Events' Realm

The Roundup stands as one of the oldest continuously held outdoor rodeos in the United States. Over a thrilling six-day span centered around the July 4th holiday weekend, Belle Fourche draws thousands of attendees from both the local region and beyond, including visitors from across the nation and around the world, all converging to revel in the festivities.


Originating years ago as a fundraiser for the 1918 war effort, the Black Hills Roundup witnessed a remarkable gathering of 15,000 individuals in a Belle Fourche field. This turnout was especially remarkable given Belle Fourche's population at the time, which stood at just 1,410 residents. Despite the conclusion of World War I the following year, the resounding success of the inaugural event inspired its continuation year after year.


In its earliest incarnation, the Roundup was less a spectacle of organized rodeo events and more a showcase of authentic ranching skills. The arena lacked proper infrastructure, with minimal fencing to contain the spirited broncos. Nevertheless, cowboys eagerly participated, adhering to simple rules: select a bronco, subdue it, mount up, nod to start, and hold on for dear life. The process of "ear-ing" a horse, whereby one cowboy grasped the horse's head and bit its ear to control it while others saddled up, often led to injuries for both horse and rider. Today's rodeo practices prioritize safety, with horses guided into chutes where cowboys can work from above, ensuring greater control and minimizing harm to all involved.


Modern-day Roundup events showcase top-ranked cowboys and cowgirls competing in a variety of disciplines, including barrel racing, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling, bull riding, team roping, and more.

Rapid City

United States

South Dakota

Black Hills Roundup Grounds

Black Hills Roundup

Follow the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances - this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal! 


Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school. While there, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.


Rating: A very light PG - 10+ /Adults


Shows on June 29th, July 6th and July 13th are at 2:00 PM.

Black Hills Playhouse

Legally Blonde: The Musical

An all-inclusive motorcycle adventure at a cost of $2,295.  Proceeds support trail development in the Black Hills of South Dakota and the National Forest System. 


Four full days of some of the best riding you have ever experienced. 


All participants will receive a donation letter for $1000 from the Trail Stewards that may be used for charitable tax deductions.


Fee includes lodging for five nights (double occupancy). 


Five evening gourmet meals and five breakfasts are also included.  Single rooms can be requested on a first come, first served basis. Black Hills National Forest trail permit and Custer State Park passes are included.


Over $10,000 of cool gear will be given away.

Keystone

Dakota 600

Trampled by Turtles hail from Duluth, Minnesota, where front man Dave Simonett initially formed the group as a side project in 2003. At the time, Simonett had lost most of his music gear, thanks to a group of enterprising car thieves who'd ransacked his vehicle while he played a show with his previous band. Left with nothing more than an acoustic guitar, he began piecing together a new band, this time taking inspiration from bluegrass, folk, and other genres that didn't rely on amplification. Simonett hadn't played any bluegrass music before, and he filled his lineup with other newcomers to the genre, including fiddler Ryan Young (who'd previously played drums in a speed metal act) and bassist Tim Saxhaug. Along with mandolinist Erik Berry and banjo player Dave Carroll, the group began carving out a fast, frenetic sound that owed as much to rock & roll  as bluegrass.


Trampled by Turtles released their first record, Songs from a Ghost Town, in 2004. In a genre steeped in tradition, the album stood out for its contemporary sound, essentially bridging the gap between the bandmates' background in rock music and their new acoustic leanings. Blue Sky and the Devil (2005) and Trouble (2007) explored a similar sound, but it wasn't until 2008 and the band's fourth release, Duluth, that Trampled by Turtles received recognition by the bluegrass community. Duluth peaked at number eight on the Billboard bluegrass chart and paved the way for a number of festival appearances. When Palomino arrived in 2010, it was met with an even greater response, debuting at the top of the bluegrass chart, and remaining in the Top Ten for more than a year. Two years later, their crossover appeal landed them at number 32 on the Billboard 200 pop charts upon the release of their sixth album, Stars and Satellites. In addition to major bluegrass and folk festivals, they began showing up at Coachella, Bumbershoot, and Lollapalooza. The official concert album, Live at First Avenue, followed in 2013, recorded at Minnesota's most famous venue. A year later, the band returned with the darker-toned Wild Animals, which bettered its studio predecessor on the album charts, reaching number 29. Trampled by Turtles’ last two full length albums, Life Is Good on the Open Road (2018) and Alpenglow (2022), both peaked at number 1 on Billboard Bluegrass Chart. Their newest release, EP Always Here, was released earlier in September.

