Whether you spend your days on the river or live for weekend festivals, South Dakota is bringing you the hottest summer events of 2019.
CINCO DE MAYO
May 11. Falls Park, Sioux Falls. 11 a.m. Wells Fargo’s Cinco de Mayo Falls Park Fiesta will bring community, culture, and entertainment together for a day of celebration. The day includes live music, children’s activities, a Chihuahua Fashion Show, and much more. More info: cincofiesta.com.
DAIRY FEST
June 1. Swiftel Center, Brookings. 10 a.m. We can’t think of a better way to start off Dairy Month than with a festival devoted to cheese, milk, ice cream, and more. Moooove on to the dairy farm tour and keep things exciting with bounce houses and the Moo Cow Barn Dance. More info: swiftelcenter.com.
RASDAK
June 2-8. Various locations, South Dakota. All day. This is not your ordinary afternoon excursion. RASDAK is an annual bike ride that begins in Custer and ends in Yankton. From west to east, riders will experience the beauty of South Dakota, all while visiting the communities en route. More info: rasdak.com.
SOUTH DAKOTA SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
June 6-9. Prentis Park, Vermillion. Times vary. To be, or not to be: that is the question. What isn’t the question is whether or not you should go to the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival. The region’s best actors will transform Prentis Park into A Midsummer Night’s Dream. More info: sdshakespearefestival.org.
SIOUXLAND RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
June 8-9. W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, Sioux Falls. All day. Complete with Scottish games, daring knights, and a variety of vendors, this festival will take you back to 1575—the 17th year of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. Whether you’re a queen or a fool, join the people of Shrewsbury County for all things Renaissance. More info: siouxlandrenfest.com.
CZECH DAYS
June 13-15. Various locations, Tabor. All day. Seventy-one years later, and Tabor is still home to the biggest celebration of Czech food, dancing, and music in the state. From a parade to a performance from the Tabor Beseda Dancers, these three days will leave you craving more kolache than ever before. More info: taborczechdays.com.
WILD BILL DAYS
June 14-15. Historic downtown, Deadwood. Times vary. Wild Bill Hickock may be long gone, but his memory lives on through this summertime festival. Bring your pups for the National DockDog Competition, stay for the free concerts, and if you have the energy, partake in the midnight 5k. More info: deadwood.com.
VINEGAR FESTIVAL
June 15. Various locations, Roslyn. 9 a.m. Home to the world’s only Vinegar Museum, Roslyn hosts the annual Vinegar Festival. Not only will there be a vinegar tasting and demonstration, but there will be a new Vinegar Queen crowned, which you won’t want to miss. More info: internationalvinegarmuseum.com.
ARTS IN THE PARK
June 15-16. Melgaard Park, Aberdeen. All day. Started as a way to encourage people to “spend a happy day in the park,” this weekend is full of folk art, entertainment, and local food. With over 20,000 people estimated to visit and around 80 exhibitors, this is a must-see this summer. More info: aberdeenareaartscouncil.com.
OAHE DAYS ART & MUSIC FESTIVAL
June 20-23. Pierre, South Dakota. Times vary. Head to the capital city for this annual arts and music festival. The weekend kicks off with A Taste of Pierre and continues with live music and an abundance of activities for the entire family. More info: oahedays.com.
10TH ANNUAL 605 SUMMER CLASSIC
June 21-22. Cherapa Place, Sioux Falls. Times vary. Cheers to 10 years! 605 Magazine is bringing an eclectic range of bands, local brews, and the same level of entertainment to the Sioux Falls River Greenway for this annual summer festival. See EDM headliner Dabin and hip hop headliner Sammy Adams, and don’t miss the all-S.D. beer tasting Saturday from 2-5 p.m. More info: 605summerclassic.com.
LAURA INGALLS WILDER PAGEANT
July 5-7, 12-14, 19-21. Theater on the Prairie, De Smet. 6 p.m. In the mood for some historical entertainment? Head to De Smet to enjoy the 2019 show, By The Shores of Silver Lake, and be transported to the times of covered wagons and sod houses. More info: desmetpageant.org.
DANISH DAYS
July 17-21. Various locations, Viborg. Times vary. Known for maintaining the original Danish founders’ spirit, Viborg hosts Danish Days, five days of all things Denmark. Get your inner viking on and join in on the Danish Days Pageant, Aebleskiver Breakfast, and Chicken Bingo, to name a few. More info: danishdays.org.
JAZZFEST
July 19-20. Yankton Trail Park, Sioux Falls. Times vary. This Sioux Falls summer staple is back. In efforts to raise money for youth music programs, this free outdoor festival will be full of jazz, blues, and community. Don’t miss headliners Miss Myra & The Moonshiners, Tower of Power, 50th Anniversary, and Here Come the Mummies. More info: siouxfallsjazzfest.com.
DAYS OF ’76 RODEO
July 23-27. Various locations, Deadwood. Times vary. Voted as the PRCA Midsize Rodeo of the Year, the Days of ‘76 Rodeo is more than bucking broncos and barrel races. Get ready for a parade, timed races, and performances from some of the biggest names in rodeo. More info: daysof76.com.
SOUTH DAKOTA CHISLIC FESTIVAL
July 27. Freeman Prairie Arboretum, Freeman. 9 a.m. After an incredibly successful first year, the South Dakota Chislic Festival is back with more chislic, more beer, and more fun (and extended hours). Whether you swear by lamb or believe in beef, head to the heart of the Chislic Circle for a day completely dedicated to the state nosh. More info: sdchislicfestival.com.
STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY
August 2-11. Various locations, Sturgis. All day. Ten days. Half-a-million riders. One rally. Make your way to Sturgis for the largest gathering of motorcycle enthusiasts in the country. Besides epic bikes and wicked stories, there will be local beer, good eats, and live music from people like Keith Urban and Snoop Dogg. More info: sturgismotorcyclerally.com.
YANKTON RIVERBOAT DAYS
August 16-18. Various locations, Yankton. Times vary. Just in case you needed another excuse to spend time at the river, Yankton is hosting the 36th Annual Riverboat Days. Jam packed with activities from sunrise to sunset, don’t miss the infamous parade, car show, and zipline. More info: riverboatdays.com.
CORN PALACE FESTIVAL
August 23-25. Corn Palace, Mitchell. Times vary. Celebrate as the Corn Palace turns into carnival rides, food vendors, and hosts performances by Clint Black, Trace Atkins, and Blood Sweat & Tears. More info: cornpalace.com.
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE FAIR
August 29 -September 1. South Dakota State Fairgrounds, Huron. Times vary. It’s time for the South Dakota State Fair. Besides fair rides and funnel cakes, there will be an arm wrestling competition, a pork butt battle, and a wine tasting. Also check out music from Little Big Town, Brothers Osborne, and more. More info: sdstatefair.com.
