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].

Friday, Aug. 14 • 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.The Steel District, Sioux Falls

Landon Weis performs during Downtown Sioux Falls’ lunchtime AMPT! series. The Friday performances take place at The Steel District throughout the summer.

Friday, Aug. 14 • 1 p.m.Crow Peak Brewing Co., Spearfish

Crow Peak Brewing continues its rally-week gathering with an afternoon of food, drinks and activity during the final weekend of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Friday, Aug. 14 • 4-7 p.m.Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Brookings

The Children’s Museum offers a sensory-friendly play session designed for children and families who benefit from a quieter museum environment and adjusted sensory experience.

Friday, Aug. 14 • Registration from 5–7:30 p.m. / glow ride at 7:15 p.m.Kiwanis Park, Mitchell • Costs vary

Tour de Corn weekend begins with registration for bicyclists, a free pump-track contest for children 12 and younger, a rider meal and a community glow ride around Lake Mitchell. Saturday features 15-, 35-, 62- and 100-mile routes beginning at the Corn Palace, while Sunday concludes with a free guided singletrack ride.

Friday, Aug. 14 • 6 p.m.Downtown Spearfish

Spearfish’s summer street series returns for another Friday evening of live music, food, drinks and downtown activity during the final weekend of rally season.

Friday, Aug. 14 • 6:30–8 p.m. and 9–10:30 p.m.Trio Jazz Club, Sioux Falls

Chicago vocalist, songwriter and bandleader Alyssa Allgood joins Sioux Falls’ Fellowship Jazz Collective for two performances. The evening combines Allgood’s contemporary vocal jazz with musicians from the local jazz community.

Friday, Aug. 14-15 • 7 p.m.Grand Opera House, Pierre • Pay what you can

Young performers from the Theatre 605 residency take the stage in an original children’s musical built around aliens, space pirates and an unexpected intergalactic adventure. A second performance is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday.

Friday, Aug. 14 • 7 p.m.Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls • Free

Alternative-rock band Deep Blue Something headlines the Levitt lawn with Tyler VonEye opening. Happy hour begins at 6 p.m. before music starts at 7.

Friday, Aug. 14 • 7:30 p.m.Black Hills Playhouse, Custer State Park near Custer

Heidi Schreck’s play examines the U.S. Constitution through generations of women in one family. The production reaches the final weekend of its Black Hills Playhouse run. The theater recommends the show for ages 14 and older because of mature themes and language.

Friday, Aug. 14 • 8 p.m.Brown County Fair Grandstand, Aberdeen • $60 during fair week

Theory of a Deadman headlines Friday night at the Brown County Fair with Sevendust as special guest.

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

The Crane Wives bring their harmony-driven indie-folk and rock sound to The District with special guest BRYE opening the evening.

Times varyBrown County Fairgrounds, Aberdeen

The Brown County Fair continues through Sunday with livestock competitions, exhibits, carnival attractions, family entertainment, food and separately ticketed grandstand events.

Times varyStanley County Fairgrounds, Fort Pierre

South Dakota 4-H rodeo competitors gather in Fort Pierre for the state finals Aug. 14-16. The weekend concludes the season for qualifiers from regional rodeos across South Dakota.

Times varyVermillion

The Clay County Fair continues through Saturday with 4-H and open-class exhibits, livestock shows, vendors, children’s activities and community events.

Times varySturgis and surrounding Black Hills communities • Costs vary

The 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally enters its final weekend and runs through Sunday, Aug. 16, with motorcycle events, vendors, organized rides, concerts and gatherings throughout Sturgis and the northern Black Hills.

Saturday, Aug. 15 • 8 a.m.D.C. Booth National Historic Fish Hatchery, Spearfish

Cars of all makes and models gather inside the historic hatchery grounds for the annual show. Funds raised support keeping the hatchery free and open to visitors.

Saturday, Aug. 15 • 9 a.m.-noon300 block of Sixth Avenue, Brookings

Growers, food producers and makers gather for the weekly downtown outdoor market between the Brookings Public Library and Brookings County Courthouse.

