– By #Powder House Lodge
End of Summer 2020 Events
Another summer is winding down and, while this summer hasn’t been a typical summer, there are still plenty of outdoor family events & festivals in the Black Hills to check out during your stay. These events are fun and family-friendly and set in the beauty of the beautiful Black Hills landscape. Check out some of these events during your stay to get a taste of local, Black Hills fun.
Central States Fair – August 21 – 30
The Central States Fair held annually mid-August allows Rapid City residents and surrounding communities to partake in fair activities including; the carnival, free stage entrainment, along with exhibiting crafts and culinary in the open class competitions, cattle shows and multiple horse events. The Central States Fair also offers nine nights of grandstand entertainment from concerts to the Range Days Rodeo. You can check out the full list of grandstand entertainment here.
Kool Deadwood Nites – August 26 – 30
Historic Deadwood is host to one of the coolest car shows around. Nites brings car lovers together for five days full of classic cars, classic music and classic fun. It’s a 50’s and 60’s sock hop – Deadwood style. Enjoy a parade, show and shine and FREE concerts on Main Street featuring the biggest names in rock ‘n roll history. If classic cars, live music, and street vendor food sounds like a good night with the family, Kool Deadwood Nites is definitely worth checking out.
Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival – August 29 – 30
Take a quick trip down to Hot Springs in the southern Black Hills for two days of hot air balloon fun. Balloon launches are scheduled for both Saturday and Sunday from the Hot Springs Municipal Airport. On Saturday, August 29, there will be plenty of family activities throughout downtown Hot Springs. These family friendly activities include an Art Walk & Chalk, a free Kid Zone and vendors in Centennial Park, walk-in balloon at The Mammoth Site, Balloon Fest Volksmarch, live music, sidewalk sales, and special events and discounts at local businesses. On Saturday evening, a Night Glow will be held at the Hot Springs Municipal Airport at dusk.
Deadwood Jam – September 18 – 19
What’s better than an outdoor music festival? A free outdoor music festival. The 30th Annual Deadwood Jam will kick off on Thursday, September 17, with the annual Art and Jam Auction fundraiser at Jacob’s Art Gallery on Main Street. Attendees will enjoy light hors d’oeuvres while they bid on an array of art, from sculptures to paintings and photography by local Black Hills artists. The live auction begins at 5 p.m. A silent auction will coincide, and will continue through Saturday, when the highest bidders will be announced from the main stage.Live musical performances with kick off the festival with a triple header on Friday, September 18th, with the headliner appearing on stage Saturday, September 19th.
Buffalo Roundup – September 24 – 26
You will never experience anything in your life quite like the Buffalo Roundup as over 1,300 buffalo stampede through the Custer valley. Custer State Park is home to one of the largest American bison herds in the world. The annual Buffalo Roundup keeps the population in balance with the available land and resources. Most return right back to their home, the grasslands of Custer State Park. While the Buffalo Roundup takes place on Friday, September 25th, there’s an art festival, cook-off, concert, and much more on Thursday and Saturday to round off the roundup.
August might mark the last full month of summer, but that doesn’t mean the fun is over. Come see why all the locals love living in the Black Hills during the end of summer and beginning of fall. Check out these cool events and fill in the rest of the gaps with our Itinerary Builder.
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