Head to Fort Pierre the second weekend of August for the annual Fort Pierre Trader Days & Turkey Races plus Backyard BBQ Competition. Enjoy a carnival, music, children's activities, BBQ competition (Friday & Saturday), an arts and crafts show, turkey races, and more. Most events are at Fischers Lilly Park and downtown Fort Pierre. Activities start Friday afternoon and run through midnight on Saturday..
Every Presidents' Day weekend in February, Brookings area attractions, businesses and organizations come together as part of Frost Fest to showcase indoor and outdoor activities and things to do in the winter months. Most events are free and open to the public, however some require pre-registration or a small admission fee. Examples of activities include the Snow Ball and meal at the Children's Museum of South Dakota, an ice carving demo in Downtown Brookings, sled hockey, and ice fishing at Dakota Nature Park. See our website for the latest details.
Celebrate harvest season in Downtown Rapid City at the annual Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This beloved tradition embodies the heart and soul of the fall season. Visit Main Street Square, venture down Sixth Street and into Memorial Park for a day full of fall fun, including a pumpkin catapult, giant pumpkin weigh-off, the Kidz Zone, pumpkin painting and carving, 70+ vendors, live music and more. For more event details, visit our website. Admission is free.
The Annual Hugh Glass Rendezvous celebrates the history of frontiersman and fur trader Hugh Glass, who is known far and wide for surviving a grizzly attack at the forks of the Grand River in 1823. Step back in history nearly two centuries and walk upon the site where history was made, where the man became a legend on the banks of the Grand River and Shadehill Reservoir, at Hugh Glass Park. Events include the Rendezvous, a Plein Air Paintout, guided hikes, vendors of period goods and more. Admission: The Hugh Glass Rendezvous committee asks for a free will donation from those attending. In 2023, we celebrate the bicentennial of the attack at the 6th annual festival.
We've not only got one, but five firework shows within Rapid City ready to light up the night sky in honor of Independence Day. There's enough to keep you busy all weekend. There is one show on July 3, three shows on July 4, and one show on July 5. No shortage of celebrating here! Find full details online.
Independence Day activities at Mount Rushmore National Memorial take place on July 3 and 4. There will be a variety of educational programs, patriotic tributes, and musical entertainment in celebration of Independence Day. On July 3, planned events include four presidential re-enactors who will kick-off the park’s celebration at 9:30 a.m. with an in-character news conference. The day will culminate with a special evening program beginning at 7:30 p.m. featuring a hoop dance performance by Jasmine Bell and musical performances by The Air Force Academy Band. The Ellsworth Air Force Base Honor Guard will assist in the Flag Folding Ceremony and Retreat. On July 4, daytime visitors can enjoy the presidential re-enactors, Native performers and culture bearers, a musical performance by The Air Force Academy Band, and the traditional Evening Lighting Ceremony.
Redfield's Independence Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. on July 4. The route runs from 3rd Street through Main Street and ends at 12th Avenue W. Join in the fun as a participant or spectator. Everyone is welcome to participate in the parade and no registration is necessary.
The Deadwood Chamber of Commerce invites the public to enjoy an Independence Day Parade in Historic Deadwood on July 4th at 3 p.m. The parade will begin at the Days of ’76 Event Complex and continue up Main Street and continues on Highway 14a through Central City and on to Lead. Deadwood's Historic Main Street will be closed to vehicle traffic for the duration of the parade. At 6 p.m., there will be a free family movie at Outlaw Square. On Saturday night, July 5th, there will be a free concert by Starship: Featuring Mickey Thomas at Outlaw Square at 8 p.m.
Head to Interior for 4th of July fun in the Badlands. The day's events include a parade at 10 a.m., a car show at 11 a.m., a corn hole tournament at 1 p.m., the Triathlon Rodeo starting at 5 p.m., and fireworks at 9 p.m. Plus, there will be a live band at Lulu's Bar following the fireworks. Check out Facebook for the latest details and any updates.
The Fourth of July holiday at Lake Mitchell is always a cause for celebration, and everyone, young and old, participates in the fun. Come out for beautiful fireworks starting at sunset (approximately 9:30-10:30 p.m.). Head about four miles north/northwest of Mitchell for this free annual event.
