What's going on, South Dakota? | Upcoming events & entertainment

Stay up to date with The Dakota Scout + Lyrical Limelight event listings from 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].

All day | Horsemen’s Sports Inc Arena, Mitchell

The two-day rodeo event returns Aug. 7-8 at Horsemen’s Sports Inc Arena. Dustin Evans is scheduled to perform Friday, while the city-approved event permits also cover amplified sound and fireworks.

7-10 a.m. | Main Street Square, Rapid City | Free

Veterans and community members can gather for a free breakfast presented with VFW Post 1273. The morning includes veteran speakers, music from the Lonely Rangers and other services and activities downtown.

10 a.m. | South Dakota State Capitol grounds, Pierre

The Trail of Governors Foundation will unveil its statue honoring former South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem during a public ceremony on the Capitol grounds.

10 a.m.-close | W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, Sioux Falls | Free until 1 p.m.; then $10 adults, $5 ages 6-12

The Sioux Empire Fair concludes its 2026 run Aug. 7-8 with carnival rides, livestock exhibitions, food vendors, demonstrations and scheduled entertainment. Children 5 and younger receive free admission.

Noon-1 p.m. | Old Courthouse Museum plaza, Sioux Falls | Free

Bobby Gripp performs during the Old Courthouse Museum’s outdoor summer concert series. Guests may bring lunch and a chair or blanket for the midday performance.

4:30-7 p.m. | El Riad Shrine, Sioux Falls

The premiere introduces a documentary about the LS Warriors National Amputee Baseball Team. The public event offers a closer look at the players, their stories and the team’s role in adaptive sports.

5-8 p.m. | Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls | Free

Visitors can explore more than 100 exhibits in the Kirby Science Discovery Center and the galleries of the Visual Arts Center without paying admission during the Pavilion’s monthly evening event.

5-8 p.m. | Phillips Avenue between Ninth and 11th streets, Sioux Falls | Free

Downtown Sioux Falls closes part of Phillips Avenue to traffic for an evening of outdoor activities, vendors and the Summer Art & Wine Walk. August’s edition includes the Wags & Wine pet theme.

6 p.m. Friday; activities continue Saturday | Fischers Lilly Park, Fort Pierre | $20 donation for Saturday tasting; lunch $10

The cookoff begins Friday with the Calcutta before Saturday’s breakfast, lunch and public brisket sampling. Attendees can taste entries and vote during the noon-3 p.m. sampling period.

6:30-8 p.m. | McCrory Gardens, Brookings | Free

McCrory Gardens hosts an outdoor evening with SDSU ice cream, live jazz and lawn games. Guests can explore the gardens while listening to music.

Aug. 7-8 6:30-8 p.m. and 9-10:30 p.m. | Trio Jazz Club, Sioux Falls

Drummer Chris Smith leads a trio featuring saxophonist Doug Stone and bassist Josh Paris. Two separate performances are scheduled Friday night at Trio Jazz Club.

7-9:30 p.m. | Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls | Free

Join us for a free outdoor concert at Levitt at the Falls featuring Cassidy Daniels, a North Carolina-born artist and writer with a soulful voice and incredible lyrics. Bring a lawn chair, your crew and your own snacks — or enjoy food trucks and beverages on site!

7-9 p.m. | Orpheum Theater Center, Sioux Falls

Young performers present a stage adaptation of the Disney story, featuring familiar characters and songs. Performances within this week’s window continue Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

7 p.m. | Belbas Theater, Sioux Falls

Spotlight Theatre Company presents the musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s story about a boy who takes an unusual ocean voyage with a group of giant insects. Additional performances are scheduled Saturday at 1 and 3:30 p.m.

8-10 p.m. | Cherapa Place Plaza, Sioux Falls | Free

The Open Streets program continues after dark with an outdoor dance featuring Undercover Band. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the plaza.

Time not listed | Locations around Geddes

The community celebration runs Aug. 7-9 with a parade, flea market, softball, a 5K, children’s activities, bull riding, a tractor pull and other events.

Times vary | Sturgis and surrounding Black Hills communities | Costs vary

The 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally begins Aug. 7 and continues through Aug. 16 with concerts, motorcycle events, vendor areas, organized rides and gatherings throughout the northern Black Hills.

Saturday, August 8 • 10:30 p.m.Wolfman Jack Stage at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, Sturgis • Buffalo Chip admission required

Megadeth brings its thrash-metal catalog to the Buffalo Chip during the opening weekend of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

8:30-10:30 a.m. | Spearfish Rec and Aquatics Center, Spearfish | Registration required

The Autism Society of the Black Hills hosts a quieter swimming session with reduced crowds and sensory demands. Advance registration is recommended.

