Black Hills events activities calendar - Rapid City, Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore

Events and Actiivities happening in the Black Hills - Rapid City - Hill City - Custer - Custer State Park- Mount Rushmore - Crazy Horse - South Dakota Vacation - SD -Mark your Calendar!

to enjoy drummers and wine! Bruce and Tas Thacker, Images of the World tickets $12

January 5, 2008Snowshoe the Mickelson Trail Learn how to snowshoe while enjoying the Mickelson Trail. Shoes can be provided. This great activity starts at 1pm. SD GF&P 605-584-3896

January 12, 2008 7:30pm / Chuck Suchy Nationally acclaimed singer/songwriter returns to the Black Hills for one night only. Often called “The Voice of the Upper Great Plains” Chuck is an American original, just like his memorable music. Tickets $10-15 Dahl Theater

January 19, 2008 4-8PM, Friendly Bouldering Comp hosted by the Athletic Club in Rapid City, Black Hills Climbers Coalition and Sylvan Rocks Climbing. Open comp from 4-6:30, Potluck dinner and quick Coalition meeting from 6:30-8 Maybe Libations at the pub after that? Swag, food friends and good fun while climbing.

January 24 - February 2, 2008 Stock Show Rushmore Plaza Civic Center 605-394-4155

Enjoy two days of great Cajun music, food and fun, Deadwood SD Style. With one of the largest Mardi Gras Parades in the region.

February 9 / 7:30pm / James Van Nuys & Will Waller Entertaining, eclectic, excellent guitar duo with blues, jazz, classical and modern. Tickets $10-12

Feb 15-17, 2008 Black Hills Sports Show and Sale in Rapid City, SD. Check out all of the newest recreational vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, boats, campers, and fishing and hunting equipment. Sporting goods and vacation information too. Seminars for all ages. Held at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Phone: Jim at 605-343-4279

Febuary 16th 4-8PM, Friendly Bouldering Comp hosted by the Athletic Club Climbing Gym in Rapid City, SD. Open comp from 4-7, Cash prizes, swag, fun. $7 gets you in the door. Maybe Libations at the pub after that?

March 7 - 8, 2008 Black Hills Horse Expo at the Central States Fairgrounds
800 San Francisco St. Rapid City, SD E-MAIL: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Gypsy Petz 605-722-4558

March 15th 4-8PM, Friendly Bouldering Comp hosted by the Athletic Club Climbing Gym in Rapid City, SD. Open comp from 4-7, Cash prizes, swag, fun. $7 gets you in the door. Maybe Libations at the pub afterwards?

March 28-30, 2008 Black Hill Home Builders Show . Many vendors featuring building and project displays. Held at the Rapid City Civic Center.

March 31, 2008 - September 29, 2008 Nemo, SD Seasonal Volksmarch This 6.2 mile volksmarch takes place near the town of Nemo, SD. The trail follows a wooden trail and gravel road. The start is at the Nemo Mercantile. General admission is $3, credit $2 walkers. Black Hills volkssport Associat 605-574-3278

April 1 Sept 30 Englewood Trail Seasonal Volksmarch in the Black Hills This 6.2-mile volksmarch takes place on the Mickelson Trail. The walk begins at Englewood Trailhead. Register at Boondocks Store on Highway 385 near Deadwood. Black Hills Volkssport Association, Larry Thovson
12 Gold Dust Road, Hill City, SD 57745-6532

April 6, 2008 Jazz Festival at Black Hills State Univ E-MAIL: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Enjoy a day filled with a avariety of jazzy venues. 605-42-6241

April 19 4-8PM, Friendly Bouldering Comp hosted by the Athletic Club Climbing Gym in Rapid City, SD. Open comp from 4-7, Cash prizes, swag, fun. $7 gets you in the door. Maybe Libations at the pub afterwards?

April 19, 2008 MS Walk Rapid City , SD Fund raising walk for Multiple Sclerosis to be held at a yet to be determined location. Mati 605-172-5703

May 2, 2008 Korczak Day at Crazy Horse Monument, Custer SD - Celebrate the 61st anniversary of sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski moving to the Black Hills in 1947 to accept the invitation from Lakota leaders to carve Crazy Horse Memorial. 605-673-4681

May 16 - September 30, 2008 Peter Norbeck Visitor Center Seasonal Volksmarch is a non-competitive 6.2 mile hike that follows a pre-marked route through Custer State Park. An interpretive trail guide is available for registered walkers. For more information contact the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center at (605) 255-4464.

May 17-18 SD Outdoor Expo The only statewide annual outdoor event that focuses on education and interaction. Exhibits and activities cover camping, hunting, wildlife management, shooting sports, fishing, rock climbing, aquatice education, and the importance of preserving our outdoor recreation heritage. Event is being held at the State Fairgrounds. Free entrance.

