70,000 expected at Brookings arts festival

Hundreds of artists, families keep 55-year cultural tradition alive this weekend

Jul 10, 2026

∙ Paid

People browse a booth at the 2025 Brookings Summer Arts Festival. More than 300 booths are expected for the 55th anniversary event this year, which runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. (Chad Garnes / *The Dakota Scout*)

Thousands of artists, shoppers and visitors will descend on Brookings this weekend as one of South Dakota’s longest-running summer traditions marks its 55th year.

The Brookings Summer Arts Festival kicks off Saturday with more than 300 artists representing 12 states filling Pioneer Park for the free, two-day event, which is expected to draw as many as 70,000 visitors.

“Art, food and entertainment is what make up the whole thing,” festival spokeswoman Shari Budahl Avery told The Dakota Scout. “I think economically it is a great thing for Brookings. Visitors who just come for the day or two days for the arts festival have the opportunity to see what else Brookings has.”