10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve, North Sioux City | Free

The annual celebration explores pioneer and farm life through threshing demonstrations, corn shelling, candle and rope making, Dutch oven cooking, homestead tours and a pie contest.

10 a.m. | Battleship South Dakota Memorial, Sioux Falls

The observance begins with a Sioux Falls Municipal Band brass quintet performance at 10 a.m., followed by the formal ceremony at 11. The submitted program lists South Dakota Veterans Affairs Secretary Jeremiah Schneider as guest speaker, with a noon book release focused on Calvin Graham, who became a combat veteran at age 12.

1 p.m. Saturday parade | Twin Brooks | $10 weekend admission; children under 12 free

The two-day agricultural history show includes antique machinery, demonstrations, food and parades. Saturday’s parade begins at 1 p.m., with another scheduled Sunday at 3 p.m.

3 p.m. | University Plains Speedway, Brookings | $5 ages 12 and older; younger children free

Kart and racing-mower competitors take to the speedway for an afternoon of short-track racing. Spectator gates open at noon, followed by hot laps at 2 p.m. and racing at 3.

7-10 p.m. | Mitchell Main Street, Mitchell

Dr. Feelgood performs during an outdoor street dance in downtown Mitchell. The event is scheduled as part of the city’s summer special-event calendar.

7-9:30 p.m. | Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls | Free

Join us for a free outdoor concert at Levitt at the Falls featuring KORY and the FIREFLIES, a Sioux Falls favorite delivering energetic, feel-good performances. Bring a lawn chair, your crew and your own snacks — or enjoy food trucks and beverages on site!

8 p.m. doors | ICON Events, Sioux Falls

ICON hosts a Ne-Yo-themed nightlife event featuring Soleil. The listing is a tribute-style event and does not advertise an appearance by Ne-Yo himself.

Time not listed | Lower Brule PowWow Grounds, Lower Brule

Teams compete Aug. 8-9 in high-speed Indian relay racing, with riders changing horses during the race. The weekend is part of the Horse Nation Indian Relay tour.

Sunday, August 9 • 10:30 p.m.Wolfman Jack Stage at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, Sturgis • Buffalo Chip admission required

English rock performer YUNGBLUD headlines the Buffalo Chip with a late-night set during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Lyrical Limelight has covered Yungblud in Seattle; click here to see a previous review.

8 a.m. | Black Hills State University, Spearfish

The accessible, family-focused triathlon encourages participants of different experience levels to swim, bike and run a shortened course. Proceeds support the BHSU Triathlon Team and Black Hills Gold Swim Team.

4:30-7:30 p.m. | Good Roots Farm and Gardens, Brookings | Menu prices vary

Good Roots serves wood-fired pizzas in its outdoor farm setting. Preordering is encouraged because available quantities and pickup times can fill before the event.

Monday, August 10 • 10:30 p.m.Wolfman Jack Stage at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, Sturgis • Buffalo Chip admission required

Christian hard-rock band Skillet performs during the Buffalo Chip’s Sturgis Rally concert series. Click here to read Lyrical Limelight’s previous review of Skillet.

7 p.m. | McKennan Park Bandshell, Sioux Falls | Free

Surfin’ Safari performs an outdoor concert centered on surf-rock and beach-era favorites. Guests may bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Times vary | Brown County Fairgrounds, Aberdeen | Prices vary

The Brown County Fair runs Aug. 10-16 with agricultural competitions, family activities, carnival rides, free-stage music and seven nights of grandstand entertainment. Grandstand attractions and rides require separate tickets or passes.

Tuesday, August 11 • 10:30 p.m.Wolfman Jack Stage at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip, Sturgis • Buffalo Chip admission required

Lynyrd Skynyrd brings its Southern-rock catalog to the Buffalo Chip during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

8:30 a.m. | The Joy Center, Spearfish | Registration fee supports veterans

The charity ride travels through Spearfish Canyon and Vanocker Canyon. Motorcycles, cars and other vehicles are welcome, with proceeds supporting veterans.

Tuesday, Aug. 11 • 8 p.m.The Den, Sioux Falls • Free • 21+

The World Famous Krank Daddies bring their energetic rockabilly sound to The Den with support from EFS of Frank and Common Echo.

11 a.m. | Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls | Demonstration included with museum admission; film tickets separate

The Sioux Falls Police Department K-9 Unit gives a demonstration from 11-11:30 a.m. in Mary W. Sommervold Hall. A screening of “Superpower Dogs” follows at noon in the Wells Fargo CineDome.

6:30 p.m. | Trio Jazz Club, Sioux Falls | $120, including gratuity

The dinner pairs four courses with wines from Germany, Portugal, Spain and France. Marcus Hanson provides wine education through a program combining discussion, dining and musical performance.

