The fall season is in the air and that means it’s time to get your festive spirit on for all of these great events in South Dakota that are coming up very soon. Check out all of the unique festivals that our state has to offer this year. Which ones are you most excited to attend?
- Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival - Custer
South Dakota Department of Tourism/Flickr View one of the most exciting events of the year in South Dakota’s beautiful Custer State Park. This authentic roundup moves the park’s huge buffalo herd with the aid of true cowboys in a sight unlike any you’ve ever seen. An arts festival also takes place where you can enjoy local and regional artists and their craft. September 29-October 1.
More information.
- The Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival - Rapid City
Main Street Square/Facebook Head down to Main Street Square in downtown Rapid City for some festive fall fun! Pumpkins will be everywhere among the vendors, activities, and events that will take place on September 24 from 9 AM to 4 PM. It’s a blast, and a great way to explore downtown of the city!
More information.
- FestiFALL & CandleLight Walk - Canton
Newton Hills State Park/Facebook Enjoy all the local craft vendors, food, and events at the Newton Hills State Park all day on October 1, and when the sun sets, take an amazing, one-of-a-kind walk through the natural forests of the park guided by nothing but candles and jack-o-lanterns on their CandleLight Walk. It’s a great experience for all ages, and simply beautiful!
More information.
- Fort Sisseton Haunted Fort - Lake City
Fort Sisseton Historic State Park/Facebook After taking a part in Fort Sisseton Historic State Park’s fall-themed activities all day on October 15, wait for night to arrive and take a haunted tour of the fort itself! Please keep in mind that while the activities are open for everyone, the tours must be scheduled ahead of time, so be sure to make a reservation and experience the spooky historical site yourself.
More information.
- An Arts & Crafts Affair Autumn Festival - Sioux Falls
Hpifestivals/Facebook This huge arts and crafts event takes place in the Sioux Falls Convention Center on October 21-23, full of local, regional, and many other vendors ready to show off their creations. It’s a shopping fest that you’re going to love! There’s so many unique booths to explore, so be sure to check it out this year.
More information.
- Oktoberfest - Various locations
HISTORIC DEADWOOD/Facebook There’s plenty of Oktoberfests happening in South Dakota this year! Enjoy everything German from drinks to food to clothes, and also be around to see my favorite part: wiener dog races! It’s tons of fun for everyone, so be sure to check the link below to see if there is one in your area.
More information and list of locations.
- Harvest Festival - Vermillion
Ufford Hills Ag/Facebook Take part in all the fun things the fall season brings us at the Harvest Festival of Ufford Hills Ag. Get lost in their corn maze, tour their farm, participate in all the exciting activities, and be sure to take some pumpkins from their pumpkin patch home!
More information.
- South Dakota Festival of Books - Brookings, Sioux Falls, Rapid City
South Dakota Humanities Council/Facebook If you love to read, be sure to visit the Festival of Books in one of three locations this year! Brookings is on September 22-25, then Sioux Falls on September 22, and Rapid City rounding off the events on September 27. It is entirely free and open for everyone and includes the chance to meet award winning authors and hear them speak at each event. It’s a great opportunity to let your love of books show!
More information.
These are a great way to embrace the fall season! And Halloween candy, of course. Let us know your experience if you get a chance to attend any of these festivals.
South Dakota Department of Tourism/Flickr
View one of the most exciting events of the year in South Dakota’s beautiful Custer State Park. This authentic roundup moves the park’s huge buffalo herd with the aid of true cowboys in a sight unlike any you’ve ever seen. An arts festival also takes place where you can enjoy local and regional artists and their craft. September 29-October 1.
More information.
Main Street Square/Facebook
Head down to Main Street Square in downtown Rapid City for some festive fall fun! Pumpkins will be everywhere among the vendors, activities, and events that will take place on September 24 from 9 AM to 4 PM. It’s a blast, and a great way to explore downtown of the city!
More information.
Newton Hills State Park/Facebook
Enjoy all the local craft vendors, food, and events at the Newton Hills State Park all day on October 1, and when the sun sets, take an amazing, one-of-a-kind walk through the natural forests of the park guided by nothing but candles and jack-o-lanterns on their CandleLight Walk. It’s a great experience for all ages, and simply beautiful!
More information.
Fort Sisseton Historic State Park/Facebook
After taking a part in Fort Sisseton Historic State Park’s fall-themed activities all day on October 15, wait for night to arrive and take a haunted tour of the fort itself! Please keep in mind that while the activities are open for everyone, the tours must be scheduled ahead of time, so be sure to make a reservation and experience the spooky historical site yourself.
More information.
Hpifestivals/Facebook
This huge arts and crafts event takes place in the Sioux Falls Convention Center on October 21-23, full of local, regional, and many other vendors ready to show off their creations. It’s a shopping fest that you’re going to love! There’s so many unique booths to explore, so be sure to check it out this year.
More information.
HISTORIC DEADWOOD/Facebook
There’s plenty of Oktoberfests happening in South Dakota this year! Enjoy everything German from drinks to food to clothes, and also be around to see my favorite part: wiener dog races! It’s tons of fun for everyone, so be sure to check the link below to see if there is one in your area.
More information and list of locations.
Ufford Hills Ag/Facebook
Take part in all the fun things the fall season brings us at the Harvest Festival of Ufford Hills Ag. Get lost in their corn maze, tour their farm, participate in all the exciting activities, and be sure to take some pumpkins from their pumpkin patch home!
More information.
South Dakota Humanities Council/Facebook
If you love to read, be sure to visit the Festival of Books in one of three locations this year! Brookings is on September 22-25, then Sioux Falls on September 22, and Rapid City rounding off the events on September 27. It is entirely free and open for everyone and includes the chance to meet award winning authors and hear them speak at each event. It’s a great opportunity to let your love of books show!
More information.
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