The 605 team knows how important fall plans are, from spending time with family to spooky adventures, so we compiled an October checklist of events across the state that you can’t miss.
Oktoberfest
October 4-6. Downtown, Deadwood. Times vary. When the people of Deadwood throw a party, they make sure it’s one to remember. Starting with Polkafest and ending with the 12th annual Beer Barrel Games, celebrate everything German, beer, and polka; not to mention the popular wiener dog races. More info: deadwood.com.
2018 Black Hills Powwow
October 5-7. Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City. Times vary. The 32nd Annual Black Hills Powwow has one very important goal and that is to make everyone feel welcome and to honor the song and dance of the Great Plains. Celebrate via a singing contest, fine arts show, and all things American Indian culture with thousands of people from across the country. More info: blackhillspowwow.com.
Wild West Songwriters Festival
October 11-13. Various locations, Deadwood. Times vary. Set in one of the most historic places in the Midwest, this festival brings together songwriters from all genres to perform, discuss, and party in the name of life-changing lyrics. Head to Deadwood to discover the inspiration behind your favorite songs and what it means to write a hit.
More info: wildwestsongwriters.com.
Great Scarecrow Festival
October 11-14. Campbell Park, Huron. All day. Get ready for the ideal Fall festival. Scarecrows of all makes and creeds will grace the grounds of Campbell Park for the 25th Annual Great Scarecrow Festival. Free to the public, stop by to admire the work of local businesses, organizations, and service clubs. More info: chamber.huronsd.com.
Haunted Farm
October 12-14, 19-21, 26-28. Haunted Farm, Worthing. Times vary. Open for a limited time only, this is the perfect place to go for a good scare. With venues like the Loft of Lunatics, Haunted Woods, and Dark Trail, there is something spooky for everyone. If horror isn’t your thing, take your turn at a hayride or visiting the baby animals.
More info: facebook.com.
Harvest Festival
October 13. Strawbale Winery, Renner. 11 a.m. Welcome the season of pumpkins and hay bales by heading to Strawbale Winery for their Harvest Festival. There will be pumpkin painting, live music, and vendors of all kinds. More info: strawbalewinery.com.
The Haunting Of Keystone
October 13-29. Various locations, Keystone. Times vary. For the month of October, Keystone is turned upside down to scare anyone and everyone. Haunts include Phobia, Torture, Panic, and Cavernous at four different locations. Make your way through the Black Hills one scare at a time at these spine-chilling stops.
More info: hauntingofkeystone.com.
Rapid City Kennel Dog Show
October 19-22. Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, Rapid City. Times vary. Open to the public, this all-breed dog show is one of the only of its kind across the state. Take a chance on your own pup’s skills or relax as a spectator while you watch old dogs with new tricks.
More info: rapidcitykennelclub.org.
South Dakota State & National Hand Corn Picking Contest
October 20-21. Jim and Deb Redder Farm, Flandreau. 9 a.m. As a way to celebrate the history of farming, this annual event hosts corn pickers from near and far to compete at the national level. If you think you can harvest and husk more corn by hand than your average joe, this contest is for you. More info: facebook.com.
Deadweird
October 26-27. Various locations, Deadwood. Times vary. Things get weird as Deadwood invites the people of South Dakota to celebrate Halloween with a Monster Ball, dancing, and a costume contest. If you have never walked the streets of Deadwood dressed as your favorite Netflix character, you may be missing out on one of the “weirdest” events in the state. More info: deadwood.com.
2018 Autumn Festival
October 26-28. Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls. Times vary. This particular Autumn Festival does not focus on hayrides and scarecrows, but handmade gifts and unique home décor. Crafters from all over the nation come together to support handcrafted work from furnishings to artwork. More info: hpifestivals.com.
