Experience the annual organized spring hike up the world's largest mountain carving-in-progress, Crazy Horse Memorial. The 10K (6.2-mile) route, round-trip, takes up to four hours to complete, with hikers setting their own pace. The terrain is hilly and rough with some steep inclines. Starting time is anytime between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. There is also a Fall Volksmarch which takes place the same weekend as the Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup (late September). Volksmarches are held as weather permits. Each hiker’s individual admission to the Memorial is waived with a donation of three canned foods. The American Volkssport Association's hike fee is $3 for each participant regardless of age. Regular admission applies to non-hikers.
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.
For the 17th-consecutive year, the men and women will culminate their basketball seasons in Sioux Falls at the 2026 Summit League Basketball Championships. The tournament returns to the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, March 4-8. The opening day will feature matchups between the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds in both brackets. Sunday afternoon features the women's championship and Sunday evening is the men's championship. All-session tickets are available online and in-person at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center box office.
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.
Tour de Corn is an annual bike ride around the Mitchell area. Starting from the Corn Palace on Saturday, there are 15-mile, 35-mile, 60-mile and 100-mile routes, plus a Family Fun Ride (see our website for starting times). Following the ride, there is a BBQ rib feed, music, door prizes and a bike raffle. On Friday, there is a Pump Track Contest at 5;30 p.m., food trucks and a Glow Ride/Moonlight Ramble around Lake Mitchell starting at 8 p.m. On Sunday at 10:30 a.m. there is a guided singletrack mountain bike ride. More information and registration details are available online.
