In South Dakota, experience unforgettable events you won’t find anywhere else.
Think rumbling rodeos, roaring rallies, music that fills the prairie air, and festivals celebrating everything from the state’s Wild West roots to its vibrant modern culture. So, ditch the postcards and embrace authentic South Dakota, where every season brings a new reason to celebrate.
Major Annual Events
Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo
The Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo in Rapid City features events, rodeos and vendors. It is the region's largest trade show, livestock sale, and competition. It was named the top indoor PRCA rodeo in the country in 2024, the sixth (!) time it’s received the award since 2002. Established in 1959, the Stock Show takes place in late-January/early-February each year. It features 120 livestock, horse and rodeo events and more than 300 vendors. There are competitions for 10 different cattle breeds, as well as ranch rodeos, 14 horse events, sheepdog trials, live music, a Western art show and more. Events are held at the Central States Fairgrounds and The Monument (444 Mt. Rushmore Road North).
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is one of the world's oldest and largest motorcycle gatherings, offering incredible riding, exhibitors, motorcycle shows, demo rides, racing, concerts and much more. Find out why this international phenomenon draws motorcycle legends, superstars and hundreds of thousands of enthusiasts to the Black Hills each year.
Days of '76
The Days of '76 Rodeo was named the PRCA Small Outdoor Rodeo of the Year four times (1998-2001), the PRCA Midsize Rodeo of the Year 14 times (2004-2017) and the Large Outdoor Rodeo of the Year in 2020. It has also held the title Badlands Circuit Rodeo of the Year a whopping 16 times! The Days of '76 Rodeo and Parades are held across five days in late July, with rodeo performances in the evenings and free parades on Historic Main Street in Deadwood on the weekend.
Yankton Riverboat Days
Held the third full weekend in August, Yankton Riverboat Days is a large, annual three-day festival in Yankton, South Dakota, where fun is easy to find. This popular community event at Riverside Park draws more than 100,000 people with its juried Summer Arts Festival, Grand Parade, road and river races, and continuous live music. Family-friendly activities and various food vendors add to the fun, making it a long-standing tradition celebrating the community spirit of Yankton.
Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival
Held annually in late September or early October, this unique event centers around the park's bison herd and is accompanied by an arts festival showcasing local and regional artists. Watch cowboys, cowgirls and park rangers as they round up and drive the herd of approximately 1,300 buffalo. Be sure to plan for plenty of time at the three-day Arts Festival, where more than 100 vendors offer fine arts and crafts and South Dakota-made products.
Deadwood Jam
Rock, reggae and blues fill the Black Hills for two incredible days of outdoor concerts. From celebrated acts to newcomers, rising stars and local talent, the Deadwood Jam brings a wide array of top musical talent to the Black Hills and Deadwood's Outlaw Square. For more than 30 years, Deadwood has hosted this fun festival of music each September. Admission is free!
Crazy Horse Memorial® Volksmarch
The Crazy Horse Volksmarch is a biannual (spring and fall) organized hike to the top of the Crazy Horse Memorial® in the Black Hills of South Dakota. This 6.2-mile round trip is a unique opportunity for the public to get an up-close view of the world's largest in-progress mountain carving, usually only accessible via a private tour. Hikers will travel to varied terrains, including woodlands and gravel roads, up to the huge arm of Crazy Horse! It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the carving and the surrounding landscape.
South Dakota State Fair
Celebrate Labor Day weekend in Huron at the South Dakota State Fair! This five-day extravaganza in early September offers a diverse range of attractions. Immerse yourself in award-winning musical performances, experience the excitement of carnival rides and partake in numerous special events while enjoying six complimentary entertainment stages. Catch a grandstand show or thrilling car races after exploring South Dakota's expansive carnival midway. Witness the state's 4-H and FFA exhibits and championships, showcasing livestock and animal shows. This event promises fun and sun for all ages.
More Annual Events
Wild Bill Days
Feel the buzz of excitement as you celebrate the history of Deadwood’s famous gunslinger, Wild Bill Hickok, at Wild Bill Days in June. This free, annual event spans three days and features electrifying concerts to energize you. The classic car auction offers a chance to bid on vintage beauties. For a hands-on experience, try lessons in gold panning and sluicing, where you can feel the thrill of striking gold firsthand.
