What's going on, South Dakota? | Upcoming events & entertainment
Submit your events for The Dakota Scout's Lounge section by emailing events@thedakotascout.com
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 events@thedakotascout.com.
THIS WEEK
Friday, Aug. 7
Shootout at the Lake
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.
Ride the Rush Veterans Breakfast
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.
Trail of Governors unveiling of former Gov. Kristi Noem’s statue
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.
Sioux Empire Fair
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.
Jazzed with Bobby Gripp
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.
‘Curveballs’ documentary premiere
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.
Free First Friday
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.
August Open Streets and Wags & Wine
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.
Backyard BBQ Brisket Cookoff
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.
Garden Party
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.
Chris Smith: East Coast Trio
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.
Cassidy Daniels
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!
Frozen Jr.
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.
James and the Giant Peach Jr.
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.
Open Streets Dance at Cherapa Place
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.
Geddes Fur Trader Days
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.
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
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, Aug. 8
Megadeth
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.
Sensory Friendly Swim
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.
Adams Homestead Celebration
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.
USS South Dakota Day of Honor
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.
Twin Brooks Threshing Show
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.
Karts and Mowers at University Plains Speedway
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.
Dr. Feelgood Street Dance
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.
Kory and the Fireflies
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!
Ne-Yo Night featuring Soleil
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.
Horse Nation Indian Relay Races
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, Aug. 9
YUNGBLUD
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.
South Dakota’s Shortest Triathlon
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.
Good Roots Pizza Night
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, Aug. 10
Skillet
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.
Mondays at McKennan: Surfin’ Safari
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.
Brown County Fair
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, Aug. 11
Lynyrd Skynyrd
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.
Jacket Ride for Veterans
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.
World Famous Krank Daddies with EFS of Frank and Common Echo
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.
Wednesday, Aug. 12
Meet Sioux Falls’ Real-Life Superpower Dogs
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.
World Cup Wine Dinner featuring Marcus Hanson
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, Aug. 13
Caster Volor with Devils on Deck and Rivorium
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.
Barbie: From Exhibition to Big Screen
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.
Downtown at Sundown
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.
Fellowship Jazz Center Orchestra featuring Alyssa Allgood
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.
Whitey Morgan and the 78’s
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.
Tyler Hubbard with BlackHawk
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.
Future Events
Check back each week for an updated list of future events.
Children’s Theater Workshop: Space Pirates!
Friday, Aug. 14 • 7 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 15 • 10 a.m.
Grand Opera House, Pierre • Pay what you can
The Crane Wives
Friday, Aug. 14 • Doors at 7 p.m. / show at 8 p.m.
The District, Sioux Falls • All ages
Fallen Hero Bridge Dedication for Tate Mills
Saturday, Aug. 15 • 2 p.m.
Four miles south and 0.3 mile east of Volga, Brookings County
Glenn Stanton: The Family Project
Tuesday, Aug. 18 • 7 p.m.
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls • Free
McCrossan Boys Ranch Volunteer Fire Rescue Pro Rodeo
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
Writing Your Best Chapter: The Power of Giving Back
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.
American Legion Auxiliary Public Bingo
Tuesday, Aug. 25 • 5 p.m. social / 6:45 p.m. bingo
South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance, Sioux Falls
Mac McAnally
Wednesday, Sept. 16 • 7 p.m.
The District, Sioux Falls
Veterans Stand Down
Friday, Sept. 18 • 8:30-11:30 a.m.
South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance, Sioux Falls
Downtown Sioux Falls Riverfest
Saturday, Sept. 19 • 3-8 p.m.
Cherapa Place Plaza, Sioux Falls
Eerie Echoes Vol. 6
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.
Josh Packard: Church Refugees and Meaning Making
Tuesday, Sept. 22 • 7 p.m.
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls • Free
Huron Fine Arts Hall of Fame Celebration Concert
Saturday, Sept. 26 • 7 p.m.
Huron High School Auditorium, Huron • Free
South Dakota Rock & Rollers Hall of Fame Induction Weekend
Saturday, Sept. 26-Sunday, Sept. 27
Ramkota Exhibit Hall, Sioux Falls
Jo Dee Messina: Bridges Tour
Sunday, Sept. 27 • 7 p.m.
Mary W. Sommervold Hall at the Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls
South Dakota Festival of Books
Saturday, Oct. 3
Holiday Inn City Centre and nearby downtown venues, Sioux Falls
James K.A. Smith: Who Are We Becoming?
Monday, Oct. 5 • 7 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 6 • 10 a.m.
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls • Free
Ronda Civic with Fuzz Evil, Nathan Gillis and Aerica Lauren
Thursday, Oct. 15 • 7 p.m.
The Grain Bin, Brandon • $15 in advance / $20 at the door • All ages
Zach Top: Cold Beer & Country Music Tour
Thursday, Oct. 15 • 8 p.m.
Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls
Saints of Sickness Tour
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.
Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue
Thursday, Nov. 12 • 7 p.m.
Orpheum Theater Center, Sioux Falls
Disney On Ice presents Find Your Hero
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
Bert Kreischer: Permission to Party
Thursday, Dec. 10 • 7 p.m.
Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls
Toughest Monster Truck Tour
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
