The Dakota Scout has a new curator for The Lounge arts, entertainment and culture section at TheDakotaScout.com.

When The Scout was founded, Joe Sneve and Jonathan Ellis envisioned more than just a source for cutting-edge investigative journalism in South Dakota. They imagined a platform that would also serve as a consortium for talented local authors and independent content creators who are already producing information our community wants and values.

Today, we are proud to announce that Lyrical Limelight has joined The Dakota Scout as the new curator of The Scout’s Lounge.

Lyrical Limelight is a dedicated music and arts section/series within Intellectual Dissatisfaction, a Sioux Falls-based independent alternative media outlet focused on:

Known for its honest, detailed show recaps and high-quality photography, Lyrical Limelight regularly covers shows at Sioux Falls venues like The Den and Bigs Bar, while also reaching audiences well beyond South Dakota (with readers in dozens of countries).

The Scout is thrilled to partner with this respected local independent voice. This collaboration strengthens our mission of supporting quality local journalism and creative content that enriches our community.

Welcome aboard, Lyrical Limelight!

Stay up to date with our listing of events happening across the state. From festivals and concerts to theater performances, local sports and community gatherings, we bring you the latest updates on entertainment and activities for all interests. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, cultural experiences or vibrant nightlife, you’ll find plenty of exciting events to explore.

Submit your events to The Dakota Scout and Lyrical Limelight by emailing [email protected]

Friday, June 12 • Open 24 hoursFishback Soccer Complex, Brookings

The City of Brookings hosts the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica and Mobile Education Center. The exhibit opened June 11 and remains open around the clock until 2 p.m. Sunday, June 14. Free.

Friday, June 12 • All daySpearfish City Park, Spearfish

The signature Spearfish gravel cycling event continues during the coverage window, drawing riders to the Northern Hills for long-distance routes and outdoor endurance riding. Cost not listed.

Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14Dell Rapids City Park, Dell Rapids

Dell Rapids’ long-running community carnival returns for its 107th year, with local reporting noting an expanded carnival midway for the 2026 celebration. Cost not listed.

Friday, June 12 • Times varyCuster Trails, Custer

The Custer Chamber’s off-road weekend begins Friday with riders bringing ATVs, UTVs, Jeeps and dual-sport vehicles for a weekend on Southern Hills trails. Registration and ticketing vary.

Friday, June 12 • Times varyFounders Park and Rapid City Greenway, Rapid City

Rapid City’s community-driven summer festival honors the memory of the 1972 flood while celebrating the greenway system that grew from the city’s recovery. Price not listed.

Friday, June 12 • 6 p.m.Downtown Spearfish

Spearfish’s downtown summer series brings people into the city center for music, vendors and community activity on a Friday evening. Price not listed.

Friday, June 12 • 7 p.m.Days of ’76 Event Complex, Deadwood

Professional bull riders return to Deadwood for the first of two nights at the Days of ’76 Event Complex. Tickets range from $21.50 to $76.50.

Friday, June 12 • 7 p.m.Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls

Singer, saxophonist and composer Grace Kelly performs at the Levitt with members of the Fellowship Jazz Center Orchestra. The free outdoor concert also includes an opening set from the Dalton Peterson Trio and Levitt Jam Camp Showcase.

Friday, June 12 • 7 p.m.Orpheum Theater Center, Sioux Falls

The Premiere Playhouse opens its run of the Broadway musical comedy about Elle Woods, law school and the cheerful demolition of people’s low expectations. Ticketed.

Friday, June 12 • 8 p.m.Denny Sanford Premier Center, Sioux Falls

Comedian Matt Rife brings his arena comedy tour to Sioux Falls for a Friday night stop at the Premier Center. Ticketed.

Friday, June 12 • Time not listedAugustana University, Sioux Falls

Spotlight Theatre Company’s young performers stage Shakespeare’s tragedy in a free summer production running June 12–13.

Saturday, June 13 • 8 p.m.The Den, Sioux Falls

MOTHER brings a heavy summer show to The Den with special guests Dragged Out to Sea and Exhausted. The flyer lists the event as free, all ages, with music starting at 8 p.m.

Saturday, June 13 • All daySpearfish City Park, Spearfish

The Spearfish gravel cycling weekend continues Saturday, with riders taking on Black Hills terrain and the event’s signature outdoor challenge. Cost not listed.

Saturday, June 13Dell Rapids City Park, Dell Rapids

Cootie Days continues in Dell Rapids with carnival midway activities and community gathering around the city’s annual American Legion tradition. Cost not listed.

Saturday, June 13 • Times varyCuster Trails, Custer

The off-road rally continues in Custer with trail riding, rally programming and social events for riders in the Southern Hills. Registration and ticketing vary.

Saturday, June 13 • Times varyFounders Park and Rapid City Greenway, Rapid City

GreenWayDays continues in Rapid City with community programming connected to the city’s greenway, flood remembrance and summer recreation. Price not listed.