May 16-18, 2008 Get in free at Custer State Park near Custer, South Dakota. This annual event attracts fisherman and sightseers to drive Needles Highway, and check out the Needles Eye and Harney Peak. More info on visitor appreciation days!

May 23, 2008 Safe Climbing Skills Workshop : 9am Mount Rushmore Climbing Area..Meet at Wrinkled Rock TH. Better Safe Climbing Skills is something we all need more of. Proceeds to goto the Black Hills CC Bolt Replacement Fund $40 and you get into the slide show free.

May 23 - 25, 2008 Crazy Horse Memorial Day Weekend Open House Free to residents of South Dakota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming. Booths featuring guest artists in American Indian Museum and Cultural Center. Suggested donation: Cash or 3 cans of food per person for KOTA Care and Share Food Drive. Mountain blast on Monday Holiday, weather permitted. 605-673-4681

May 23-26, 2008 Black Hills Fat Tire Fest. Stop by Rapid City for some great mountain bike rides, races and fun. Don't forget to come rock climbing with Sylvan Rocks Climbing School and Guide Service.

Reminder- The voluntary June climbing closure at Devils Tower National Monument still applies. Sylvan Rocks will not guide at Devil's Tower during June.

June 2, 2008 Crazy Horse Memorial Dedication anniversaries Celebrate the 60th anniversary of 1948 dedication of the Memorial and first mountain blast. Also, 10th anniversary of dedication the finished face of Crazy Horse

June 5 Black Hills Overdrive Rally Bring your hotrod or classic car to Custer SD, and cruise the Needles Highway and all over Custer County. Don't forget to stop and enjoy a little rock climbing with Sylvan Rocks Climbing School.

June 6-8 Day Out with Thomas All aboard! This family event will surely put a smile a your child's face and in their heart as they meet Thomas the Tank Engine. They will be entertained on the 25-minute ride through the Black Hills. Many exciting activities are scheduled to take place throughout the day at the station. 1880 Train Hill City, SD.

June 6-7, 2008 Crazy Horse Volksmarch The 23rd annual organized hike to the world's largest mountain carving in progress. Go stand on the great arm of Crazy Horse Memorial - admission free to hikers, $3 per person charge by AVA for 10K(6.2 mile) hike. Suggested donation: Cash or 3 cans of food per person for KOTA Care and Share Food Drive. PHONE: 605-673-468

June 7 National Trails Day. Events TBA Lets do some work in Custer State Park on the Cathedral Spires trail. Custer State Park is sponsoring a hike too. Activity info

June 12 - 14, 2008 Rapid City Annual Quilt Show at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Come enjoy all the beautiful creations made by the Black Hills Quilters Guild. For more info phone Rebecca Smith 605-255-4931

June 12-14, 2008 Crazy Horse Rodeo. Crazy Horse Stampede & Gift From Mother Earth Celebration Feeling tough? Come see America's top cowboys and cowgirls get wild at the Crazy Horse Memorial Rodeo. Yeeee--haw! 18th annual Great Plains Indian Rodeo Association & PRCA rodeo events; American Indian & Western arts and crafts show/sale; plus American Indian fashion show/sale!

June 13-15, 2008 Wild Bill Days in Deadwood, SD Get ready to kick off summer with the annual Wild Bill Hickok Days celebration. There is literally something for everyone at the Wild West event. We'll feature the World Cowboy Fast Draw Championships, Gun Spinning exhibitions and Wild West Reenactors throughout town. Plus we'll have tow days of absolutely FREE concerts with major national acts right on Main Street.

June 18, 2008 Nature Day Camp Great for young children. This multi-day program offers several activities relating to different topics. Participants should be prepared for a journey into various settings to learn the sights and sounds of one of South Dakota's most popular recreational areas. 605-745-6996

June 25, 2008 Crazy Horse Night Blast Share Ruth Ziolkowski's 82nd birthday and the 132nd Anniversary of the Battle of Little Big Horn. There will be an evening program honoring Mrs. Z, special additional effects in the Legends in Light Show and the first of two yearly night blasts on the mountain, which also honors the Battle of The Little Big Horn.

June 27- 28, 2008 Festival of Presidents in Downtown Rapid City, SD Sixth and Main. The Festival of Presidents is a two-day event taking place in downtown Rapid City. The festival includes a patriotic music contest with cash prizes, a Friday evening concert, an official tribute to the presidential statues located downtown, a Saturday morning patriotic parade with cash prizes for the top three marching bands, and much more. Giveaways, sales and activities abound. Fun is in store for the whole family during this weekend festival. Chris Johnson 605-355-0505 for more info.

June TBA Palisades Top Rope Anchor Workshop. Come learn how to set up a safe top rope anchor at Palisades State Park near Sioux Falls, SD. Begins at 9am.

