The 605 team knows how important summer plans are, from spending time with family to spontaneous adventures, so we compiled a July checklist of events across the state that you can’t miss.

BADLANDS ASTRONOMY FESTIVAL
July 6-8. Badlands National Park, Interior. All you need for these three days of astronomy fun is your love for space, science, and the Badlands. This event is free with the paid park entrance fee, and will include telescopes for day and night surveillance of the sky. Don’t miss this opportunity to look up and explore the world above you. More info: nps.gov.

PRAIRIE VILLAGE RAILROAD DAYS
July 7-8. Historic Prairie Village, Madison. Times vary. Located two miles west of Madison, Prairie Village Railroad Days consists of two days dedicated to locomotives. Stop by for the chance to enjoy train rides, tours of steam locomotives, and a Saturday night concert by Divas Through the Decades. Furthermore, stop by the “Emmanuel” Chapel Car that acted as a traveling church in the 1890’s. More info: prairievillage.org.

4TH ANNUAL DEADWOOD 3 WHEELER RALLY
July 10-15. Citywide, Deadwood. Times vary. Organized by Deadwood’s very own First Gold Hotel & Gaming in hopes of bringing ‘trike’ motorcycles to the area, this event is five days of group rides, concerts, and a general appreciation for three-wheeler motorcycles. Don’t miss the chance to stop by the pancake feed fundraiser or shop the various local vendors.  More info: d3wr.com.

FORE THE ANIMALS GOLF TOURNAMENT
July 13. Elmwood Golf Course, Sioux Falls. 12 p.m. Head to Elmwood Golf Course to compete in a best ball tournament to raise money for the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. With prizes at stake and puppies on the brain, we can’t think of a better way to spend your summer day. Head to their website to sign up, become a sponsor, or simply look at all of the cute animals you would be benefiting. More info: sfhumanesociety.com.

THE ARTS EXPO
July 13-15. South Dakota Hall of Fame, Chamberlain. 9 a.m. This annual exposition shines a light on the arts present in South Dakota, ranging from wood carving to rug making. This year will offer doll making, a historical apron display, and horse hair pottery. More info: chamberlainsd.com.

THE FORT TO FIELD 50 PADDLE BATTLE
July 14. Fort Randall Dam, Pickstown. 7:30 a.m. Starting at the Fort Randall Dam and finishing in Springfield, this 50-mile paddling race welcomes all kayakers and canoers to race through the beauty that the Missouri River offers. Given 15 hours to finish, racers can either take it as a challenge or use it as an excuse to bask in the charm that is South Dakota nature. More info: sdbestriverraces.com.

HOT SUMMER NITES
July 18. Downtown, Sioux Falls. 5:30 p.m. Take part in this Downtown Sioux Falls summer tradition as the community gathers to admire Corvettes of all sorts and great music. Free to all ages, Hot Summer Nites will include local food and drink vendors, and will definitely give you something to talk about the next day at work. More info: dtsf.com.

DANISH DAYS
July 19-22. Citywide, Viborg. All day. Guaranteed to be a “Dane of a day,” this local festival brings Viborg alive with a barbershop chorus, an inflatable carnival, and a mechanical bull. Get informed and get involved with the Danish culture by taking part in the Danish/Viking costume contest or the Aebleskiver eating contest, both of which highlight the customs of traditional Denmark. More info: danishdays.org.

GOLD DISCOVERY DAYS
July 20-22. Various locations, Custer. All day. Kicking off this historical weekend is the Gold Discovery Days parade, set in place to honor the moment of gold discovery by Colonel Custer and his troops. Don’t miss out on all of the events, including a 5K Fun Run/Walk, an archery shoot, and the Arts & Crafts Fair. More info: visitcuster.com.

DAYS OF ‘76 RODEO
July 24-28. Downtown, Deadwood. Times vary. Make your way to downtown Deadwood to welcome the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association for the Days of ‘76 Rodeo. Including rodeo events, parades, and steer roping, there will also be the crowning of the Days of ‘76 Queen and the chance to visit the Days of ‘76 Museum. More info: daysof76.com.

OVER THE EDGE
July 28. The Raven Building, Sioux Falls. 9 a.m. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sioux Empire has definitely gone above and beyond for this event. All you have to do is raise $1,000 for the chance to rappel the Raven Building in efforts to fundraise for the children of our community.  More info: bbbsse.org.

COLTON HILLBILLY DAYS
July 27-29. City Park, Colton. All day. This annual celebration is a weekend full of family-fun events, ranging from a street dance to a parade. Support the Colton Fire Department by enjoying their pork loin dinner in between participating in the Cowboy Roy Karaoke Contest and playing 25-cent carnival games. More info: coltonsd.com.

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