Saturday, June 13 • 8 a.m.Episcopal Church of All Angels, Spearfish

The Spearfish arts calendar includes a Saturday morning art festival at Episcopal Church of All Angels. Price not listed.

Saturday, June 13 • 9 a.m.–noon300 block of 6th Avenue, Brookings

Brookings’ summer farmers market brings local producers and vendors downtown for a Saturday morning market between the library and courthouse. Free admission.

Saturday, June 13 • 10 a.m.–4 p.m.South Dakota Art Museum, Brookings

The South Dakota Art Museum marks the opening of “America in Art” with guided tours, lemonade, popcorn and outdoor games. Price not listed.

Saturday, June 13 • 11 a.m.–11 p.m.Riverside Park, Yankton

Yankton’s first Ribfest & Chislicfest fills Riverside Park with food vendors, arts and crafts vendors, rib and chislic competition, a car and bike show, kids activities and live music. Free.

Saturday, June 13 • 5–7 p.m.Bluestem Bicycles, Brookings

This casual bicycle ride moves through Brookings park to park, built around an easygoing pace and community hangout energy rather than competition. Price not listed.

Saturday, June 13 • 7 p.m.Days of ’76 Event Complex, Deadwood

The second night of Deadwood PBR brings another round of professional bull riding to the Days of ’76 Event Complex. Tickets range from $21.50 to $76.50.

Saturday, June 13 • 7 p.m.Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls

Country artist Britnee Kellogg performs a free Saturday night concert at the Levitt, bringing a polished, personal-story-driven sound to the downtown outdoor stage.

Saturday, June 13 • 7 p.m.Orpheum Theater Center, Sioux Falls

The Premiere Playhouse continues the first weekend of Legally Blonde with another evening performance at the Orpheum. Ticketed.

Saturday, June 13 • 7 p.m.Mary W. Sommervold Hall, Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls

Sal Vulcano, known for Impractical Jokers, brings his national stand-up tour to the Washington Pavilion. Ticketed.

Saturday, June 13 • 8 p.m.Spearfish Public House, Spearfish

Spearfish Public House hosts an evening live music show with Lena Marie Schiffer and The House of Sky. Price not listed.

Saturday, June 13 • Time not listedAugustana University, Sioux Falls

The free youth theatre production of Macbeth continues for a second day at Augustana University.

Sunday, June 14 • Open until 2 p.m.Fishback Soccer Complex, Brookings

The Brookings stop for the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial replica closes Sunday afternoon. Free.

Sunday, June 14Dell Rapids City Park, Dell Rapids

Cootie Days wraps up its 2026 weekend in Dell Rapids after three days of carnival and community activity. Cost not listed.

Sunday, June 14 • Times varyCuster Trails, Custer

The Custer Off-Road Rally wraps up its weekend of trail riding and Black Hills off-road programming. Registration and ticketing vary.

Sunday, June 14 • Times varyFounders Park and Rapid City Greenway, Rapid City

Rapid City’s GreenWayDays festival concludes Sunday after a weekend of remembrance, recreation and community activity. Price not listed.

Sunday, June 14 • 2 p.m.Orpheum Theater Center, Sioux Falls

The first weekend of The Premiere Playhouse’s Legally Blonde run closes with a Sunday matinee at the Orpheum. Ticketed.

Sunday, June 14 • 2 p.m.High Plains Western Heritage Center, Spearfish

Humbletown performs an afternoon bluegrass show at the High Plains Western Heritage Center. Price not listed.

Sunday, June 14 • 4:30–7:30 p.m.Good Roots Farm, Brookings area

Good Roots Farm continues its Sunday wood-fired pizza night series, with preorders used for the weekly farm dinner setup. Price varies by preorder.

Sunday, June 14 • 7:30–9 p.m.Pioneer Park Bandshell, Brookings

The Brookings Area Community Band continues its summer season with a Sunday evening concert in Pioneer Park. Cost not listed.

Monday, June 15 through Tuesday, June 16Brookings

South Dakota 4-H brings livestock judging, horse judging, skill-a-thon, quiz bowl, meats judging and poultry judging contests to Brookings for a two-day youth agriculture event. Registration details vary.

Monday, June 15 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m.Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Brookings

The Children’s Museum of South Dakota opens for a special Monday play day, giving families an extra weekday option for summer museum time. Regular admission applies.

Monday, June 15 • 2 p.m.Waterford Dining Room, Touchmark at All Saints, Sioux Falls

This health and wellness program focuses on brain-healthy habits and aging well. Details are limited in the available event listing, so readers should confirm directly with the venue or organizer before attending. Price not listed.

Tuesday, June 16 • 2 p.m.Spearfish City Park, Spearfish

Spearfish City Park hosts a Tuesday afternoon birds of prey presentation for families and nature-curious visitors. Price not listed.

Tuesday, June 16 • 6 p.m.Black Hills Power Sports Complex, Spearfish

The Spearfish Sasquatch continue their summer baseball schedule with a home game against the Casper Spuds. Ticketing details not listed.