Thursday, August 13 • 7 p.m.Bigs Bar, Sioux Falls

Caster Volor headlines a three-band bill at Bigs Bar with Devils on Deck and Rivorium. The event page confirms the date, time and venue, but the image does not show an admission price or age restriction.

5 p.m. activities; 6:30 p.m. film | Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls | $8.75 plus tax

The evening begins with access to the “Barbie: A Cultural Icon” exhibition and themed activities in the Visual Arts Center. A screening of the “Barbie” movie follows in the Wells Fargo CineDome.

5:30 p.m. vendors; 6 p.m. music | Downtown Brookings | Free

Downtown Brookings hosts an outdoor evening with live music, food, drinks and local vendors. The event is part of the community’s summer Downtown at Sundown series.

7 p.m. | Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls | Free

Join us for a free outdoor concert at Levitt at the Falls featuring Fellowship Jazz Center Orchestra with special guest Alyssa Allgood, celebrating the legacy of big band jazz with world-class artistry and fresh, diverse voices. Bring a lawn chair, your crew and your own snacks — or enjoy food trucks and beverages on site.

7 p.m. | Crow Peak Brewing Co., Spearfish

Whitey Morgan and the 78’s bring their independent honky-tonk and outlaw-country sound to Crow Peak Brewing during rally week.

8 p.m. | Brown County Fairgrounds, Aberdeen | $50 general admission through Aug. 9; $60 beginning Aug. 10

Tyler Hubbard headlines the Brown County Fair grandstand with special guest BlackHawk. The concert is one of the fair’s separately ticketed evening attractions.

Have an event we should consider for a future roundup? Send the event name, date, time, location, ticket or event link, and a short description to Lyrical Limelight/The Dakota Scout.

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

Friday, Aug. 14 • 7 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 15 • 10 a.m.Grand Opera House, Pierre • Pay what you can

Friday, Aug. 14 • Doors at 7 p.m. / show at 8 p.m.The District, Sioux Falls • All ages

Saturday, Aug. 15 • 2 p.m.Four miles south and 0.3 mile east of Volga, Brookings County

Tuesday, Aug. 18 • 7 p.m.Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls • Free

Saturday, Aug. 22 • Gates at 4:30 p.m. / rodeo at 5:30 p.m.McCrossan Boys Ranch, Sioux Falls • $15 in advance / $20 at the gate / ages 10 and younger free

Monday, Aug. 24 • 2 p.m.Waterford Dining Room at Touchmark at All Saints, Sioux Falls

Isabella Oliver of the Helpline Center leads a presentation about volunteerism, community involvement and finding meaningful ways to give back. Reservations are requested by Friday, Aug. 21.

Tuesday, Aug. 25 • 5 p.m. social / 6:45 p.m. bingoSouth Dakota Military Heritage Alliance, Sioux Falls

Wednesday, Sept. 16 • 7 p.m.The District, Sioux Falls

Friday, Sept. 18 • 8:30-11:30 a.m.South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance, Sioux Falls

Saturday, Sept. 19 • 3-8 p.m.Cherapa Place Plaza, Sioux Falls

Saturday, Sept. 19 • 8 p.m.The Grain Bin, Brandon • $30 • 18+, The lineup includes The Confused, The Disarmed, M.A.J., Twisted Darkness, Oswald and Morris and Spike Cadaver.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 • 7 p.m.Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls • Free

Saturday, Sept. 26 • 7 p.m.Huron High School Auditorium, Huron • Free

Saturday, Sept. 26-Sunday, Sept. 27Ramkota Exhibit Hall, Sioux Falls

Sunday, Sept. 27 • 7 p.m.Mary W. Sommervold Hall at the Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls

Saturday, Oct. 3Holiday Inn City Centre and nearby downtown venues, Sioux Falls

Monday, Oct. 5 • 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 6 • 10 a.m.Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls • Free

Thursday, Oct. 15 • 7 p.m.The Grain Bin, Brandon • $15 in advance / $20 at the door • All ages

Thursday, Oct. 15 • 8 p.m.Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls

Thursday, Nov. 12 • Doors at 6 p.m.The Grain Bin, Brandon • $20 in advance / $25 at the door • All ages, The touring bill includes Elisium, Etched in Embers, On My Six and Driven Under.

Thursday, Nov. 12 • 7 p.m.Orpheum Theater Center, Sioux Falls

Friday, Dec. 4 • 7 p.m.Saturday, Dec. 5 • 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 6 • 1 and 5 p.m.Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls

Thursday, Dec. 10 • 7 p.m.Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls

Friday, Jan. 22, 2027 • 7:30 p.m.Saturday, Jan. 23, 2027 • 1 and 7:30 p.m.Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls • Tickets start at $25

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