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. 14
AMPT! featuring Landon Weis
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.
86th Black Hills Rally Day Drinkin’ and BBQ
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.
Sensory Friendly Play
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.
Tour de Corn
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.
Downtown Friday Nights
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.
Alyssa Allgood and the Fellowship Jazz Collective
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.
Space Pirates!
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.
Deep Blue Something
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.
What the Constitution Means to Me
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.
Theory of a Deadman with Sevendust
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.
The Crane Wives with BRYE
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.
Brown County Fair
Times vary
Brown County Fairgrounds, Aberdeen
The Brown County Fair continues through Sunday with livestock competitions, exhibits, carnival attractions, family entertainment, food and separately ticketed grandstand events.
South Dakota 4-H Finals Rodeo
Times vary
Stanley 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.
Clay County Fair
Times vary
Vermillion
The Clay County Fair continues through Saturday with 4-H and open-class exhibits, livestock shows, vendors, children’s activities and community events.
86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Times vary
Sturgis 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
Hot Rods for the Hatchery
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.
Brookings Farmers Market
Saturday, Aug. 15 • 9 a.m.-noon
300 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.
Bookstore Romance Day
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.
Back to School Block Party
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.
Annual Rosholt Threshing Bee
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.
AMPT! featuring Blue Moon Rhythm
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.
Fallen Hero Bridge Dedication for PFC Vern A. Harris
Saturday, Aug. 15 • 1 p.m. MT
Red 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.
Mount Rushmore Rodeo at Palmer Gulch
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.
Fellowship Jazz Collective
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.
Dustbowl Revival
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.
Live Music with John PayCheck
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.
Lee Brice with George Birge
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.
Crime Spree 6th Annual Birthday Bash
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.
Sunflower Festival
Time not listed
Highmore • 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
Brown County Fair Ranch Games
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.
Turner County Fair Community Barbecue and Lizzie Hofer
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.
Good Roots Pizza Night
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.
The Red Clay Strays: Grateful Tour
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
Turner County Fair
Monday, Aug. 17–20
Turner 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.
Mondays at McKennan: Mogen’s Heroes
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.
Rat Fight with Public Service Announcement and Trash Owls
Time not listed
The 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
Dakotafest
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.
Kool Deadwood Nites
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
Dakotafest Women’s Brunch & Vendor Fair
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.
Tunes for Tails
Wednesday, Aug. 19 • 6 p.m.
Spearfish City Park, Spearfish
Tunes for Tails returns to Spearfish City Park for an evening community event.
Winnipeg Goldeyes vs. Sioux Falls Canaries
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.
Cohen Bros. with The Shinks
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
AMPT! featuring Landon Weis
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.
Downtown @ Sundown
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.
Rapid City Summer Nights finale featuring Slamabama
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.
Winnipeg Goldeyes vs. Sioux Falls Canaries
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.
Camp Comfort with Bijou Belle & The RathCo
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.
Doom Scroll with Hans Gruber and the Die Hards and Kneeandertagne
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.
Thursdays on the Platz: Skilled Trades Night with Fine Mess
Time not listed
Ratingen 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.
Future Events
Check back each week for an updated list of future events.
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
