May Events
May 2-4 - Rapid City
Naja Shrine Circus
Two-hour spectacular 3-ring extravaganza featuring amazing and amusing wild and domestic animals, daring trapeze artists, the crazy antics of the circus clowns plus much more. There will be animal rides, prizes to be won and clown photos taken during intermission. Held at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Admission: $8 adult, $4 children. Handicap accessible. Contact: Naja Shriners, Rhonda, 4901 Sturgis Road, Rapid City, SD 57702. Phone: 605-343-4279.
May 3 - Crazy Horse
Korczak Day in South Dakota
In 2005, celebrate the 58th anniversary of sculpture Korczak Ziolkowski's 1947 arrival to the Black Hills to accept the Indian's invitation to carve Crazy Horse Memorial. Admission: Yes. Handicap accessible. Contact: Crazy Horse Memorial, Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD 57730-9506. memorial@crazyhorse.org. Phone: 605-673-4681.
May 24-26 - Crazy Horse
Memorial Day Weekend Open House
Free admission to residents of South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and the Nebraska panhandle. Guest artists and crafts people show their work in the Indian Museum and the Educational/Cultural Center. Handicap accessible. Contact: Crazy Horse Memorial, Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD 57730. E-mail: memorial@crazyhorse.org. Phone: 605-673-4681.
June Events
June 6-7 - Sturgis
Annual Sturgis/Fort Meade Cavalry Days
Living history re-enactments, parade, bank robbery, art show, military ball, buffalo feed, period fashion show, children's fishing derby and arts in the park. Held at Fort Meade, an 1878 military outpost. Admission charged. Handicap accessible. Contact: Sturgis Area Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 504, Sturgis, SD 57785. info@sturgis.sd.org. Phone: 605-347-2556.
June 6-8 - Rapid City
Black Hills Overdrive
Start your engines, shift into overdrive and head to the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota for the 3rd Annual Black Hills Overdrive All-Car Rally. Wheels rule for 10 fun-filled days of cars 'n cruisin' and try your luck in the Million Dollar Poker Run. Scenic rides and multiple activities throughout the Black HIlls for all car enthusiasts. Admission: Free Contact: Black Hills, Badlands and Lakes Association, 1851 Discovery Circle, Rapid City, SD 57701 Phone: 605-355-3600 info@blackhillsbadlands.com www.bhoverdrive.com
June 7-8 - Crazy Horse Memorial
Crazy Horse Volksmarch
10K volksmarch held at Crazy Horse Memorial. This walk is your only time to see the carving of the work in progress up close. Admission: $2 credit, $2 walkers. Contact: Black Hills Volkssport Association, Beth Hendricks, PO Box 2046, Rapid City, SD 57701. Phone: 605-673-4681.
June 8 - Deadwood
Deadwood-Mickelson Trail Marathon
Marathon and half-marathon. Activities include a pre-race meal, fish fry, vendor expo, guest speakers and easy access to the Black Hills and attractions. Course starts in Rochford and ends in Deadwood. Admission: Free Contact: Deadwood Mickelson Trail, Inc., Jerry Dunn, 600 Meier Street, Spearfish, SD 57783 Phone: 605-642-2382 leanhorse@rushmore.com www.deadwoodmickelsontrailmarathon.com
June 13-15 - Deadwood
Wild Bill Hickok Days
A national wild west re-enactment competition. Enjoy music, living history and world-class fast draw, gun spinning, mounted shooting and a free concert. Admission: Free. Handicap accessible. Contact: Deadwood Chamber and Visitors Bureau, George Milos, 735 Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732. visit@deadwood.org. Phone: 800-999-1876.
June 14-15 - Rapid City
Methusela's Birthday Party at Reptile Gardens
Celebrate the birthday of South Dakota's oldest resident. There will be watermelon cake for Methusela, a giant tortoise for visitors to see, plus beverages, balloons and giveaways. Admission: $10 adult, $6 children. Handicap accessible. Contact: Reptile Gardens, John Brockelsby, PO Box 620, Rapid City, SD 57709. johnnyb@reptilegardens.com. Phone: 800-335-0275.
June 26 - Crazy Horse
Ruth Ziolkowski's Birthday Night Blast
A birthday celebration for the wife of sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski, the man who started the Crazy Horse mountain carving, and recognition of the anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. (2005 marks Ruth's 78th birthday and the 129th anniversary.) Traditionally, it includes a night blast on the mountain. Free admission to the Memorial after 5 p.m. (suggest two cans of food per person for the KOTA Care and Share Food Drive). Before 5 p.m., Memorial admission is $9 for adults, free for children under 6, or $20 per car load. Admission: Free after 5 p.m. Handicap accessible. Contact: Crazy Horse Memorial, Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD 57730. memorial@crazyhorse.org. Phone: 605-673-4681.
