EVENTS | Upcoming South Dakota events & entertainment
Submit your events for The Dakota Scout's Lounge section by emailing events@thedakotascout.com.
Touch-A-Truck
Friday, Sept. 20 • 6 p.m.
Harmodon Park, Sioux Falls
Touch-A-Truck gives your family an opportunity to explore various vehicles and talk to the people who operate them. Inflatables, food vendors, and games will also be available. It's fun for the entire family. It's free, and no registration is required.
BHSU Swarm Days
Thursday, Sept. 19 - Saturday, Sept. 21
Black Hills State University
Get ready for an unforgettable week as Black Hills State University celebrates Swarm Days with an exciting Mardi Gras theme. This year, we're bringing together the BHSU community and the Spearfish community for a vibrant celebration filled with fun, connection, and unforgettable memories.
She Kills Monsters
Thursday, Sept. 19 - Saturday, Sept. 21
Grand Opera House, Pierre
She Kills Monsters, a dramatic comedy by Qui Nguyen, tells the story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, she is catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy, which features homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all.
South Dakota Festival of Books
Friday, Sept. 20 - Sunday, Sept. 22
Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, Brookings
Join the South Dakota Humanities Council as they present the 22nd Annual South Dakota Festival of Books. This premier literary event celebrates literature by connecting top regional and national writers with readers for engaging conversations, presentations, panel discussions, book signings, and special events.
Esports Competition
Saturday, Sept. 21 • 7:30 a.m.
Sioux Falls Convention Center
Play video games for a chance to win up to $250 at the inaugural SoDak Circuit esports event. This free event is open to gamers of all ages and skill levels. Main events include Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Valorant and Rocket League. There will be adult and junior divisions for some of the games, and big screens for spectators to watch all the action.
Hogs ‘N’ Hot Rods
Saturday, Sept. 21 • 9 a.m.
Brookings Auto Mall, Brookings
Show off your Hog or Hot Rod at Brookings Auto Mall's Third Annual H&HR Car Show. We will be serving Kool Beans coffee and delicious donuts. All registrants will receive a goodie bag filled with BAM/Car Show swag, so tell your friends and join in on the fun.
Falling for Animals
Saturday, Sept. 21 • 9 a.m.
Great Plains Zoo, Sioux Falls
Embrace the spirit of autumn at our Falling for Animals event. Enjoy bubble parties, inflatables, lawn games, and watch as our animals engage with special pumpkin enrichment. Capture the perfect fall photo at our straw bale photo opportunity in the Plaza.
Remedy Brewing Oktoberfest
Saturday, Sept. 21 • 11 a.m.
Remedy Brewing, Sioux Falls
Join us for our annual Oktoberfest celebration. Enjoy live music, German food specials, games, dachshund races, a home brewing competition, and our stein-holding competition.
Dedication Ceremony for Veterans Wall #4
Saturday, Sept. 21 • 12 p.m.
Monument Site at Indian Springs, Spearfish
The Spearfish Veterans Monument Committee is proud to announce the dedication ceremony for Wall #4. Join us at the Monument Site at Indian Springs (across from Spearfish City Park near the corner of South Canyon and West Dakota streets) for a short ceremony. Senator Randy Deibert, South Dakota State Senator for District 31, will be the guest speaker. Please help us honor our local veterans.
Paws and Pumpkins
Saturday, Sept. 21 • 1 p.m.
Paws Pet Resort, Sioux Falls
Come to the biggest dog party of the fall - 5th Annual Paws & Pumpkins Fall Festival. Decorate a caramel apple, pick out a pumpkin to take home, drink apple cider, create paw print paintings, or get a kiss at the puppy kissing booth. Kids can paint pumpkins, bounce in the bouncy house, bob for apples, play pumpkin tic-tac-toe, and more.
Freedom Festival
Saturday, Sept. 21 • 4 p.m.
Husets Speedway, Brandon
Prepare for an unforgettable day filled with fun, music, and celebration—all for a great cause. Gates open at 4 p.m., so arrive early to make the most of everything we have to offer.