Saturday, Aug. 15 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m.Pasque, Brookings

Pasque celebrates Bookstore Romance Day with a full day centered on romance books and readers, including a signing with local author Taylor Hornig from 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 15 • 10 a.m.–4 p.m.Main Street Square, Rapid City • Free admission

Main Street Square fills with water slides, inflatables, food trucks, vendors and family activities for an end-of-summer downtown celebration. Some individual attractions require a wristband or separate purchase.

Saturday, Aug. 15 • 10 a.m.–4 p.m.Rosholt

The 37th annual gathering brings agricultural history back to life with threshing demonstrations, a parade, car and horse shows, crafts, children’s activities, music and food. The event continues Sunday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 15 • 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.Phillips Avenue Plaza, Sioux Falls

Blue Moon Rhythm performs during the Saturday installment of Downtown Sioux Falls’ lunchtime AMPT! music series.

Saturday, Aug. 15 • 1 p.m. MTRed Earth Table, 421 N. Main St., Isabel

The South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs will host a public ceremony honoring U.S. Army PFC Vern A. Harris. The South Dakota Highway 20 bridge over Irish Creek west of Isabel will be dedicated in his name.

Saturday, Aug. 15 • 6–9 p.m.Palmer Gulch, Hill City • $10 non-guests / $5 ages 6–12 / ages 5 and younger free

The arena program includes bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback riding, team roping, barrel racing and mutton bustin’. Guests staying at Palmer Gulch receive free admission.

Saturday, Aug. 15 • 6:30–8 p.m. and 9–10:30 p.m.Trio Jazz Club, Sioux Falls

The Sioux Falls-based jazz collective takes over Trio for two Saturday-night performances spotlighting musicians working to build the local jazz community.

Saturday, Aug. 15 • 7 p.m.Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls • Free

Americana group Dustbowl Revival headlines Saturday at Levitt at the Falls, continuing the venue’s free outdoor summer concert series.

Saturday, Aug. 15 • 7 p.m.Crow Peak Brewing Co., Spearfish

John PayCheck performs a Saturday-night set at Crow Peak Brewing during the final weekend of the Black Hills rally season.

Saturday, Aug. 15 • 8 p.m.Brown County Fair Grandstand, Aberdeen • $60 during fair week

Country singer Lee Brice headlines the Brown County Fair’s Saturday-night concert with George Birge opening.

Saturday, Aug. 15 • Doors at 9 p.m. / show at 10 p.m.The Den, 909 N. West Ave., Sioux Falls • Free • 21+

Award-winning artist Sten Joddi of “Reservation Dogs” headlines Crime Spree’s sixth annual birthday bash. The local lineup also includes Rambotg, LGII, Gorilla Pimp, DC1NOLY, Mastamynd, Kali Breeze and 605 Rider, with DJ Crime Spree. The flyer also advertises a $100 cash prize for the best dressed, decided by crowd vote.

Time not listedHighmore • Free

Highmore celebrates sunflower season with art and craft vendors, hayrides, local talent, live music and opportunities to visit sunflower fields surrounding the community.

Sunday, Aug. 16 • 2 p.m.Brown County Fairgrounds, Aberdeen

The fair closes its grandstand schedule with farm-inspired physical challenges including feed-bag throwing and bale climbing, with separate divisions and cash prizes for competitors. Proceeds support school lunch and snack programs.

Sunday, Aug. 16 • 4-6 p.m.Heritage Park at Turner County Fairgrounds, Parker • Free

The evening before the official start of the Turner County Fair includes a free barbecue with ice cream and live music from Lizzie Hofer. The Turner County Fair Hall of Fame presentation follows at 5 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 16 • 4:30–7:30 p.m.Good Roots Farm and Gardens, Brookings • Menu prices vary

Good Roots serves its weekly wood-fired pizzas using seasonal ingredients in an outdoor farm setting. Advance ordering is encouraged.

Sunday, Aug. 16 • 6:30 p.m.Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls

The Red Clay Strays bring their Grateful Tour to Sioux Falls for a Sunday-night arena concert.

