Must-See Events in South Dakota

The highly awaited rodeo takes place every year in late January or early February. Mark your calendar and take your pick from a range of events, including ranch horse contests, team roping, North American Sheepdog trials, and cattle sales. Expect plenty of good food and cheer.

The legend of Deadwood’s notorious town marshall comes to life at this summer festival which features free outdoor concerts and the National Dock Dogs Competition, amidst a family-friendly atmosphere.

The historic mining town of Custer bustles every July end, when it hosts Gold Discovery Days. There's everything from hot air balloon rallies to rodeos, laser shows, quilt shows, bed races, and the popular Dodge Ball and Fireman's Ball.

This three-day festival takes place each August in the town of Yankton, bringing in over 100,000 visitors annually. Free entertainment, spectacles, concerts, and parades are the norm. There's also an antiques flea market, road races, tractor pulls, and a Grand Parade on Saturday morning of the event.

One of the true must-see events in South Dakota, this scintillating 4th of July event is set against the backdrop of Mount Rushmore, the massive mountain carvings of four celebrated American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. A dazzling fireworks show is just the icing on the cake.

Cyclists and sporty visitors, mark your calendars for late September. The annual three-day Mickelson Trail Trek lets cyclists cruise past historic mining towns like Custer, Lead, and Deadwood, along with picturesque valleys and old railroad tunnels.

Also known as He Sapa Wacipi Na Oskate, the Black Hills Pow Wow is a must for culture and history buffs. Celebrate with music, dance, and community events just like the local Native American Indians have historically done at this October festival. Attracting visitors for over two decades, the Black Hills Pow Wow features archery, softball, walks, and the exciting He Sapa Style Show.

Summer heats up in the town of Sisseton at the Fort Sisseton Historical Festival, an extravaganza of period entertainment. Come for the artillery, cavalry and infantry demonstrations, music, melodrama, and even period fashion parades.

Discover Czech heritage at this festival which celebrates the founders of the Czech community in Tabor, who arrived in 1869. The event is one of the state’s longest running celebrations, and features it all, from Beseda dancers to a replica of a Czech pioneer village. There's folk dancing, music, and Czech food, too.

Also known as the Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Festival, this two-day April outdoor event is free and features diverse musical genres ranging from jazz, blues, Latin, funk, and soul, to Zydeco and big band.