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 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.
Current Events
Aug. 15 - Aug. 21
Legacy Fighting Alliance 214
Friday, Aug. 15 • 5:30 p.m.
Sanford Sports Complex, Sioux Falls
Experience an action-packed evening as top contenders face off in the Legacy Fighting Alliance 214 at the Sanford Sports Complex in Sioux Falls. This event brings together rising stars in mixed martial arts for a night of intense competition. Fans can expect high-energy bouts and a display of skill and determination from every fighter.
80s Adult Night
Friday, Aug. 15 • 6 p.m.
Great Plains Zoo, Sioux Falls
Step back in time and celebrate the decade of big hair and neon colors at the 80s Adult Night at the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls. This adults-only event invites guests to enjoy themed activities, music from the era, and unique zoo experiences. Dress in your best retro attire and enjoy a nostalgic evening with friends.
Trailgating Festival
Friday, Aug. 15 • 6 p.m.
Great Bear Recreation Park, Sioux Falls
Enjoy a scenic evening of outdoor fun at the Trailgating Festival held at Great Bear Recreation Park in Sioux Falls. Guests can look forward to food, drinks, live entertainment, and outdoor games in a laid-back atmosphere. This community event offers a great way to wind down the week surrounded by nature.
Hardy: Jim Bob World Tour
Friday, Aug. 15 • 6:30 p.m.
The District, Sioux Falls
Country music fans can catch Hardy live during his Jim Bob World Tour at The District in Sioux Falls. With a blend of gritty lyrics and energetic stage presence, Hardy brings a unique style that has resonated with audiences across the country. It promises to be a memorable night filled with powerful performances.
Boxing Banjo
Friday, Aug. 15 • 7 p.m.
Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls
Join us for a free outdoor concert at Levitt at the Falls featuring Boxing Banjo, a high-energy band from the west coast of Ireland known for their charisma and musicianship. With button accordion, banjo, fiddle, guitar, and bodhrán, their lively sound invites every audience to sing, dance, and celebrate. Bring a lawn chair, your people, and some snacks—or enjoy food trucks on site. Presented by Lloyd, Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium, and 2025 Season Presenting Sponsor Marketbeat.
Adults Night Out
Friday, Aug. 15 • 9 p.m.
Thunder Road, Sioux Falls
Thunder Road in Sioux Falls hosts Adults Night Out, offering an evening of fun without the kids. Attendees can enjoy go-karts, arcade games, mini-golf, and more in an atmosphere designed for grown-up enjoyment. It’s the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a night of friendly competition.
Children’s Entrepreneur Market
Saturday, Aug. 16 • 9 a.m.
City Park, Dell Rapids
Support the creativity and ambition of young business minds at the Children’s Entrepreneur Market in City Park, Dell Rapids. Children will showcase and sell their handmade goods, food items, and innovative products. This family-friendly event encourages learning and entrepreneurship in a fun and welcoming environment.
Books & Butterflies
Saturday, Aug. 16 • 10 a.m.
Butterfly House & Aquarium, Sioux Falls
Spend the morning surrounded by beauty and curiosity at the Butterfly House & Aquarium in Sioux Falls for the Books & Butterflies event. Families can enjoy storytime and interactive learning in a serene setting filled with fluttering wings. It’s a delightful way to combine early literacy with a love of nature.
End of Summer Bash
Saturday, Aug. 16 • 11 a.m.
Uppercut, Sioux Falls
Celebrate the final days of summer with a community party at Uppercut in Sioux Falls during the End of Summer Bash. The event features live music, food, drinks, and games in a festive atmosphere. It’s a great way to gather with friends and neighbors as the season begins to wind down.
Renner Days
Saturday, Aug. 16 • 11 a.m.
Renner, S.D.
Join the town of Renner for a day of small-town charm and celebration at Renner Days. This event includes family-friendly activities, food, entertainment, and local vendors. It’s a wonderful way to experience community spirit and spend time with friends and family.
Woofstock 2025
Saturday, Aug. 16 • 1 p.m.
Remedy Brewing Co., Sioux Falls
Bring your furry friends to Remedy Brewing Co. in Sioux Falls for Woofstock 2025, a dog-friendly festival celebrating pets and their people. Enjoy live music, local vendors, and activities designed for both humans and dogs. This event is a perfect outing for pet lovers looking to connect and have fun.
15th Annual Chasers Car Show
Saturday, Aug. 16 • 4 p.m.
Chasers, Sioux Falls
The 15th Annual Chasers Car Show at Chasers in Sioux Falls will feature an impressive lineup of classic, custom, and performance vehicles. This long-running event brings together car enthusiasts from the area to celebrate craftsmanship and automotive design. Attendees can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while viewing a diverse collection of vehicles on display. It's a great gathering for families, collectors, and anyone with a love for cars.
