Spring Events in South Dakota You Won’t Want to Miss

As winter thaws and the snow begins to melt, South Dakotans waste no time celebrating the arrival of spring. Whether you want to raise a glass of local craft beer, whoop and holler at a rodeo, or hit the trails with hundreds of fellow outdoor enthusiasts, here are some of the best ways to welcome the change of seasons across the state.

Deadwood’s St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

March 13–14, 2026

Historic Deadwood celebrates St. Patrick’s Day the only way it knows how — with a dose of Wild West swagger. Join the Lucky Leprechaun Hunt on Friday, then start the party early on Saturday with an Eggs & Kegs breakfast. The day continues with a parade down Main Street, a pub crawl and live music around town. Between celebrations, try for your own pot of gold at one of Deadwood’s lively casinos.

Watertown St. Patrick’s Day Celebration

March 14, 2026

On the other side of the state, Watertown goes green and leprechauns stroll the streets during a full day of Irish luck and festivities. Kick things off with the pancake breakfast or 5K run and end with the pub crawl. While you’re waiting to sip that liquid gold, the Little Miss Shamrock & Mr. Leprechaun contest, a parade, and a pet competition keep the fun going on a family-friendly level.

Check out more St. Patrick’s Day fun in South Dakota

Schmeckfest

April 10–11, 2026

Freeman honors its Mennonite roots with Schmeckfest, a tradition that’s been bringing the community together since 1959. The name translates to “festival of tasting,” and that’s precisely what you’ll find: hearty homemade meals, favorite family recipes and tables filled with baked goods. As you snack, browse handmade crafts, enjoy live music and watch demonstrations that highlight generations of skill.

Forks, Corks & Kegs

April 10–11, 2026

Deadwood serves up a weekend dedicated to great food and drink at Forks, Corks & Kegs. Sample wines and craft beers from across the country while tasting dishes that showcase the growing culinary scene of the Black Hills. Pairings and spirited gatherings around town make this a flavorful way to experience the West’s wildest town.

RiverRat Run

April 25, 2026

Runners lace up and hit the trail along Lewis and Clark Lake at the RiverRat Run in Yankton. The chip-timed half marathon, 10K and 5K courses wind through the wooded paths of Gavins Point Recreation Area, where lake views and fresh spring air keep the racers moving. Cheer on the pack at the finish line or join in yourself — medals await the top finishers in each distance.

Cinco de Mayo Falls Park Fiesta

May 9, 2026

The rainbow skirts of baile folklórico dancers swirl and brighten up Falls Park in downtown Sioux Falls as the community joins together to celebrate its Latino heritage. Root for your favorite models at dog fashion shows, sample a variety of regional Mexican cuisine and lose yourself in the entrancing rhythms of cumbia music or the brassy strains of mariachi trumpets. 

Deadwood’s Craft Beer Fest: Hops & Hogs

May 15–16, 2026

Follow the aroma of sizzling bacon through Deadwood during Hops & Hogs, a food fest that pairs craft beer with creative, bacon-inspired bites. Sip your way through tastings at stops around the town’s walkable downtown, where brewers pour their best and chefs prove that bacon really does make everything better. 

Back When They Bucked

May 24, 2026

Dust flies as broncs burst from the chutes during Back When They Bucked at Deadwood’s Days of ’76 Arena. Be amazed as rising high school rodeo talent test their skills before the pros take over with PRCA Xtreme Bronc Riding, steer wrestling, bareback riding and breakaway roping. It’s a full day of fast rides and fearless cowboys — some things never change in Deadwood!

Fort Sisseton Historical Festival

June 5–7, 2026

Step into the sights and sounds of the 19th-century frontier at the Fort Sisseton Historical Festival. Cavalry troops drill on the parade grounds, fur traders barter their wares and fiddle music drifts through the Civil War-era Fort Sisseton Historic State Park as reenactors bring the past to life. Watch demonstrations of pioneer skills and catch a classic melodrama performance during this immersive celebration of South Dakota’s early days.

Lake Andes Fish Days

June 5–7, 2026

When the pike and perch are jumping in June, it’s time for Fish Days, one of South Dakota’s longest-running community festivals. The three-day event features lawnmower races, carnival rides, fish frys, kids’ games, street dances, motorcycle blessings and more. It’s a charming mix of small-town fun and family activities steeped in local tradition.

Spring Volksmarch at Crazy Horse Memorial®

June 6, 2026

Trek 5K or 10K through Black Hills woodlands and up the arm of Crazy Horse Memorial® in one of the most popular organized hikes in the nation. From here, you’ll have an up-close-and-personal vantage point of the famed Lakota leader’s nine-story face. Take it in before heading back down for lunch or dinner at the Laughing Water Restaurant.

Siouxland Renaissance Festival

June 6–7, 2026

Pull on your stockings, tighten your doublet and travel to the golden age of Queen Elizabeth I at this annual Sioux Falls event. The whole family will delight in jousting, firebreathers and musical acts featuring lute solos. Don’t miss festival faves like giant turkey drumsticks or souvenir shopping from vendors with cheeky names, like Junque in Thy Trunk and Forever 1521.

Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon

June 6–7, 2026

If your vacation isn’t complete without light suffering, take on 26.2 or 13.1 miles of flats, gentle uphills and steep downs set amid stunning Black Hills scenery. While your calves get a workout, your eyes will be treated to rushing creeks, thick swatches of fir trees, and the glittering sight of your newest medal at the finish line.

Mount Rushmore Rodeo at Palmer Gulch

June 7, 2026

Kick off the Palmer Gulch rodeo season as you holler yourself hoarse at this Hill City throwdown. Expect an evening packed with bull, bronco and bareback riding, barrel racing and mutton bustin’ — a charmingly hilarious event in which little cowtykes grasp wooly sheep racing around an arena. The dress code is casual, but boots and cowboy hats are strongly encouraged.

Join the Fun. Plan Your Trip!

Spring in South Dakota brings a vibrant blend of cultural heritage, outdoor fun and community spirit. Whether you’re racing by lakefront trails, hiking through Black Hills forests or savoring local festivals, there’s an event to make every spring getaway memorable.