“The business of downtown Rapid City focuses on everything from entertainment, driving business to shops and restaurants in Main Street Square, and keeping the streets clean,” stated Matt Senftner, president and CEO of Downtown Rapid City.
Main Street Square diligently plans, promotes, and executes an array of events that contribute to creating an iconic landmark for Rapid City and the Black Hills.
In addition to putting on signature events like the Cruiser Car Show and the Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival, the organization works to improve the quality of life downtown
“the organization was formed back in the early 2000s as part of the downtown revitalization effort, aimed at boosting economic development and tourism in the area.” – matt seftner
Senftner says downtown Rapid City not only focuses on the maintenance, improvements, and successes of businesses in Main Street Square, but all of downtown.
“Our organization strives to bring the community together in a relaxing, fun, and safe environment,” added executive director Callie Meyer.
For visitors and residents, downtown Rapid City is more than just a collection of buildings, stores, and restaurants; it offers an experience of its own.
Learn more about Senftner and Meyer’s favorite local activities.
Callie Meyer
BOOKWORM
Reading is my favorite pastime, and I feel lucky that we share a building with Mitzi’s Books so I can run upstairs and pick out the latest release as soon as it’s out. I also love walking over to Again Books and perusing their shelves for my next read.
GREEN THUMB ENTHUSIAST
I have no self-control when it comes to buying new plants for my house. I’m a frequent flier at Jolly Lane Greenhouse, and while my husband tells me we’re going to run out of space in our home, there will always be a spot for a new plant to go.
HAPPY HOUR
Happy hour with friends at Windsor Block Bar is always a blast. The space is gorgeous, and the staff is super knowledgeable; you can tell them what style of drink you’d like and they’ll whip up something perfectly crafted to fit you. I also love they have a mocktail menu—the Pa Noma is perfect on a summer night.
MOVIE MANIA
My husband and I love the experience of going to a movie at the Elks Theatre. Stuffing yourself with extra buttered popcorn, drinking a massive pop, and watching a movie on the big screen is one of the simplest joys in life.
SELF CARE ADVOCATE
I’m a huge advocate for self-care, and Mystique Edge Day Spa & Salon is one of my favorite places to relax.
6 FUN FACTS
One
Meyer has read 52 books in 2022 and is on track to do the same this year.
Two
Meyer loves trying new recipes and cookbooks—recently she’s been working her way through the Half Baked Harvest collection.
Three
Meyer has rewatched the TV series The Mindy Project all the way through at least five times [and counting].
Four
Senftner attended college in New York for sound engineering, where he learned to record musical artists and edit various independent films.
Five
Senftner began DJing around the age of 17 and has since performed in major cities around the United States. His favorite gig was when he was flown to the Philippines to DJ for an entire month.
Six
Senftner grew up in Rapid City but has lived in several different states throughout his life, including Colorado, New York City, California, Washington, and Florida.
MATT SEFNTER
LAKE DAYS
One of my favorite places to be is on the lake with family and friends. Pactola Lake is at the top of my list of lakes in the area. There is nothing better than spending time on the water surrounded by the Black Hills.
DINNER WITH A VIEW
My wife and I love to get out and enjoy the Vertex Sky Bar located in the Hotel Alex Johnson. I definitely recommend checking out the view of downtown with the Hills in the background at dusk.
LOCAL GIGS
My family and I have attended several events at Main Street Square, and enjoy taking our kids to the Kids’ Carnival and attending the live music events. Nothing can beat catching a great band outside on a beautiful summer evening.
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
My family and I are huge football fans! We always look forward to catching a Rapid City Marshals game at the Summit Arena in The Monument when the regular season has concluded.
SHREDDIN’ SNOW
Snowboarding is my favorite winter sport, and I always enjoy taking my kids up to Terry Peak Ski Area on a fresh snow day.
2023 Lineup
All Events Will Take Place at Main Street Square
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS
July 7, 14, 21, 28 // 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
SPLASH PATIO CONCERT SERIES
July 6, 13, 20, 27 // 6 – 8 p.m.
NATIVE POP
July 8-9 // 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
BIERBÖRSE FESTIVAL
July 22 // 1 – 5 p.m.
GOLDEN HOUR LIVE FT. THUNDERSTRUCK: AMERICAN AC/DC
August 5 // 6 – 9 p.m.
THE GREAT DOWNTOWN PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
September 23 // 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
CRUISER CAR SHOW
September 30 // 2 – 6 p.m.
DOWNTOWN TRICK-OR-TREAT
October 28 // 12 – 2 p.m.
VETERAN’S DAY CEREMONY
November 11 // 10:30 – 11 a.m.
HOLIDAY CELEBRATION & WINTER MARKET
November 25 // 2 – 6 p.m.
