The 605 team knows how important summer plans are, from spending time with family to spontaneous adventures, so we compiled an August checklist of events across the state that you can’t miss.
Oglala Lakota Nation Wacipi Rodeo Fair
August 2-5. Pine Ridge Fairgrounds, Pine Ridge. All day. Starting with a youth rodeo, this weekend is full of rodeo fun. Join bullfighters NaVassie Blacksmith and Maurice Vocu as they invite attendees to enjoy events like steer wrestling and barrel racing. More info: pineridgechamber.com.
Clark Potato Days
August 3-4. Dickinson Park, Clark. All day. If you have never witnessed mashed potato wrestling, here is your chance. Held in the town of Clark, Potato Days celebrates everything tater, from a recipe competition to a potato decorating contest. End your weekend with a street dance and all of the potatoes you could ask for. More info: clarksd.com.
Annual Sioux River Folk Fest
August 3-5. Newton Hills State Park, Canton. Times vary. Dedicated to keeping traditional folk music alive, the South Dakota Friends of Traditional Music is hosting the 39th Annual Sioux River Folk Fest. Workshops will be held by the featured musicians, including Matt Fockler, The Railsplitters, and Trout Steak Revival. More info: fotm.org.
Sioux Empire Fair
August 3-11. W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, Sioux Falls. Times vary. Known as one of the biggest events to grace the Sioux Empire, this year’s fair will include performances from Josh Turner, Trace Adkins, Hairball, and Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias. If great live music isn’t your thing, you can take a chance at carnival games, rides, or even checking out the arts center. More info: siouxempirefair.com.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
August 3-12. Various locations, Sturgis. All day. With an estimated attendance of 500,000 people, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is the largest motorcycle rally in the world. This 10-day event offers specialized rides, a beard and mustache contest, and live music such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and Foreigner. Don’t miss the state’s biggest annual get-together, motorcycle fanatic or not. More info: sturgismotorcyclerally.com.
2018 Great Plains Balloon Race
August 10-12. Kenny Anderson Park, Sioux Falls. Times vary. Whether you’re an avid flyer or are fairly new to the magic of hot air balloons, head to Kenny Anderson Park in Sioux Falls to witness the launch of multiple hot air balloons. Weather permitting, there will be multiple flights throughout the weekend, offering you the chance to see Sioux Falls from an entirely new perspective. More info: sfballooning.org.
Co-op Block Party 2018
August 11. The Co-op Natural Foods, Sioux Falls. 2 p.m. Head to The Co-op to commemorate the beauty that is locally grown food. Food, drinks, and local vendors will be available for all attendees, creating a welcoming block party that brings community and fresh foods together. More info: coopnaturalfoods.com.
Wing & Brew Festival
August 11. Swiftel Center, Brookings. 12 p.m. Brookings brings you a fun-filled day for everyone. Take this chance to try wings from various local vendors, as well as craft beers. Enter your vote into the People’s Choice contest, or take your turn in the wing eating contest. Tickets vary from $8 to $15, with the option to buy tasting tickets. More info: swiftelcenter.com.
Riverboat Days
August 17-19. Various locations, Yankton. Times vary. Let the Captain and Belle of Riverboat Days lead you through Yankton’s biggest parade. A zipline, local vendors, and fireworks will fill this summer weekend, making you wonder why you’ve never gone to Riverboat Days before. More info: riverboatdays.com.
Corn Palace Festival
August 22-26. Mitchell Corn Palace, Mitchell. Times vary. If you’re from South Dakota, you know the Mitchell Corn Palace nevers looks the same. This festival pays tribute to the redecoration of the palace, and includes a weekend of activities. Carnival rides and live music will accompany the celebration of the world’s only corn palace. More info: cornpalace.com.
Kool Deadwood Nites
August 23-26. Downtown, Deadwood.Times vary. On the heels of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, this weekend is all about classic cars. Deadwood will host free music, a car auction, and a poker run that will take you through Deadwood. More info: deadwood.com.
South Dakota State Fair
August 20-September 3. South Dakota State Fairgrounds, Huron. All day. Join South Dakotans from the entire state to celebrate 133 years of South Dakota State Fair goodness. The grandstand will offer a tractor pull, a rodeo, and live music, such as Toby Keith. If those events aren’t enough, should we mention there is an arm wrestling contest, as well as a cheese sculpting competition? More info: sdstatefair.com.
