South Dakota's Can't-Miss Summer Fairs

Is there anything better than the smell of carnival food, the thrill of a roller coaster and the sounds of live music under a South Dakota night sky? Nothing combines all of this magic quite like a local fair. Whether it’s one of South Dakota’s major cities or an off-the-beaten-path small town, so many communities across the state make sure that the summer is filled with events, food and fun for all ages. 

When is Fair Season in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, fair season runs from July through September, with most fairs taking place during the peak of summer. It’s the perfect time to gather the whole family for carnival rides, crowd-cheering rodeos, roaring demolition derbies, fireworks, livestock shows and contests of all sorts.

Read about our favorite South Dakota fairs below, or check out the full South Dakota event calendar for more things to do this summer.

Butte/Lawrence County Fair

Nisland | July 27–August 1, 2026

When counties combine forces, interesting things happen. Few events prove that as well as the Butte/Lawrence County Fair in Nisland, located approximately 30 minutes north of Sturgis. On fairgrounds that made the National Register of Historic Places, you can embrace the agricultural spirit of this northern Black Hills town with livestock showings, sheepdog trials and … turtle races? Yep, you read that right. There’s also a flower show, movie night, talent show, youth rodeo, concerts and a fashion show, with the chicness continuing at the lamb dress-up contest. Pro tip: Hungry attendees will appreciate the free barbecue on Thursday night. 

Fall River County Fair

Edgemont | July 29–August 2, 2026

The Fall River County Fair in Edgemont fills an extended weekend in western South Dakota with a demolition derby, tug-of-war, a free chuckwagon feed, nightly dances, mud hog wrestling, and downtown parade. This fair has been happening for more than a century, so it’s safe to say that organizers have extensive experience in “grabbing fun by the horns.”

Union County Fair

Alcester | July 30–August 1, 2026

The smaller South Dakota fairs carry a charm all their own. In Alcester (48 miles south of Sioux Falls), the Union County Fair runs from late July to early August and usually includes a pancake breakfast, livestock shows, live music, a tractor pull and horse rides. There’s also a fashion revue and a pageant that help make the Union County Fair a celebration worth traveling for.

Sioux Empire Fair

Sioux Falls | July 31–August 8, 2026

Sioux Falls is South Dakota’s biggest city, so it’s no surprise that the Sioux Empire Fair goes all out every year with rodeo events and top musical acts every night. Children will flock to the Kids Zone and the Family Stage. Those 21+ can quench their thirst at the beer garden, but all ages will enjoy the rotating musical acts at the Front Porch stage. Peruse the Arts Center, check out the wide variety of vendors and enjoy a plethora of carnival rides. Plus, you can get an early look at everything during the free Sneak Peek Night!

Potter County Fair

Gettysburg | August 1–4, 2026

Approximately 100 miles southwest of Aberdeen sits Gettysburg. It may be best known for its motto, “Where the Battle Wasn’t,” but area residents also know it as the place where the Potter County Fair produces a lot of smiles each August. Agricultural exhibits and inflatable bouncers will be a part of this South Dakota fair, as will a talent show, a brat feed, an Old Time Tractor Pull, a kids’ rodeo and Piggy Pie Bingo. If there’s a more rural and unique event taking place at a fair this year, we sure haven’t heard about it. The variety of events and fun supplied by the Potter County Fair make it one of the most interesting fairs in the state and beyond.

Sully County Fair

Onida | August 5–9, 2026

Folks come from miles around to the Sully County Fair in Onida every August to see if a cow can win them a fortune with Cow Patty Bingo. But there are plenty more reasons why people have been flocking to the “Biggest Little Fair” for almost a century. Hungry visitors will love the rib and chili cook-offs. You don’t need to be an official cowpoke to two nights of rodeo that include Mutton Bustin’, a sport where young children (safely sporting helmets) compete to see who can hold on to a running sheep the longest. Other events range from entertaining (the variety show and talent show are both consistent crowd-pleasers) to just plain fun (the Frying Pan and Tire Toss contests). Kids will love the inflatable carnival, while a pedal tractor pull and more await those looking to make some fond and lasting fair memories in Onida.