The Kickback: Album Release Show
Saturday, Aug. 16 • 7 p.m.
ICON Event Hall + Lounge, Sioux Falls
Join The Kickback for their Album Release Show at ICON Event Hall + Lounge in Sioux Falls. Celebrate the release of their latest music with a live performance in an intimate and energetic setting. Fans can expect an evening filled with fresh tracks and a dynamic atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to experience new music from a local favorite in a vibrant venue.
New Sound Wrestling: The Hammer
Saturday, Aug. 16 • 7 p.m.
The Alliance, Sioux Falls
Get ready for an electrifying night of high-impact entertainment at New Sound Wrestling: The Hammer, taking place at The Alliance in Sioux Falls. This event will feature powerful matchups, intense rivalries, and larger-than-life personalities all under one roof. Fans of professional wrestling can expect non-stop action and dramatic showdowns that deliver an unforgettable experience.
Me Like Bees
Saturday, Aug. 16 • 7 p.m.
Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls
Join us for a free outdoor concert at Levitt at the Falls featuring Me Like Bees, a Missouri indie rock duo inspired by bands like The Strokes and Franz Ferdinand. Their danceable, guitar-driven sound shines on their latest album Disco Two Step and electrifies their live shows. Bring a lawn chair, your people, and some snacks—or enjoy food trucks on site. Presented by Anderson Family, Bluepeak, and 2025 Season Presenting Sponsor Marketbeat.
Member Appreciation BBQ
Tuesday, Aug. 19 • 4:30 p.m.
Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls
The Member Appreciation BBQ at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls offers an opportunity to enjoy good food and connect with fellow members in a relaxed outdoor setting. This event is a chance to show gratitude to members while fostering community and conversation in a welcoming environment.
Show & Shine Car Show
Wednesday, Aug. 20 • 5 p.m.
Vern Eide Mitsubishi, Sioux Falls
The Show & Shine Car Show at Vern Eide Mitsubishi in Sioux Falls will showcase a wide variety of vehicles for enthusiasts and families alike. Attendees can explore classic, custom, and performance cars while enjoying the shared passion of the local automotive community.
Bike Night #15
Wednesday, Aug. 20 • 6 p.m.
Red Rock Bar & Grill, Brandon
Join fellow motorcycle enthusiasts for Bike Night #15 at Red Rock Bar & Grill in Brandon. This gathering offers a relaxed atmosphere with great food, drinks, and plenty of bikes to admire. Whether you're a rider or just a fan, it's a perfect evening to connect with the local motorcycle community and enjoy the open-air vibes.
50th Annual Fine Art Exhibition
Thursday, Aug. 21 • 5:30 p.m.
524 4th Street, Brookings
You are invited to attend the Opening Reception of the 50th Annual Fine Art Exhibition at the Brookings Arts Council. This special exhibition showcases original work from artists who live or work in South Dakota, representing a range of media including painting, ceramics, sculpture, and fiber arts. A guest juror will award cash prizes during the evening, and light refreshments will be provided. The event is free and open to the public.
The Claudettes
Thursday, Aug. 21 • 7 p.m.
Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls
Join us for a free outdoor concert at Levitt at the Falls featuring The Claudettes, fusing blues, R&B, punk, and film‑noir flair with powerhouse vocals by six‑foot Texan Rachel Williams. Bring a lawn chair, your people, and some snacks—or enjoy food trucks on site. Presented by Voyage Federal Credit Union, Bluepeak, and 2025 Season Presenting Sponsor Marketbeat.
Upcoming Events
Aug. 22 - Aug. 28
The Moore Brothers Band
Friday, Aug. 22 • 7 p.m.
Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls
The Sampson Brothers
Saturday, Aug. 23 • 10:30 a.m.
Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls
All My Relatives Fashion Show and Music Showcase
Saturday, Aug. 23 • 12 p.m.
Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls
Bikes & Brews 2
Saturday, Aug. 23 • 3 p.m.
Bigs Bar, Sioux Falls
605 Made Night Market
Saturday, Aug. 23 • 3 p.m.
6th Street and Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls
Barks & Bingo
Saturday, Aug. 23 • 6 p.m.
Good NAtured, Sioux Falls
Mato Wayuhi
Saturday, Aug. 23 • 7 p.m.
Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls
Bike Night #16
Wednesday, Aug. 27 • 6 p.m.
Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls
Jacks Bash 3
Thursday, Aug. 28 • 6 p.m.
Dana J Dykhouse Stadium, Brookings
Talking Dreads
Thursday, Aug. 28 • 7 p.m.
Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls
Every time this shows up in my notifications I think it's a critical editorial titled "What's Going On, South Dakota?" And for some reason that seems more likely to me.