Tuesday, June 16 • 6 p.m.High Plains Western Heritage Center, Spearfish

Author Gary Gregg gives an America 250 program on George Washington at the High Plains Western Heritage Center. Price not listed.

Tuesday, June 16 • 6 p.m.Center for Western Studies, Sioux Falls

Artist Mecca Rutherford is listed for a live painting demonstration at the Center for Western Studies. The strongest available official link confirms the venue and its programming role, but the specific event listing should be confirmed directly before publication. Price not listed.

Tuesday, June 16 • 6–7 p.m.Watertown Regional Library, Watertown

Watertown Regional Library hosts a writing club session for writers looking for a structured hour of community and practice. Free.

Tuesday, June 16 • 7 p.m.Crow Peak Brewing Co., Spearfish

Crow Peak Brewing hosts an acoustic jam session for musicians and listeners looking for an informal Tuesday night music gathering. Price not listed.

Wednesday, June 17 • All dayHoliday Inn, Spearfish

The Black Hills Camaro Rally begins in Spearfish, bringing car enthusiasts into the Northern Hills for a multi-day gathering. Cost not listed.

Wednesday, June 17 • 11 a.m.American Legion Post #140, Salem

The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs brings its “What’s Brewing” outreach series to Salem, creating a space for veterans to connect, share stories and learn about benefits and services. Free.

Wednesday, June 17 • 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.Brookings

Brookings’ midweek summer food truck event offers a lunch-hour stop for food and community gathering. Price varies by vendor.

Wednesday, June 17 • 6 p.m.Black Hills Power Sports Complex, Spearfish

The Sasquatch continue their home series against Casper with another evening baseball game in Spearfish. Ticketing details not listed.

Wednesday, June 17 • 6 p.m.Spearfish City Park, Spearfish

The Canyon Acoustic Series brings live outdoor music to Spearfish City Park for a midweek summer concert. Price not listed.

Wednesday, June 17 • 6–8 p.m.Brookings

This adult book fair format gives readers a casual evening event built around browsing, conversation and a grown-up spin on the school book fair. Price not listed.

Wednesday, June 17 • 6:30–9 p.m.R Wine Bar & Kitchen, Sioux Falls

R Wine Bar & Kitchen hosts a four-course dinner paired with four wines connected to Silver Oak and Twomey, with a winery representative scheduled to attend. Tickets are $150.

Thursday, June 18 • All dayHoliday Inn, Spearfish

The Camaro Rally continues Thursday in Spearfish as car enthusiasts gather in the Black Hills. Cost not listed.

Thursday, June 18 • 9:30–11:30 a.m.Brookings

This sensory playgroup from Tend x The Creative Space Studio + Creative Play gives young children and caregivers a messy, hands-on art and play session without making families do the cleanup at home. Admission is $8.

Thursday, June 18 • 1–5 p.m.Brookings

This drop-off children’s camp explores the science behind food, with hands-on experiments built around kitchen chemistry. Cost ranges from $32 to $40.

Thursday, June 18 • 2–4 p.m.South Dakota Safety Council, Sioux Falls

The South Dakota Safety Council hosts an open house celebrating its new space and its work around safety, health and education across the state. Free registration.

Thursday, June 18 • 5 p.m.Spearfish Public Library, Spearfish

The Spearfish library hosts a fiber arts club session for people interested in stitching, yarn work and textile projects. Price not listed.

Thursday, June 18 • 6 p.m.Crow Peak Brewing Co., Spearfish

Crow Peak Brewing hosts a Thursday evening live music set from Jay Nelson. Price not listed.

Thursday, June 18 • 6 p.m.Parkston Amphitheater, Parkston

Parkston’s Thursday concert series continues with Too Drunk To Fish opening at 6 p.m. and The Gear Daddies following at 7 p.m. Cost not listed.

Thursday, June 18 • 6 p.m.Black Hills Power Sports Complex, Spearfish

The Spearfish Sasquatch open a home series against the Oahe ZAP with a Thursday evening game. Ticketing details not listed.

Thursday, June 18 • 7–9:30 p.m.Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, Brookings

The classic musical follows Tevye and his family through questions of love, tradition and change, with the Brookings performance scheduled at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center. Ticketing details not listed.

Thursday, June 18 • 7 p.m.Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls

Chicago blues band Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials bring a free Thursday night show to the Levitt stage in Falls Park West.

Thursday, June 18 • 7 p.m.Spearfish Public House, Spearfish

Spearfish Public House hosts Desperate Electric for a Thursday night live music show. Price not listed.

Check back each week for an updated list of future events.

Friday, June 19 - Sunday, June 21Garretson, SD

Saturday, June 20 • 12 p.m.Lake Lorraine, Sioux Falls

Friday, Jul. 10 & Saturday, Jul. 11Bigs Bar, Sioux Falls

Wednesday, Jul. 15 - Saturday, Jul. 18Beresford, Sioux Falls, Spearfish

Sunday, Sept. 27 • 7 p.m.Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls

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