Corson County Fair

McIntosh | August 7–9, 2026

Little town, big party! Just south of the North Dakota border sits a town with fewer than 200 residents, but McIntosh won’t feel small when the Corson County Fair takes place during the second weekend of August. The weekend features livestock and small animal shows as well as turtle races, a community supper and a ranch rodeo. The entire fair truly exemplifies how great things can come from little places.

Brown County Fair

Aberdeen | August 10–16, 2026

Free admission. Free parking. Free entertainment. Is there any doubt that the Brown County Fair in Aberdeen each August is one of the most welcoming in the state? Heck, a 17-year-old Taylor Swift played there in 2007. Traditional South Dakota fair elements like art exhibits, livestock judging and free daytime stage entertainment will occur, but there are also some more … unique events. The Ranch Games event allows folks to competitively throw feed bags and climb bales, while corgi races and a hot dog eating contest ensure that the Brown County Fair stands out among its peers. Add in the seven nights of events including concerts and a rodeo, and you’ll see why this fair touts itself as a place “where friendships are created.”

Clay County Fair

Vermillion | August 12–15, 2026

Vermillion, the home of the University of South Dakota, gets pretty quiet in the summer when most of the students temporarily vacate. That silence ends, though, when the Clay County Fair kicks off in August. Organizers are always looking to one-up the previous year, which often leads to events like a pizza eating contest and demolition derby. Live music also takes place throughout the four-day celebration.

Turner County Fair

Parker | August 17–20, 2026

Sometimes the biggest celebrations happen in the smallest places. Take Parker, for instance. This quiet town’s population of approximately 1,000 explodes in August during the legendary Turner County Fair. The oldest county fair in the state has been drawing people to southeast South Dakota annually since 1880, but don’t expect the revelry to be outdated. Carnival rides, car races and a demolition derby bring fresh rounds of fun every year. Don’t forget about the livestock exhibits, animal shows, a pie contest and plenty more to enjoy.

Central States Fair & Rodeo

Rapid City | August 21–29, 2026

The biggest South Dakota fair west of the Missouri River takes place every August in Rapid City. At the Central States Fair & Rodeo, spend your day sampling delicious food and checking out exhibits for all ages before capping off each night with concerts, rodeos or motor events, including the always-popular demolition derby. During the day, check out the German Tent, livestock and other fair delights.

Corn Palace Festival

Mitchell | August 26–30, 2026

Once a year in August, during the Corn Palace Festival, several blocks of Mitchell’s Main Street get blocked off and transformed into a wonderland of amusement rides, vendors and — of course — the deliciousness that can only come in the form of carnival food. Be a-maize-d as you take in the splendor before dancing the night away in The World’s Only Corn Palace to a variety of live acts. Whatever your preferred musical era or genre, you’re likely to find a concert that’s just your style. And, yes, delicious corn is available from vendors just outside the palace.

South Dakota State Fair

Huron | September 2–7, 2026

In September, the South Dakota State Fair transforms the town of Huron into a celebration of all things South Dakota and otherwise! Munch on a funnel cone or other treats from the midway — the place where you’ll find carnival games, rides, entertainment and food booths — as you check out a wide variety of vendors, live music, livestock, art and more. Classic cars, a grocery bagging competition and rodeo action make up just a few of the interesting experiences available at what locals call “The Big One.” Don’t forget to get your tickets for an evening at the legendary outdoor grandstand.

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It may be no fun to sense the summer’s end, but it’s best to make the most of it by treating yourself with a trip (or several) to one of the state’s many fairs. With such a wide variety of entertainment available during fair season in South Dakota, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t spend at least one day walking in the sun with something delicious in your hand and a smile across your face.

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