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

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

  • Summer Fun is Still in Your Reach for the Best August in the Black Hills and Badlands
    Summer Fun is Still in Your Reach for the Best August in the Black Hills and Badlands
  • Summer Fun is Still in Your Reach for the Best August in the Black Hills and Badlands
    Summer Fun is Still in Your Reach for the Best August in the Black Hills and Badlands
  • Summer Fun is Still in Your Reach for the Best August in the Black Hills and Badlands
    Summer Fun is Still in Your Reach for the Best August in the Black Hills and Badlands
  • Summer Fun is Still in Your Reach for the Best August in the Black Hills and Badlands
    Summer Fun is Still in Your Reach for the Best August in the Black Hills and Badlands
Updated: 
Wednesday, August 17, 2022
By : 
Black Hills and Badlands

The Black Hills and Badlands are full of the hottest summer events the entire month of August. The world-famous Sturgis Motorcycle Rally rumbles in the Hills, there will be several rodeos and fairs—including the Central States Fair—the best car shows, free national park day and more. 

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

Since 1938, Sturgis has been home to one of the largest, most well-known, and best motorcycle rallies in the world. Thousands of bikers make the journey to South Dakota, and we know know the best spots to find the rides and concerts to keep the party rocking the whole time.

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

83rd Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Friday, August 4, 2023 (All day) to Sunday, August 13, 2023 (All day)

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

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—whatever it is, you'll find it in the Black Hills and Badlands this August.

Central States Fair & Rodeo
Friday, August 18, 2023 (All day) to Saturday, August 26, 2023 (All day)

Join us at Central States Fair and Rodeo, one of the largest and most popular events in South Dakota.

The Fun Continues

Other must-attend events include Kool Deadwood Nights, the captivating Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival and a day to enter your favorite National Parks for free.

Free Entrance Day in the National Parks
Friday, August 4, 2023

Come experience the national parks! On five days in 2023, 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 2023:

January 16 – Martin Luther King Jr Day  

Hugh Glass Rendezvous Lemmon, SD
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 to Monday, August 28, 2023

Join us for the 9th Annual Hugh Glass Rendezvous on August 22-28, 2023 in Lemmon, SD as we remember the amazing story of Hugh Glass and his trek back to civilization 200 years later.

Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival
Friday, August 25, 2023 to Sunday, August 27, 2023

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25 - Centennial Park

Our Festival kicks off in Centennial Park at Noon on Friday, August 25!  There will be vendors, food, Farmer’s Market and Kid activities in Centennial Park, ending with a free concert from 6.30 – 8:30 pm.

Noon – 8:00 pm         Vendor Market

17th Annual Sturgis Mustang Rally
Tuesday, August 29, 2023 to Sunday, September 3, 2023

Join a week-long Mustang Rally packed with racing, cruises, car shows, and fun events!

It's not just a rally, it's a destination. Take your Mustang to Sturgis, South Dakota for your next adventure:

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 festivals and events in the Black Hills and Badlands, visit our Events Calendar.

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