Due to the possibility of cancellations, please check events’ websites/postings before attending.
1.) SOUTH DAKOTA STATE FAIR
Huron | September 3-7
Be sure to swing by the state fairgrounds to experience five days of classic carnival games, rides, and plenty of unique events at the South Dakota State Fair. Throughout the fair, events like the Bull Bash, a championship rodeo, the ATV Big Air Tour, and fireworks will be at the Grandstand. Attend various musical performances around the fairgrounds including the American Idol-style Dakota Star competition, Diamonds & Whiskey, and Anna McElroy.
MORE INFO: SDSTATEFAIR.COM
2.) 605 BLACK HILLS CLASSIC
Spearfish | September 12
The 605 team is bringing the fun of the 605 Summer Classic to the Black Hills for the second annual 605 Black Hills Classic. At Lions Park, event-goers can pick up a wristband for unlimited craft beer tastings from around 20 South Dakota breweries. Be sure to vote for the People’s Choice award of the event. Participate in 605 trivia, pick up items from Oh Geez! Design and Flyover Country, and jam to music from Camp Comfort and Chelsey Dee & Company.
MORE INFO: 605BLACKHILLSCLASSIC.COM.
3.) 30TH ANNUAL DEADWOOD JAM OUTDOOR MUSIC FESTIVAL
Deadwood | September 17-19
To kick off the event, find the Art and Jam Auction on Main Street Deadwood. Live performances span Friday and Saturday with headliner Pinky and the Floyd. Other appearances include Tie Dye Volcano, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Big Wu, and more.
MORE INFO: DEADWOOD.COM.
4.) SOUTH DAKOTA FILM FESTIVAL
Aberdeen | September 17-26
Sit back with some popcorn at home for this year’s South Dakota Film Festival. The event will be held virtually for 2020 with all 58 features, shorts, comedies, dramas, documentaries, and animated films available in a video-on-demand format on the festival’s website. The festival features films shot in the Great Plains and made by Great Plains filmmakers, among others.
MORE INFO: SOUTHDAKOTAFILMFEST.ORG
5.) BUFFALO ROUNDUP & ARTS FESTIVAL
Custer | September 24-26
Park at Custer State Park and bring a folding chair, binoculars, and sunscreen to watch cowgirls and cowboys round up a herd of around 1,300 buffalo. Meals will be served before and after the event. Throughout the weekend, stop by the Arts Festival to check out more than 150 vendors, many of which feature South Dakota-made products.
MORE INFO: GFP.SD.GOV
6.) 12th ANNUAL GREAT DOWNTOWN PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
Rapid City | September 26
From Main Street Square to Memorial Park, attend the biggest festival in downtown Rapid City, the Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival. Pumpkins will be painted, catapulted, and entered in a weigh-off. Check out vendors, participate in a downtown pub crawl, and bring kids to the Scull Construction Kidz Zone.
MORE INFO: MAINSTREETSQUARE.ORG