South Dakota Chislic Festival
Immerse yourself in the heart of the "Chislic Circle" at Freeman's annual South Dakota Chislic Festival! People come from across the country for these half-inch cubes of meat that each chef puts their own twist on. The day-long celebration, held from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Freeman Prairie Arboretum, is a feast for the senses, offering a delightful array of food, drinks, activities and entertainment suitable for all ages. Indulge in diverse chislic variations, savory meats, delectable sides, sweet desserts and refreshing South Dakota craft beers from numerous vendors. Enjoy live music performances at the Prairie Rose Amphitheater, and let the kids revel in bouncy castle fun. Admission is free, with food, beverages and merchandise available for purchase. Come hungry!
Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo
Yee haw! Since 1971, Mitchell has hosted the Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo during July. This PRCA rodeo features performance at the Rodeo Grounds north of Mitchell. Other events during the four-day celebration include a golf tournament, barrel racing, team roping, Mutton Bustin', parade, Cowboy Church Service and a chili cook-off. This long-standing tradition is a highlight of the summer in Mitchell. Giddy up!
Black Hills Powwow
The annual Black Hills Powwow happens at Summit Arena at the Monument (formerly Rushmore Plaza Civic Center) in Rapid City. Known as one of the premier Indigenous cultural events in the United States, the Black Hills Powwow attracts hundreds of dancers, singers, artisans and thousands of spectators. In addition to the powwow, spectators can enjoy a fine arts show, He Sapa Win pageant, wellness symposium for youth and tournaments for hand games, softball, golf and archery.
Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant
Discover the prairie that inspired generations! The Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant in De Smet, South Dakota, is an annual outdoor theatrical production that vividly recreates scenes from Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" books, offering attendees a historical glimpse into pioneer life on the prairie. Performed by community volunteers, this long-standing tradition draws visitors globally, providing an immersive experience of the Ingalls family's time in De Smet.
Christmas at the Capitol
The lights, the smell of pine in the air—Pierre’s Christmas at the Capitol event transforms the South Dakota State Capitol into a festive spectacle each holiday season. Crafted and customized by local groups, nearly 100 uniquely decorated Christmas trees fill the building's halls to create a magical winter wonderland full of festive ambiance. This beloved annual event includes a grand lighting ceremony, musical performances and special events like story time for children.
Sanford International Golf Tournament
Held at the Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls, the Sanford International is an official PGA TOUR Champions event. The field typically features 80+ professionals and is a 54-hole Stroke Play event. There is a pro-am event open to the public on Thursday. The first round of the Sanford International is on Friday, the second round is on Saturday and the final round and trophy presentation is on Sunday. Find the full schedule of events and ticket information on the official website.
Brookings Summer Arts Festival
Be ready to come home with some art! Since 1972, beautiful Pioneer Park in Brookings has been home to South Dakota’s premier juried art festival in early July. More than 200 selected regional and national artists representing 17 disciplines display their original and handcrafted works of art. There are more than 40 food booths as well as numerous living history, antique and children's booths that complement the festivities in Pioneer Park. There is also entertainment on three stages, and shuttle buses are available.
Fort Sisseton Historical Festival
Ten-HUT! During the first weekend in June, cavalry troops and infantry units converge on the grounds of Fort Sisseton Historic State Park in northeastern South Dakota to form a military encampment with soldiers, women, children and all the necessary tents, uniforms, horses and memorabilia. The festival covers the gamut of frontier life and settlement. It includes fiddle music, historic figures, an arts and craft show, a melodrama stage show and music from the Civil War.
Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Annual Wacipi
Started in 1867, this wacipi is the oldest powwow in South Dakota and the second-oldest in the nation. This social gathering of family and friends is to observe and enjoy Indigenous culture at the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Ceremonial Grounds in Agency Village (7 miles south of Sisseton). Concessions, vendors and bleacher seating are available. Activities include a walk/run, softball tournament and an adult/youth rodeo.
There's always a fun festival waiting just around the bend in South Dakota. Get inspired and say #HiFromSD to share your event experiences!
Full Calendar of Events