June 27-28 - Rapid City
Festival of Presidents Weekend
Two Day event takes place in downtown Rapid City. The festival includes a patriotic music contest with cash prizes, a Friday evening concert, an official tribute to the presidential statues located downtown, a Saturday morning patriotic parade with cash prizes for the top three marching bands and much more. Giveaways, sales and activities abound. Fun is in store for the whole family during this weekend festival. Admission: Free. Handicap accessible. Contact: Festival of Presidents, Russell Dubee, PO Box 624, Rapid City, SD 57709-0624. www.festivalofpresidents.com. Phone: 605-391-5826.
July Events
July 2-4 - Belle Fourche
Black Hills Roundup Rodeo
PCRA rodeo plus a free barbecue, Miss Rodeo South Dakota Pageant, Junior Miss South Dakota Rodeo Pageant, carnival, fireworks, parade and more. Held at Belle Fourche Roundup Grounds. Admission charged. Handicap accessible. Contact: Black Hills Roundup Committee, 415 5th Street, Belle Fourche, SD 57717. e-mail:chamber@bellefourche.org. Phone: 888-345-5859.
July 3-4 - Lead
Gold Camp Jubilee
Parade, food and craft vendors, entertainment, children's activities, carnival, mining competition, dunk tank, bands and fireworks over the open cut. Held at Manuel Brothers Park and Lean Main Street. Admission: Free. Handicap accessible. Contact: Lead Area Chamber of Commerce, 640 W. Main, Lead. SD 57754. E-mail:leadcoc@mato.com. Phone: 605-584-1702.
July 4 - Spearfish
Independence Day Parade
Patriotic parade of floats held on Jackson Blvd and Main Street. Admission: Free. Handicap accessible. Contact: Gene's Lock Shop, Gene Ficek, 521 Main St., Spearfish, SD 57783. Phone: 605-642-4542.
July 17-19 - Spearfish
Black Hills Corvette Classic
Annual event that brings together Corvette owners and enthusiasts. Kick-off for this event is Hot Summer Nites in Sioux Falls. Then, 400 Corvettes caravan from Sioux Falls to Spearfish. Driving events in the Black Hills include drag racing, autocross, tours, poker run, and more. There is also entertainment, a style show, and a banquet in Spearfish. Admission: Free Contact: Sioux Falls Corvette Club, Mike Skiles, 1112 Connor Trail, Sioux Falls, SD 57103 Phone: 605-334-1625 Website: www.blackhillscorvetteclassic.com Email: skiles@sio.midco.net
July 18-20 - Spearfish
Festival in the Park
Arts and crafts booths, food booths, ethnic food, free entertainment, children's activities and more. Come enjoy a fun-filled family weekend. Admission: $5 Friday night, Saturday and Sunday are free. Handicap accessible. Contact: Bob and Ardis Golay, 614 Main Street, Spearfish, SD 57783. Phone: 605-642-7973.
July 22-27 - Deadwood
Days of '76
The 81st annual Days of '76 includes five action-packed professional rodeos, free street dances, carnival, western arts and crafts festival and a three-mile long historic parade. Admission: Fee for rodeo. Handicap accessible. Contact: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, 735 Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732. E-mail: visit@deadwood.org. Phone: 800-999-1876.
August Events
August 4-10 - Sturgis
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
The rumble of motorcycle resonates through South Dakota's fabled Black Hills. Bikers come from around the world for the granddaddy of all get-togethers-the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. A weeklong celebration features national motorcycle races, motorcycle shows, bike tours and sidewalk vendors. Free. Handicap accessible. Contact: City of Sturgis Rally Dept., Lisa Weyer, 2030 Main Street, Sturgis, SD 57785. Phone: 605-720-0800.
August 15-17 - Sturgis
Black Hills Steam & Gas Threshing Bee
Pioneer heritage comes alive in Sturgis. Parade of 100 years of tractors, threshing machines and cars. Demonstrations of threshing, hay binding, limber milling, rock crushing, blacksmithing, Corliss engine Held 7 miles west of Sturgis on Hereford Road. Admission: $3 adults, children free. Handicap accessible. Contact: Western Dakota Antique Club, Cliff Roemmich, PO Box 141, Sturgis, SD 57785. Phone: 605-269-2690.
August 15-24 - Rapid City
Central States Fair
Top-name grandstand entertainment, professional rodeos, cattle show, 4-H achievement days, carnival, kids activities, entertainment in beer tent. Held at the Rapid City Fairgrounds. Admission: $1. Handicap accessible. Contact: Central States Fair, Ron Jeffries, 800 San Francisco Street, Rapid City, SD 57701. Phone: 605-355-3861.
