South Dakota Vacation Guide - 2025 South Dakota Vacation Guide
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
2025-12-15 09:34:30
Only-in-South Dakota
Folksy fairs, delicious diversions and cultural celebrations abound in South Dakota. Check out some of the 605 state’s most iconic festivals and events.
FORT SISSETON HISTORICAL FESTIVAL
June 7 | Lake City
Immerse yourself in frontier life while camping alongside cavalry, fur traders and riflemen during this three-day event, which includes fiddle music, stage shows and a military costume ball.
SPRING VOLKSMARCH
June 7 | Crazy Horse
Join as many as 15,000 hikers for a 6.2-mile trek to the arm of Crazy Horse Memorial®, a staggering tribute to the inimitable Lakota leader.
DAYS OF ’76 RODEO & PARADES
July 20-26 | Deadwood
Cowpokes flock to Historic Deadwood for seven days of top-notch competition and fun, from bronc riding and steer roping to the Historic Days of ’76 Parade down Main Street.
SOUTH DAKOTA CHISLIC FESTIVAL
July 26 | Freeman
Chislic consists of half-inch seasoned cubes of meat that are deep-fried or grilled and served on skewers. Get a bellyful of this mouthwatering South Dakota staple at Freeman’s annual summer celebration.
POTATO DAYS
August 1-3 | Clark
An ode to everyone’s favorite tuber, Potato Days is one of South Dakota’s most anticipated events of the year. The highlight of the three-day affair? It’s definitely the mashed-potato wrestling contest!
STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY
August 1-10 | Sturgis
For 10 days, more than 500,000 bikers rumble into Sturgis for the largest motorcycle rally in the world. Features include concerts, motocross races and, of course, legendary rides. Traveling on four wheels rather than two? Fear not, the festival has fun for all!
YANKTON RIVERBOAT DAYS
August 15-17 | Yankton
Held along the banks of the Missouri River, this three-day event includes an arts and crafts show, live music from national and regional artists, fireworks displays and carnival rides.
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE FAIR
August 27-September 1 | Huron
Head to Huron over Labor Day weekend for live entertainment, thrilling carnival rides, grandstand shows, car races and more.
CUSTER STATE PARK BUFFALO ROUNDUP AND ARTS FESTIVAL
September 25-27 | Custer
Prepare to be amazed as cowboys and cowgirls drive a herd of more than 1,300 bison at Custer State Park. After the roundup, check out the Arts Festival to peruse goods from local vendors.
BLACK HILLS POWWOW
October 10-12 | Rapid City
Experience the culture and traditions of the Northern Plains people at the Black Hills Powwow, which features thousands of Native dancers, singers and artisans from South Dakota and surrounding states.
CHRISTMAS AT THE CAPITOL
November 26-December 26 | Pierre
From Thanksgiving to Christmas, the State Capitol is adorned with 100 finely decorated trees and magical lights. Some evenings, you’ll even find carolers and musicians decking the halls with holiday music.
Discover more can’t-miss South Dakota events at TravelSouthDakota.com/Things-To-Do/Events.
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