The Monument

Trampled by Turtles

The LifeLight Hills Alive Festival is a vibrant, free outdoor event in the heart of Rapid City, SD, bringing together people of all ages for an unforgettable weekend of faith, music, and community. Featuring a diverse lineup of top Christian music artists, this festival is a celebration of hope and worship, set against the scenic backdrop of the Black Hills. Attendees can enjoy live performances, inspiring messages, family-friendly activities, and a variety of food and merchandise vendors, creating a welcoming space for fellowship and spiritual renewal. With a mission to share the Gospel and strengthen faith, LifeLight Hills Alive has become a cherished gathering for families, friends, and individuals seeking joy and inspiration through music and community.

Memorial Park

Hills Alive

In 1874, Lieutenant Colonel George Custer led the troops of the 7th Cavalry into the Black Hills and discovered gold near present-day Custer. Colonel Custer and his men found wealth beyond gold in the beauty of the Black Hills. To celebrate this event, the town of Custer has the annual Gold Discovery Days celebration.  This annual three-day celebration has it all for the ENTIRE FAMILY! A carnival, car show, arts & crafts fair, volleyball tournament, 5K fun run, cornhole tournament, golf scramble, hot air balloon rally, and one of the largest parades in the Black Hills!   


Custer

Gold Discovery Days

Music Bingo every Thursday night. Free to all! The most fun you'll have on a Thursday night!

Cohort Craft Brewery

Music Bingo at Cohort

Come on out each Saturday and sing with us while we play Music Bingo for prizes and fun!

Zymurcracy Beer Company

Music Bingo!

Truly the “Best Rodeo. No Bull”.  The Days of ’76 Rodeo has been PRCA Rodeo of the Year 19 times!

Days of '76 Complex

Days of '76 Rodeo

42nd Annual Gem & Mineral Show
Saturday July 26, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm & Sunday July 27, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
$5 adult / Children under 12 free - must be accompanied by adult
Fluorescent Display, Display cases, children's area, silent auction, free raffle, concession, 30+ vendors, rock/mineral ID
Also the 50th anniversary of the formation of Western Dakota Gem & Mineral Society 1975-2025

Central States Fair & Rodeo

42nd annual gem & mineral show

Feel the mist of the Main Street Square Fountains while you enjoy a refreshing beverage in the heart of Downtown Rapid City!  

Live on the Lawn offers a variety of brews, seltzers, cider, sparkling wines, non-alcoholic Coke products and local live music. See list of entertainment for each date below:


June 4th - High Rise


June 11th - Bohdi Linde


June 18th - Rathco


June 25th - Noise in the Barn


July 2nd - United States Air Force Band


July 9th - Neon City


July 16th - Black Hills Soul


July 23rd - Tanner Johns


July 30th -- Johnny Hastings



It's a great way to enjoy the sounds, hang while you're waiting for your meal from a local food truck, or just wanting to break up your downtown adventures.

Main Street Square

Live on the Lawn

Partnering with the Elks Theatre, Downtown Rapid City, will hosts some of our favorite movies starting at dusk. This year there will three movies featured.


 * Look forward to the upcoming titles of the movie selection soon.
 * Movies will be starting at dusk.  Come down early and find a good spot for your chair and enjoy some popcorn before the feature film starts.

Movies on Main

The sculpture is illuminated nightly, year-round.
During the summer months join a park ranger in the park's outdoor amphitheater for an inspirational 45-minute program focusing on the presidents, patriotism and the nation's history. Beginning with a ranger talk, this program continues with the film "Freedom: America's Lasting Legacy" (captioned) and culminates with the lighting of the memorial. Program held nightly late May through the end of September.


May 24th - August 10th program starts at 9:00 PM.


August 11th - September 30th program starts at 8:00 PM.

Mount Rushmore National Memorial

Mount Rushmore Lighting Ceremony

Mission: To develop connections between producers and consumers for the benefit of the local community. 


