Due to the possibility of cancellations, please check events’ websites/postings before attending.
1.) South Dakota Festival of Books
Virtual | Times Vary | October 1-10
From mid-September to October 10, the South Dakota Festival of Books is back, virtually connecting readers and writers with over 100 presentations. Authors and illustrators of all genres will present, including non-fiction writer Jessica Bruder, poetry and tribal writer Layli Long Soldier, and young readers writer Emily Crawford Wilson. Topics vary and include Spotlight on HERstorical Fiction, The Importance of Indigenous REpresentation, Turning an Illustrator into an Illustrated Book, and Out of Loneliness: Murder & Misunderstanding in South Dakota.
MORE INFO: SDHUMANITIES.ORG.
2.) Wild West Songwriters Festival
Deadwood Mountain Grand | Deadwood | Times Vary | October 7-9
Hear the story behind the music of singers and songwriters at Wild West Songwriters Festival in historic Deadwood. Saturday will bring the Songwriter’s Showcase. Local writer’s rounds will feature Heath Johnson, while others will feature songwriting partners of Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Jason Mraz, and more.
MORE INFO: DEADWOODMOUNTAINGRAND.COM.
3.) Oktoberfest
Main Street | Mitchell | 11 A.M. | October 9
Head to Main Street in Mitchell to celebrate Oktoberfest. The Wiener Dog Race starts at 1 p.m., and Oktoberfest games follow closely behind an hour later. Enjoy German-themed food, music, and beer from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MORE INFO: MITCHELLMAINSTREET.COM.
4.) Bierbörse
Main Street Square | Rapid City | 2 P.M. | October 9
Join other craft beer enthusiasts at Main Street Square to celebrate Bierbörse, a beer stock exchange where prices rise and crash with popularity. With live entertainment from the Polkanaunts, try authentic German cuisine and get involved with the Bier Olympics. The competitions include Cornhole, SteinHolding, Keg Bowling, Weiner Toss, and Life-Size Beer Pong.
MORE INFO: MAINSTREETSQUARE.ORG.
5.) Oktoberfest
Aberdeen Civic Arena | Aberdeen | 1 P.M. | October 23
Celebrate Aberdeen’s German and Russian heritage with food, a beer and wine garden, dancing, music, craft beer tastings, and more at Aberdeen Civic Arena’s Oktoberfest. While there’ll be a beer and wine garden for the adults, a root beer garden will be available in the kids area with bounce houses and activities. Traditional dachshund races, contests, and a German breed dog parade will provide entertainment for those who attend.
MORE INFO: FACEBOOK.COM.
6.) Deadweird
Deadwood | Times Vary | October 29-30
Spend a weekend in costume this Halloween at Deadweird. Friday night, head to Saloon #10 for the Monster Ball, dance to The Cowardly Lions, and give the People’s Choice Costume Contest your best shot. Bring the family to Saturday’s Trunk or Treat at the Days of ‘76 Event Complex. Become part of the official costume contest at the Silverado-Franklin Hotel and Gaming Complex, and finish off the night dancing.
MORE INFO: DEADWOOD.ORG.