HCFD Community Night
Saturday, Sept. 21 • 5 p.m.
Harrisburg Fire Station
Join the Harrisburg Community Fire Department for the second annual Community Night. This event is not only a chance to support your local fire department but also an opportunity for the department to open its doors to the community for a fun family night. There will be a free will donation meal, a bouncy house, a kids' firefighting obstacle course, coloring pages, and the chance to meet many of our local firefighters and see all of the trucks. All proceeds will go to the ongoing support of the Harrisburg Community Fire Department, which is 100% volunteer ran and operated.
50th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, Sept. 21 • 6 p.m.
Skate City, Sioux Falls
Skate City celebrates 50 years of Carousel Skate in the Sioux Falls area. Carousel Skate has been a staple of the community and has touched the lives of many. Bring your memories, photos, and stories from your youth and years spent at Carousel Skate. Admission to this event is $5 for four hours of skating, with skate rental available for $3.50.
The Bishops, Trash Owls & The Shirks Don’t Work
Saturday, Sept. 21 • 8 p.m.
The Den, Sioux Falls
Join us at The Den for an evening of rocksteady and reggae. The Bishops, originally formed in Omaha, NE, in 1994, remained active until 1999 before taking a nine-year hiatus. They reunited in 2008 and have been performing steadily around the Midwest since then. They will be joined by special guests Trash Owls and The Shirks Don’t Work.
Pioneer Power Show
Saturday, Sept. 21 & Sunday, Sept. 22
Pioneer Acres, Menno
Join us at the 38th annual Menno Pioneer Power show, which features 36 acres of family fun for everyone. Come see the tractors and engines, petting zoo, steam threshing, jail, corn shelling, children’s pedal pull, a parade, and more. Admission is $10 for adults, and kids 18 and younger are free. This includes rides on the carousel, barrel train, Ferris wheel, and mini golf.
Mr. Critters Reptile Expo
Saturday, Sept. 21 & Sunday, Sept. 22
Central States Fair - Fine Arts Building, Rapid City
Attention South Dakota reptile lovers. Get ready for the most thrilling reptile expo of the year. Meet expert breeders from around the country showcasing their amazing reptiles, and get hands-on with these incredible creatures. Whether you're looking to learn, explore, or bring home a new scaly friend, this is the event for you.
American Bank & Trust Car Show
Sunday, Sept. 22 • 1 p.m.
American Bank & Trust, Sioux Falls
Cruise on over to our Grand Prairie location in Sioux Falls to see antique, classic and custom cars. We will also have entertainment, food and fun for the whole family.
Judas Priest: Invincible Shield Tour
Sunday, Sept. 22 • 7:30 p.m.
Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls
Join us for an electrifying night with Judas Priest on their Invincible Shield Tour. Catch them live at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls. Don't miss the chance to experience one of the most iconic bands in rock history.
The Taste of Sioux Falls
Thursday, Sept. 26 • 5:30 p.m.
Icon Event Hall + Lounge, Sioux Falls
Join us for the 10th Annual The Taste of Sioux Falls event where the finest chefs and restaurants come together to present an unforgettable culinary experience. Don't miss this opportunity to savor exceptional dishes and celebrate local flavors while supporting the Sioux Falls SculptureWalk.
Shaun Johnson & The Big Band Experience
Thursday, Sept. 26 • 7 p.m.
Grand Opera House, Pierre
Get ready to be impressed by the incredible vocals and energetic performance of Shaun Johnson and his talented Big Band. This in-person event will take place at the Grand Opera House, home of Pierre Players Community Theatre, allowing you to enjoy the show in a beautiful and historic venue. Don’t miss out on this unique experience.
CINCH Playoffs - Governors Cup
Thursday, Sept. 26 • 7:30 p.m.
Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls
Experience the excitement of the CINCH Playoffs at the Governors Cup at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls. Join us for an evening of high-stakes competition and thrilling rodeo action. Don’t miss out on this spectacular event.
