With so many events taking place in South Dakota, we understand how it can be overwhelming to remember them all. We’ve decided to highlight our favorite things happening week by week, focusing on unique, fun, and creative events across the state.
TURNER COUNTY FAIR
August 13-16. Various locations, Parker. Times vary. Known as the oldest fair in South Dakota, the Turner County Fair is four days of homemade pie, rodeos, rides, and a demo derby. Besides the specialty food, don’t forget to check out the local 4-H exhibits, including various crafts and school artwork. More info: turnercountyfair.com.
J&L BIKE NIGHT
August 17. J&L Harley – Davidson, Sioux Falls. 6 p.m. Join local bike lovers for the monthly Bike Night, which will include live music, local food vendors and a chance to register to win a 2018 Harley-Davdison’s Iron 883. More info: jl-harley.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 biplane, 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.
1880 TRAIN RAILS & ALES
August 18. 1880 Train, Hill City. 3:30 p.m. 1880 Train has come together with five local breweries to create the Rails & Ales event. Complete with live music, the evening will begin with a social hour and beer tasting, and will continue with a train ride through Hill City and the Keystone area. Don’t miss your chance to explore the Black Hills while enjoying beer from breweries such as Miner Brewing Co. and Lost Cabin Brewing Co. More info: 1880train.com.Â
DOWNTOWN RIVERFEST 2018
August 18. Cherapa Place, Sioux Falls. 4 p.m. Come on out to show your love for Sioux Falls and the Big Sioux River. Coming up on its fifth year, the Riverfest celebrates local musicians, the South Dakota Canoe & Kayak Association, and various local art vendors. This summer event offers something for everyone and is a great way to explore the community. More info: dtsf.com.
ENTERTAINMENT
Brown County Fair | August 13-19 | Fairgrounds, Aberdeen | Times vary.
Nature Day Camp: All About Bison | August 15 | Custer State Park, Custer | 9:30 a.m.
Black Hills Steam & Gas Threshing Bee | August 17-19 | Club Grounds, Sturgis | All day.
Tea Storm Chasers Driver In Movie | August 18 | J&L Harley – Davidson, Sioux Falls | 6 p.m.
SPORTS
Leah Horse 100 Ultra Marathon | August 17-18 | George S. Mickelson Trail, Custer | Times vary.
Wildcat Classic Mountain Bike Race | August 18 | Chataqua Park, Hot Springs | 8 a.m.
Mount Rushmore Rodeo | August 18 | Palmer Gulch, Hill City | 6 p.m.
Leading Ladies Marathon | August 19 | Spearfish Canyon, Spearfish | 7 a.m.
GET INVOLVED
The Big Golf Ball Drop | August 17 | Main Street Square, Rapid City | 10 a.m.
Heart Walk | August 18 | Fawick Park, Sioux Falls | 8:30 a.m.
2ns Annual Coasting’ for Cancer Mile/5k/10k | August 19 | Falls Park, Sioux Falls | 8 a.m.
Soggy Doggy | August 19 | Hillcrest Pool, Brookings | 6 p.m.
MUSIC
Weathered | August 15 | Total Drag Records, Sioux Falls | 7 p.m.
Double Grave & The Velcro Ultrasound | August 16 | Total Drag Records, Sioux Falls | 7 p.m.
Sugar land | August 16 | Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls | 7 p.m.
Thursdays on the Platz! | August 16 | Ratingen Platz, Vermilion | 5:30 p.m.
Summer Porch Series | August 16 | Strawbale Winery, Renner | 5 p.m.
Thursdays on the Patio | August 16 | Dakota Brick House, Vermillion | 7 p.m.
Thursdays on the Square | August 16 | Main Street Square, Rapid City | 6 p.m.
White Wall Sessions | August 16 | White Wall Sessions, Sioux Falls | Times vary.
Dendrons, House Vacations & Bodega Sushi | August 17 | Total Drag Records, Sioux Falls 7 p.m.
The Beat Seekers | August 17 | Icon Lounge + Events, Sioux Falls | 7 p.m.
Rich Little | August 17 | Deadwood Mountain Grand, Deadwood | 8 p.m.
Night Moves and Hooks | August 18 | Icon Lounge + Events, Sioux Falls | 7 p.m.
Exile w/ Danny Hall and The Joe Creek Band | August 18 | Silver Spur Restaurant, Pierre | 8 p.m.
Black Hills Opry w/ Aces & Eights | August 18 | Historic Homestake Opera House, Lead | 7 p.m.
Bands and Brews | August 19 | Firehouse Brewing Company, Rapid City | 8 p.m.