August 21-24 - Deadwood
Kool Deadwood Nites
Two free concerts, a show-n-shine, cruise of champions, poker run and more. Admission: for cars entered in competition. Handicap accessible. Contact: Deadwood Chamber and Visitors Bureau, 735 Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732. E-mail: visit@deadwood.org. Phone: 800-999-1876.
August 30-31 - Crazy Horse
Labor Day Weekend Open House
Free admission to residents of South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming and the Nebraska panhandle. Guest artists and crafts people show their work in the Indian Museum and the Educational/Cultural Center. Handicap accessible. Contact: Crazy Horse Memorial, Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD 57730. E-mail: memorial@crazyhorse.org. Phone: 605-673-4681.
August 31-September 1 - Newell
Newell Labor Day Celebration
Parade and dance on Main Street, ranch rodeo including sheep teepeeing and mutton busting, activities for the children, craft fair, flower show, museum displays and more. Admission: for rodeo. Handicap accessible. Contact: Newell Community Club, P O Box 452, Newell, SD 57760. Phone: 605-456-2947.
September Events
September 1 - Newell
Newell Labor Day Celebration
Parade and dance on Main Street, ranch rodeo including sheep teepeeing and mutton busting, activities for the children, craft fair, flower show, museum displays and more. Admission: for rodeo. Handicap accessible. Contact: Newell Community Club, P O Box 452, Newell, SD 57760. Phone: 605-456-2947.
September 6 - Crazy Horse
Dual anniversaries Night Blast
Night blast (weather permitting) on Crazy Horse Memorial. Observing the anniversaries of the 1877 death of Crazy Horse and the 1908 birth of sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski. Admission: Free after 7 p.m. Handicap accessible. Contact: Crazy Horse Memorial, Avenue of the Chiefs, Crazy Horse, SD. E-mail: memorial@crazyhorse.org. Phone: 605-673-4681.
September 12-13 - Deadwood
Deadwood Jam
A two-day music festival offering a variety of music including rock, country, bluegrass, blues, swing, reggae and gospel. Held on Deadwood's Historic Main Street. Admission. Handicap accessible. Contact: Deadwood Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, George Milos, 735 Main Street, Deadwood, SD 57732. E-mail: visit@deadwood.org. Phone: 800-999-1876.
September 19-20 - Deadwood
Black Hills Jeep Jamboree
Explore the scenic beauty of the Black Hills up close. A first rate family event. Admission: $250 adults, $75-$125 children. Handicap accessible. Contact: Jeep Jamboree USA, PO Box 1601, Georgetown, CA 95634. E-mail: jeepjam@jeepjam.com. Phone: 530-333-4777.
September 19-21 - Lead
Mickelson Trail Trek-George S. Mickelson Trail
This annual, three-day event began in 1997. Enjoy a trailride that covers the entire Mickelson Trail through the heart of the Black Hills. Cyclists ride the 114-mile trail and enjoy the scenic valleys, old railroad tunnels and historic mining towns including Lead, Deadwood, Edgemont, Custer and Hill City. (Pre-registration is required for riders.). Admission: Yes General: $125 for riders. Contact: Black Hills Trails Office, Shannon Percy, 11361 Nevada Gulch Road, Lead, SD 57754 Phone: 605-584-3896 Website: www.mickelsontrail.com Email: mickelsontrail@state.sd.us
September 23 - Spearfish
Taste of Spearfish
Food samples from Spearfish restaurants with musical entertainment. Held at the City Pavilion/Park. Admission: $1. Handicap accessible. Contact: Spearfish Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 550, Spearfish, SD 57783. Phone: 605-642-2626.
September 27-28 - Custer State Park
Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival
Join the crowd and enjoy three days of entertainment, demonstrations and more. Artisans and craftsmen from throughout the midwest exhibit and sell eir wares ranging from South Dakota made products to western and Native American art. Held at the beautiful surroundings of Custer State Park in the Black Hills. Festival leads up to the Annual Buffalo Roundup. State park entrance license required. Contact: Custer State Park, Craig Pugsley, HC 83 Box 70, Custer, SD 57730. E-mail: craig.pugsley@state.sd.us. Phone: 605-255-4515.
September 29 - Custer State Park
Buffalo Roundup
Watch as cowboys, cowgirls and park crews saddle up and roundup Custer State Park's 1,500 head of buffalo. After the roundup, park staff sort, brand and vaccinate the animals for the November buffalo sale. This is one of the nation's largest buffalo roundups. Free. Handicap accessible. Contact: Custer State Park, Craig Pugsley, HC 83 Box 70, Custer, SD 57730. E-mail: craig.pugsley@state.sd.us. Phone: 605-255-4515.
