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.
28TH ANNUAL JAZZFEST
July 19- 20. Yankton Trail Park, Sioux Falls. Times vary. Join us in Sioux Falls for a celebration of music! This annual event will bring back popular performers like Tempo, Miss Myra & The Moonshiners, and Tower of Power to perform on two stages at Yankton Trail Park. Plus, proceeds from the event help fund programs like the All City Jazz Ensemble and the Jazz Diversity Project. siouxfallsjazzfest.com.
STORYBOOK LAND FESTIVAL
July 19-20. Storybook Land, Aberdeen. Times vary. Take your family on a journey at the 14th Annual Storybook Land Festival. Chat with published authors like Jean L. S. Patrick, see jugglers and theatre performances, and don’t forget to snap a few photos with characters like Biscuit, Pete the Cat, and the characters from The Wizard of Oz! More info: aberdeen.sd.us.
FESTIVAL IN THE PARK
July 19-21. Spearfish City Park, Spearfish. Times Vary. Come to Spearfish and check out more than 25 food vendors, as well as live performances from bands like The Red Petals and Hank Harris. This festival, sponsored by the Matthews Opera House & Arts Center, is one of the largest outdoor arts and music festivals in the Midwest. Plus, proceeds from the event help fund local arts outreach. More info: matthewsopera.com.
HOT SUMMER NITES
July 17. W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, Sioux Falls. 4 p.m. Don’t miss the “hottest night” of the summer. After viewing cool, vintage Corvettes, you can dance along to Bluffet (a Jimmy Buffet tribute band), or maybe grab a bite from one of many area food trucks like The Kabab King, Papa Woody’s Wood Fire Pizza, and many more. More info: blackhillscorvetteclassic.com.
NATIVE POP: PEOPLE OF THE PLAINS
July 20. Main Street Square, Rapid City. 9 a.m. This juried Native American fine arts show features work from Native American artists themed around the culture of the Great Plains. This event offers a unique opportunity to chat with the artists, learn about culture, and view interesting art pieces. More info: mainstreetsquarerc.com.
ENTERTAINMENT
48th Black Hills Corvette Classic
July 17- 29
Various locations, South Dakota
All day.
Hands-on Macarons
July 18
Plum’s Cooking Company, Sioux Falls
6 p.m.
Hometown Days
July 20
Various locations, Brandon
All day.
Ole Time Music and Ice Cream Festival
July 20
Granary Rural Cultural Center, Groton
1 p.m.
SPORTS
Big Sioux River Kayak and Raft Tour
July 15
SD 42, Sioux Falls
1 p.m.
28th Annual Western Corporate Image Pro-am
July 17- 21
Moccasin Creek Country Club, Aberdeen.
All day.
Lazy 5k
July 19
Drake Springs Swimming Pool, Sioux Falls
7 p.m.
45th South Dakota Governor’s Cup
July 20- 21
Spring Creek Recreation Area, Pierre.
All day.
GET INVOLVED
42nd Festival in the Park
July 19- 21
Spearfish City Park, Spearfish
Times vary.
Meridian En Blanc
July 20
Meridian Bridge, Yankton.
Time TBA.
5th Annual PVA Poker Run
July 20
Thirsty Duck, Sioux Falls
10 a.m.
MUSIC
Songs of Texas
July 17
Bigs Bar, Sioux Falls
7 p.m.
Cody Jinks
July 18
The District, Sioux Falls
7 p.m.
Smells Like Nirvana
July 19
Bigs Bar, Sioux Falls
7 p.m.
4th Annual Oahe Blues Fest
July 19- 20
Grey Goose Store & Social Club, Pierre.
7 p.m.
Midland
July 20
Deadwood Mountain Grand, Deadwood.
8 p.m.
Slamdakota Midwest Death Fest 2019
July 20
Bigs Bar, Sioux Falls
3 p.m.
Hills Alive Music Festival
July 20- 21
Various locations, Rapid City
Noon.
Asking Alexandria
July 21
The District, Sioux Falls
8 p.m.