 


Vision: To grow our partnership with the whole community by opening avenues for producer success. 

Market Park

Black Hills Farmers Market Spring/Summer

Experience an Old West Shootout aboard the 1880 Train! Conflicts between lawmen and bad guys were an important part of the story of the Wild West, and here’s your chance to experience a recreation of history and legend right on the spot. Sunday evening shootouts begin at the Hill City Station where danger is in the air! It's a good thing the sheriff is in town!


Note: All Old West Shootout riders must depart from Hill City at 5:00 pm. Shootout special event trains cannot be combined with Keystone departures or earlier departures. The shootout performance occurs alongside the middle of the stopped train about halfway between Hill City and Keystone. The train ride to Keystone resumes once the performance is completed!

1880 Train

Old West Shootout

Palmer Gulch will be alive with five action-packed rodeos this season. Give the rodeo cowboys and cowgirls your vocal support, then kick up your heels in your boots (or sandals or tennis shoes) and have a great time!


The Mount Rushmore Rodeo promises lots of Old West excitement. Arrive early to take part in planned activities for rodeo fans and get ready for the hoots and hollers of Wild West rodeo action.

Mount Rushmore KOA Resort at Palmer Gulch Resort

Mount Rushmore Rodeo at Palmer Gulch

Here! We! Go!


We are excited to roll out the line-up for our Wednesday Night FREE Summer Concert Series!


It all begins on May 28th and continues through August 27th (with the exception of August 6th for the Rally).


 * May 28th – Play Some Petty – a great local Tom Petty cover band!
 * June 4 – Guilty Pleasures Orchestra – featuring SD Rock N Roll Hall of Fame members and former members of Rude Awakening that used to rock the Saloon #10!
 * June 11 – The Rathco – you know these youngsters that kill it!
 * June 18 – Maygen & The Bird Watcher – recently nominated for Entertainer of the Year for the Midwest Country Music Awards!
 * June 25 – Tristen Schofield & Drive by Night – Tristen won the Wild West Songwriters Festival in 2023!
 * July 2 – Zeona Road – it’s the return of this great family band who bring so much fun and energy to their show!
 * July 9 – Vince Converse – you say you like BLUES? Well, Vince is quite familiar with Deadwood, and you will be familiar with him as he returns after playing last year’s Deadwood Jam!
 * July 16 – Johnny Hastings & Stillhouse Down – Johnny is on fire with his guitar these days, and his band puts together a great variety of sounds for you to just sit and enjoy!
 * July 23 – Dakota Country – you know them and you love them; our annual Days of 76′ show is always a blast!
 * July 30 – Arcana Kings – returning after debuting in Deadwood for the first time last year, it’s our pre-rally show, and they will turn it up with bagpipe included!
 * August 13 – High Rise – local flare with a new song on the air, you’ll always have a great night when this band is on stage!
 * August 20 – Surfin Safari – another annual show during Kool Deadwood Nites – get here early as the grounds fill up with everyone ready to enjoy the night!
 * August 27 – The Garage Boys – this high energy Las Vegas band makes their return to Deadwood, it’s so fun because there isn’t a request they can’t play!

Outlaw Square

Outlaw Square Summer Concert Series

Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, is stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. Faced with an unexpected pregnancy, Jenna fears she may have to abandon the dream of opening her own pie shop…until a baking contest in a nearby county and the town's handsome new doctor offer her a tempting recipe for happiness. Supported by her quirky crew of fellow waitresses and loyal customers, Jenna summons the secret ingredient she's been missing all along — courage. 


Shows on July 20th, 27th and August 3rd.




Events in South Dakota, United States

Black Hills Roundup

Legally Blonde: The Musical

Dakota 600

Trampled by Turtles

Hills Alive

Gold Discovery Days

Music Bingo at Cohort

Music Bingo!

Music Bingo!

Days of '76 Rodeo

42nd annual gem & mineral show

Live on the Lawn

Movies on Main

Mount Rushmore Lighting Ceremony

Black Hills Farmers Market Spring/Summer

Old West Shootout

Mount Rushmore Rodeo at Palmer Gulch

Outlaw Square Summer Concert Series

Waitress: The Musical