgiving, 7:30-9 p.m. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays! 2022 marked the 30th year of the event.
Join us for the Black Hills Bluegrass Festival at Elk Creek Resort near Piedmont (between Rapid City and Sturgis). The three-day event features concerts, jam sessions, workshops, kids' activities, BBQ and food trucks, and lots of family fun. Show times are 6 p.m. on Friday, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. on Sunday. Held rain or shine. See full details and ticket prices online.
Sponsored by the Western Dakota Antique Club, the Black Hills Threshing Bee is held the third weekend in August at the club grounds 1/2 mile east of the Sturgis Airport. There are daily parades, a tractor rodeo, tractor pulls, tractor and steamer races, and games for all ages. See our website for the schedule of events and admission fees.
Visit with Santa and his animal friends 8-10 a.m. at Bramble Park Zoo in Watertown. Enjoy breakfast along with other activities inside the Discovery Center. Please wear proper winter attire to view the animals outside at the zoo. Participation is limited to 200 people, so get your tickets early at the Zoo or at County Fair of Watertown. Find more admission information on our website.
Held eight miles east of Britton on Highway 10, the annual Buckhorn Rodeo is an SDRA-, NRCA- and MRA-sanctioned event. Performances start at 7 p.m. each night. The Buckhorn Rodeo Dance starts at 7 p.m. Saturday night following the rodeo. Tickets are available in advance locally until the Thursday before the rodeo. Tickets are also available at the the gate. Concessions are offered on-site. The Buckhorn Rodeo takes place in a natural bowl arena. Bring your chairs and blankets and enjoy the thrills! 2022 marked the 50th anniversary.
The Sioux Falls Christmas Tree Skirt Dash is a fun race inspired by a friend who wouldn't let me quit during a really long run. We decided why not get two uses out of that skirt you put at the bottom of your tree. Join us for 1-mile, 2-mile and 3.1-mile dashes. We will be running on the bike trail along the Big Sioux River, which is a short warm up walk from Cherapa Place and our headquarters at Queen City Bakery. Packet pickup and race congregation before and after will be at Queen City Bakery. Come dressed for fun! A sweet prize goes to the winner of the best costume. It is recommended that you register online ahead of race day.
