Festivals & Events

Folks are friendly in South Dakota, and the Black Hills and Badlands area is no exception. We love to come together…to celebrate our heritage, to show off our arts, our food, and our history. And….. we do enjoy a little friendly competition. No matter when you take your vacation, you will find fun things to see and do. Come join us!

Black Hills Stock Show & PRCA Rodeo — Rapid City in late January
A huge, ten day, regional event that has something for everyone! In addition to the purebred cattle show and sale, there is a two-day horse sale, Youth Day, Stallion Row, Ranch Rodeo, North American Sheep Dog Trials, a buffalo sale, a Western Art Auction, kids petting zoo and PRCA Rodeo.

Mardi Gras Celebration — Deadwood in early February
A three-day celebration featuring a festive night parade, beads, free entertainment and a Cajun cook-off.

Badlands Quilters Getaway — early March at Wall, SD
A weekend getaway featuring a Trunk Show, classes, demonstrations and lots of fun for everyone that enjoys quilting.

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend — Deadwood in March
An Irish celebration that features Irish music, a pub crawl and the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Kid’s Fair — Rapid City in April
A celebration of children and their families that features more than 60 fun-filled, hands-on activities for the whole family.

Open House and Free Fishing Weekend — mid-May in Custer State Park
Celebrate the beginning of the summer season with nature hikes, hayrack rides, pancake feeds and other special events. No entrance fees are charged. This is the weekend for the Park’s infamous buffalo chip throwing contest!

Murdo in May — late May in Murdo, SD
Pioneer Auto Swap Meet, Car and Antique Auction.

Crazy Horse Volksmarch — first full weekend in June at Crazy Horse Memorial
A family event that offers a once-a-year chance to hike to the top of the colossal mountain top carving. Free admission to the memorial for volksmarchers.

Black Hills Overdrive All-Car Rally — throughout the area in June
The Annual All-Car Rally features organized events, car show competitions and cruises showcasing scenic drives in the Black Hills and Badlands.

Art Festival in the Park — mid-July at Spearfish
A juried Arts and Crafts festival in the city park along with good food and fine entertainment.

Laura Ingalls Day — early August in Keystone
Join the birthday celebration for “Little House on the Prairie” author Laura Ingalls Wilder.

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally — Sturgis in August
Every summer, motorcycle enthusiasts from across America, Canada and Europe line the streets of Sturgis and spill into the other Black Hills towns.

Deadwood Jam — mid-September in Deadwood

Mickelson Trail Trek — Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills third weekend in September
Bicyclists spend three days riding the beautiful Mickelson Trail. This is a 109 mile “Rails to Trails” trail that goes the full length of the hills.

Buffalo Roundup — at Custer State Park in October
Watch as State employees and volunteers move the park’s herd of 1,600 buffalo into the corrals for sorting and branding. This event attracts more than 11,000 people each year and attracts media coverage from around the world.

Black Hills Powwow & Arts Expo — early October in Rapid City
Native dancers and artists from throughout the region compete in a colorful competition and show at the Rapid City Civic Center.

Black Hills Deer Season — begins November 1