The 605 team knows how important summer plans are, from spending time with family to spontaneous adventures, so we compiled a summer checklist of events across that state that you can’t miss.
SOUTH DAKOTA BBQ CHAMPIONSHIPS
June 1-2. South Dakota State Fairgrounds, Huron. Times vary. Coming up on 12 years of celebration, the South Dakota BBQ Championships bring together bbq lovers from all over the state to share, try, and celebrate barbeque. From a chili challenge to a people’s choice award, don’t miss this weekend full of fun (and tasty) competition. More info: sdbbqchampionships.com.
FORT SISSETON HISTORICAL FESTIVAL
June 1-3. Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, Lake City. All day. Kicking off the start of summer is this historic festival. Held in at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park, be ready for reenactments, an art and craft show, live music, and much more. This festival will transport you back to frontier times, uniforms and all. More info: travelsouthdakota.com.
ANNUAL CASEY TIBBS MATCH OF CHAMPIONS
June 2. Stanley County Fairgrounds, Fort Pierre. 6 p.m. Named after the world champion bull rider Casey Tibbs, this bronc riding event is one for the ages. The top cowboys in the country will flock to Fort Pierre to ride some of the rowdiest stock in the Midwest. In addition to the riding competition, this annual event will also include live entertainment and a steak fry. More info: caseytibbs.com.
DAIRY FEST
June 2. Swiftel Center, Brookings. 10 a.m. Staking it’s new claim at the Swiftel Center, Dairy Fest is a full day of dairy everything, including cheese samples and bounce houses. Starting with a carnival, the SDSU Davis Dairy Plant tour will be next, followed by a dairy farm tour. This all-ages event with praise the state’s dairy production, as well as everything that comes from it. More info: swiftelcenter.com.
605 DAY
June 5. Carpenter Bar, Sioux Falls and Main Street Square, Rapid City. 4 p.m. 605 Magazine is partnering with South Dakota Tourism to celebrate our state with the third annual 605 Day. Stop by Carpenter Bar’s patio in Sioux Falls and Main Street Square in Rapid City for your chance to grab a free Fernson Brewing Company or Lost Cabin Brewing Company beer (if legal drinking age), a mini South Dakota flag, and SD tourism stickers (all are first come, first serve). DJ Lucy Pain will be mixing via Pinnacle Productions in Sioux Falls and DJ Crissy Davies will be performing in Rapid City. More info: 605magazine.com.
SOUTH DAKOTA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
June 7-10. Prentis Park, Vermillion. Times vary. Make your way to Vermillion to witness Shakespeare’s Richard III take the stage. Directed by a team of theatre gurus, this weekend not only pays homage to one of the world’s greatest playwrights, but brings the culture of theatre to life in the heart of Vermillion. More info: sdshakespearefestival.org.
GOLD RUSH GRAVEL GRINDER
June 9-11. Spearfish Pavilion, Spearfish. Times vary. What better way to see the beautiful landscape of western South Dakota than on two wheels with a giant group of people. This race is broken down into three separate races: 70 miles, 110 miles, and 210 miles. Whether you are an avid biker, or simply want to watch, let Spearfish lead the way. More info: goldrushgravelgrinder.com.
WILD BILL DAYS
June 15-16. Historic Downtown Deadwood, Deadwood. Times vary. Deadwood is the place to be during the celebration of Wild Bill Hickok, one of the West’s nastiest outlaws. Complete with shootouts, live concerts, and a 5k, these two days attracts even the tamest gunslingers, including The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. More info: deadwood.com.
CZECH DAYS
June 15-16. Tabor. All day. Vitame Vas! Welcome to the 70th annual Czech Days, honoring the Czech culture that has survived in Tabor for over 100 years. This weekend is celebrated by locals and visitors alike, with a parade and the feature of a performance by the Beseda dancers. More info: taborczechdays.com.
JESSE JAMES DAYS
June 15-17. Garretson. Times vary. Join the residents of Garretson for a weekend full of activities, parades, and the history of Jesse James, an infamous American outlaw. Dueling pianos, a tractor pull, and a 5k litter the streets of Garretson, not to mention their golf tournament benefiting the Garretson Community Scholarship Foundation. More info: facebook.com.
VINEGAR FESTIVAL
June 16. Main Street, Roslyn. 8:30 a.m. As one of the state’s only International festivals, the Vinegar Festival celebrates just that: vinegar. Home of the International Vinegar Museum, this day is dedicated to a parade, vinegar tastings, and the crowning of the Vinegar Queen. More info: internationalvinegarmuseum.com.
ABERDEEN ARTS IN THE PARK
June 16-17. Melgaard Park, Aberdeen. All day. At an estimated 20,000 visitors, Arts in the Park is an event for everyone. This two-day event has evolved tremendously since 1976, featuring artists from near and far, live entertainment and local food vendors. Join the Aberdeen Area Arts Council in dedicating a full weekend to a fun day in the park. More info: aberdeenareaartscouncil.com.
OAHE DAYS ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL
June 22-23. Steamboat Springs, Pierre. All day. Recognized as one of the biggest community celebrations in the state, Oahe Days brings together music, the river, and art vendors from across the state. Spend the weekend enjoying live music along the Missouri River, outdoor laser tag, and a 5k/10k. More info: oahedays.com.
