Summer Fun is Still in Your Reach for the Best August in the Black Hills and Badlands

The Black Hills and Badlands are chock full of summer events for the entire month of August. The world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is returning for its 79th year, there will be several rodeos and fairs, including the Central States Fair, the biggest car shows and more. 

Whether you're ready to ride your hog through the Hills, attend big-name concerts, or fly high with the Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival, the Black Hills and Badlands is the place to be.

79th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Since 1938, Sturgis, South Dakota has been home to one of the largest, most well known, and best motorcycle rallies in the world. During the first twelve days of August, South Dakota will be flooded with over 500,000 bikers from all across the globe, and we know where to find the most thrilling rides and the loudest concerts with the biggest names.

If you're someone who likes the roar of engines and the smell of gasoline, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the party for you! For a full list of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally events, check out the link below. 

80th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Friday, August 7, 2020 (All day) to Sunday, August 16, 2020 (All day)

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is an American motorcycle rally held annually in Sturgis, South Dakota usually during the first full week of August.

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Fairs and Rodeos

There's something about fairs and rodeos that undeniably says summer. Maybe it's the lemonade and funnel cakes of the fairs or the smell of dust in the air when a bronc rider goes flying through the gates that speak to you, but whatever it is, you'll find it in the Black Hills and Badlands this August!

Oglala Lakota Nation Wacipi Rodeo

Thursday, August 1, 2019 to Sunday, August 4, 2019

All are welcome at the 34th Annual Oglala Lakota Nation Wacipi Rodeo Fair on August 1-4, 2019 at the Pow Wow Grounds in Pine Ridge, South Dakota.

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Mt. Rushmore Rodeo

Thursday, August 8, 2019

Enjoy this five-part rodeo series on Aug. 8, Aug. 17 and Sept. 1. 

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Custer County Fair

Thursday, August 8, 2019 to Sunday, August 11, 2019

Our hometown fair has a long history in the community. We have events for people of all ages from 4-H’ers to those who are just kids at heart.

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Central State's Fair & Rodeo

Friday, August 21, 2020 (All day) to Sunday, August 30, 2020 (All day)

The Central States Fair held annually mid-August allows Rapid City residents and surrounding communities to partake in fair activities including; the carnival, free stage entrainment, along with exhibiting crafts and culinary in the open class competitions, cattle shows, and multiple horse events

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The Fun Continues

Other must-attend events include the Badlands Heritage Celebration, the captivating Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival and a chance to enter your favorite National Parks for free.

Badlands Heritage Celebration

Friday, August 16, 2019

Join Badlands National Park in celebrating the area’s history and culture during this weekend event. On Friday, August 16, Allen & Jill Kirkham will present the History of Traditional American Western Music at 7:00pm in the Cedar Pass Amphitheater.

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Kool Deadwood Nites

Thursday, August 27, 2020 to Sunday, August 30, 2020

Kool Deadwood Nites | Great Cars, Great Fun and Great Music!
August 27-30, 2020

(Car registration information is available at the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce or by calling 1-800-999-1876.)

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Hugh Glass Rendezvous Lemmon, SD

Thursday, August 22, 2019 to Sunday, August 25, 2019

Join us for the 5th Annual Hugh Glass Rendezvous on August 22-25, 2019 in Lemmon, SD as we remember the amazing story of Hugh Glass and his trek back to civilization.

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Hill City Wine Brew & BBQ

Friday, August 23, 2019 to Saturday, August 24, 2019

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Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival

Saturday, August 29, 2020 to Sunday, August 30, 2020

2020 schedule is subject to change at any time and without notice. Additional events to be added & updated as they are scheduled. Please make sure to follow Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival on Facebook for the latest updates on the weekend of the event.

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Free Entrance Days in the National Parks

Monday, January 20, 2020

Come experience the national parks! On five days in 2019, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. Mark your calendar for these entrance fee–free dates in 2020:

January 20: Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Sturgis Mustang Rally

Monday, August 31, 2020 to Monday, September 7, 2020

A WEEK LONG MUSTANG RALLY PACKED WITH RACING, CRUISES, CAR SHOW AND FUN EVENTS

IT'S NOT JUST A RALLY, IT'S A DESTINATION SPOT. TAKE YOUR MUSTANG TO STURGIS, SOUTH DAKOTA FOR YOUR ADVENTURE:

• Racing Events: Autocross, Drag Racing, Barrel Racing, Rodeo.

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With the biggest parties, the best concerts and events you'll be talking about for years, we have everything to make the best of August!

For a full line up of festival and events in the Black Hills and Badlands, visit our Events Calendar.