Monday, Aug. 17–20Turner County Fairgrounds, Parker • Free gate

South Dakota’s oldest county fair officially opens its Aug. 17–20 run. Monday includes 4-H and open-class activities, entertainment, carnival rides, the Lennox Municipal Band at 7 p.m. and Bulls, Broncs & Barrels at the grandstand at 7 p.m.

Monday, Aug. 17 • 7 p.m.McKennan Park Bandshell, Sioux Falls • Free

Mogen’s Heroes performs a variety-music set during the city’s free Mondays at McKennan series. Guests may bring lawn chairs or blankets.

Time not listedThe Den, Sioux Falls • Free • 21+

Rat Fight and Public Service Announcement share the bill with Trash Owls for a free Monday-night show at The Den.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 • 8 a.m.–4 p.m.Dakotafest Show Site, 2300 E. Spruce St., Mitchell

Dakotafest opens its three-day agricultural showcase with more than 400 exhibitors, equipment and product demonstrations, educational sessions and family activities. Hours are 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday and 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Thursday.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 • Activities begin at 9 a.m.Downtown Deadwood • Free concerts / vehicle registration separate

The six-day classic-car celebration begins Tuesday with registration, a show and shine, barbecue and live music. Events continue through Sunday with classic cars, concerts, an auction, a sock hop and the closing parade.

Wednesday, Aug. 19 • 8:30 a.m.Highland Conference Center, Mitchell • $25 individual / $140 table of six

Laura Klock of Farm Life Creamery and Kelly Scheetz of Scheetz Mercantile headline this year’s brunch under the theme “Together We Grow,” focusing on collaboration, business and community.

Wednesday, Aug. 19 • 6 p.m.Spearfish City Park, Spearfish

Tunes for Tails returns to Spearfish City Park for an evening community event.

Wednesday, Aug. 19 • 6:35 p.m.The Birdcage, Sioux Falls • Presale tickets from $11.75

Waggin’ Wednesday welcomes fans and their four-legged companions as the Canaries host Winnipeg. GreatLIFE members receive free admission with a pass and concessions include $3 hot dogs.

Wednesday, Aug. 19 • 8 p.m.The Den, Sioux Falls • Free • 21+

Cohen Bros. and The Shinks play a free Wednesday-night show at The Den.

Thursday, Aug. 20 • 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.Cherapa Place, Sioux Falls

Landon Weis performs the Thursday lunchtime AMPT! set at Cherapa Place as the downtown summer music series heads toward the end of its season.

Thursday, Aug. 20 • Vendors at 5:30 p.m. / music at 6 p.m.Downtown Brookings, Brookings • Free

The outdoor downtown festival combines live music with free children’s activities, food and beverage vendors and local retailers. The event runs until 10 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 20 • 6-9 p.m.Downtown Rapid City, Rapid City • Free

Rapid City Summer Nights closes its 2026 season with Slamabama, a four-piece band mixing country, rock and pop. Food and beverage vendors are also part of the downtown gathering.

Thursday, Aug. 20 • 6:35 p.m.The Birdcage, Sioux Falls • Presale tickets from $11.75

The Canaries close the series against Winnipeg with Throwback Thursday. The team wears throwback jerseys and the ballpark offers $5 domestic beers during the game.

Thursday, Aug. 20 • 7 p.m.Levitt at the Falls, Sioux Falls • Free

Black Hills-based Camp Comfort headlines Levitt with its reggae-rock sound, joined by Bijou Belle & The RathCo for another free summer concert on the lawn.

Thursday, Aug. 20 • 8 p.m.The Den, Sioux Falls • $10 advance / $20 at the door • 21+

Doom Scroll and Hans Gruber and the Die Hards bring their punk, folk-punk and ska-heavy touring bill to Sioux Falls with Kneeandertagne joining the lineup. The Aug. 20 appearance by Doom Scroll and Hans Gruber and the Die Hards is also independently listed for The Den.

Time not listedRatingen Platz, downtown Vermillion

Fine Mess provides the live music for Skilled Trades Night at Vermillion’s summer downtown series. Food vendors, a brewery tent, lawn games, children’s activities and community organizations are also part of the evening.

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.

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

Thanks for reading! This post is public, so feel free to share it.