– By #Powder House Lodge
As we head into August, it often feels like we start grasping at the last few straws that summer has to offer. We’re not sure why, but it always feels like summer went by too quickly, and that we didn’t pack enough adventure into those first two months. Well, today we’re here to show you that there is still plenty of time to get in on some warm weather fun, as we’ve outlined some of the area’s best late summer events that are taking place. Remember folks, summer doesn’t end until September 23rd!
Central States Fair- Aug. 16-25
From the midway to motorsports, and livestock to loungin’, the annual Central States Fair brings in all kinds of late summer entertainment. And let’s be honest here, nothing beats fair food, right?! Country music stars Big & Rich, Chris Janson, and Chase Rice headline this year’s concerts, but the real fun kicks off Saturday the 17th when the Mountain State’s Ford Demolition Derby gets the dirt flying at the Grandstand. Follow that up on Thursday the 22nd by watching some of the most outrageous guys on the planet when the PRCA Extreme Broncs Finals takes place. We’ll stay in the stands, thank you very much.
For a full list of all the entertainment at the 2019 Central State’s Fair, visit the fair website here.
Rapid City Summer Nights - Thursday Nights through August
Every Thursday night during the summer, Downtown Rapid City turns into a haven for good times, good friends, and good music. The downtown streets are blocked off to set up shop for food and beer vendors, children’s activities, artists, and of course, fantastic music! Featuring live music on two distinct stages, the Summer Nights Concert Series is a great way to spend the evening, and there’s still time to get down and check it out, as it runs through Aug. 29. For information on dates and performers, check out the 7th Street Stage schedule.
Kool Deadwood Nites - August 22-24
Kool Deadwood Nites brings car lovers together for four days chock 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. All ages are welcome to this event! For more information, head to the Kook Deadwood Nites website.
Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival- Aug. 24-25
Satisfy the thrill-seeker in you by taking a hot air balloon ride over the gorgeous South Dakota terrain! During this spectacular event taking place in Hot Springs, Black Hills Balloons will be offering balloon rides that allow you to take in fantastic sights and view area wildlife. Those that want to keep their feet firmly planted on the ground can also join in on the festivities, with sidewalk sales, art walks and chalk art, kid’s areas and free live entertainment also being offered. Click here to learn more and purchase your hot air balloon ride!
National Park Service Birthday- Aug. 25th
We’re always looking for a reason to get out into the beautiful Black Hills and do beautiful Black Hills things! The birthday of the National Park Service is a great chance to do just that, because all parks are free! That’s right, you can go anywhere your adventurous heart desires, just be sure to pack out what you pack in.
If you’d like more information about the free park days, or about our amazing parks in general, our friends over at Black Hills and Badlands have you covered. Go enjoy the beauty that surrounds us every day in the Black Hills, and find your new favorite place!
Sturgis Mustang Rally- Aug. 26- Sep. 1
As if Sturgis really NEEDS another event in August, coming off two full weeks of high-rev rally entertainment! But alas, this year’s 13th Annual Mustang Rally is just Sturgis doing what it does best: bringing the fun! The Mustang Rally is a week-long event packed full of racing, cruises, car shows, burnouts, giveaways and about a hundred other fun things to see and do. You can find a full list of activities on the Sturgis Mustang Rally website.
Deadwood Jam- Sept. 13-14
The annual Deadwood Jam has always been a premiere outdoor music festival that draws in huge crowds, and this year will be no different! In line with other Deadwood music events, the Jam will be held in downtown Deadwood, with plans for the event to be the big opener for Outlaw Square, Deadwood’s newest gathering space. The 29th Annual Deadwood Jam will kick off on Thursday, September 12 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 by local Black Hills artists, from sculptures to paintings and photography. From there, prepare yourself for some amazing music from some truly amazing artists! Funk, jazz, rock, hip-hop, and Americana will all be on display in their purest forms. Nothing but good vibes here, friends! You can get more information by visiting the Deadwood Jam .
Now, get out and take advantage of the great summer moments that are still left, as well as experience all that our great Black Hills and surrounding areas have to offer. And don’t forget to stop in to see us and partake in some succulent prime rib before we close up for the season!
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