July 3, 2008 Mount Rushmore Fireworks See the Black Hills most patriotic fireworks display. Plan to arrive at Mt. Rushmore early to get a good seat, and stay late to enjoy the traffic jam! Or just go rock climbing with Sylvan Rocks.

July 4th Custer South Dakota Fireworks Display. One of the largest Black Hills Fireworks Shows. A great hometown event!

July 4th-6th Black Hills Hot Rod Run This annual rod run includes a show-and-shine, poker run, parade and more. Cars can drive through the Black Hills and tour local businesses. Held at Memorial Park Hill City SD.

July 7th Roaming the Red Rocks Geology Tour Learn about the history of the rocks at Palisades State Park. Family motor coach members are encouraged to come. Near Garretson and Sioux Falls SD. 605-594-3824

July 11-13 Womens Climbing & Yoga Weekend. Rock Climbing and Yoga are beautiful movements that blend together perfectly. Meet on Friday near Keystone, SD and enjoy good friends, great climbing, and super cool yoga. All levels welcome. All climbing equipment provided. Learn More at True Nature Yoga or call Angie at 605-201-5080.

July 11-13 2008 Laura Inglles Wilder Padeant Friendship soon turns to romance for Laura Ingalls and Almanzo Wilder in this year`s live production of ''These Happy Golden Years.'' This is the heartwarming and unforgettable story of Laura Ingalls growing up on the Dakota prairies. Held three weekends in July 2008: July 11-13, 18-20, and 25-27. DeSmet, SD 605-854-3383

July 19-20, 2008 Hills Alive Music Festival in Memorial Park Rapid City, SD 5th & Omaha.
Annual Christian rock concert and festival in Memorial Park. Free 605-342-4694

July Custer Gold Discovery Days . This hometown of the Black Hills event features parades, bed races, and an old time craft fair. A great excuse to stay at the Sylvan Lake Lodge and go climbing with Sylvan Rocks Climbing School.

July TBA Palisades Top Rope Anchor Workshop. Work with our AMGA certified guide Mark Greeno to learn how to setup a safe top rope rock climbing system out at Palisades State Park near Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Tentative date.

July 25-26th Black Hills Square And Round Dance Festival Enjoy square and round dancing at this annual festival held at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City South Dakota. 307-638-3541 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

July 27 Great Black Hills Duck Race - Rapid City, SD This annual event is a fundraiser for the Children's Miracle Network. About 18,000 rubber ducks are dropped off a bridge on west Main Street and float 1.5 miles to Memorial Park. Prizes are awarded to the top winners. (Ducks cost $5 each. Buy five ducks and get a free T-shirt.) 605-719-4756 Children's Miracle Network, Anna Karsky

July 31-Aug 10, 2008 Custer Cruisin Custer SD annual motorcycle rally to correspond with the Sturgis motercycle event - Bring your tatoos and shirts without sleeves.

AUGUST calendar
August 2, 2008 River Man / River Woman Triathalon Activities include swimming, running and biking. There will be prizes for winners. Contact the park for official rules. Starts at 8 a.m. at Farm Island Recreation Area. 605-773-2885

August 4-10 2008 Sturgis Motor Cycle Rally. Ride your Harley Davidson to the Black Hills with 500,000 of your closest friends. A great time to go climbing with Sylvan Rocks in Custer State Park.

August 9, 2008 South Dakota Bat festival....and no we arent talking baseball. Come Hang with the Custer State Park Guides / Naturalist and learn about an important member of our ecosystem. for info call CSP 605-255-4464

August 29-31, 2008 Labor Day weekend Crazy Horse Open House Free admission to residents of SD, MT, ND, NE and WY. Booths featuring Guest artists in American Indian Museum of North America and cultural center. Suggested donation: Cash or 3 cans of food per person for KOTA Care and Share Food Drive.

SEPTEMBER events
September 5, 2008 Crazy Horse Memorial Night Blast Custer, SD In observance of dual anniversaries~ the 1877 death of Lakota leader Crazy Horse and the commemoration of the 100th birthday of sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski born in 1908. Crazy Horse Memorial 605-673-4681

September 13-14, 2008 Weekend Ride Around the Hills Funding Raising Bike Ride for MS. The ride will take place over 2 days, day 1 in the northern hills, day 2 southern hills Mati Felderman 605-718-5703

September 14-17, 2008 The Black Hills Road Trek Chapter Rally to be held at the Hart Ranch near Rapid City, SD Be part of the first Road Trek RV rally ever held in South Dakota. Over 100 rigs will stay at Hart Ranch resort in prime fall foliage season. Kathy Link 605-361-4674

Sept 19-21 Mickelson Trail Trek Join mountain and road bikers from all over the world for the Black Hills biggest biking event. Ride the 110 mile Mickelson Trail from south to north through the beautiful Black Hills on a crushed limestone trail.

September 27-29 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup Craft and Arts Festival - From pancakes to native american art. This is a great time to be in the Black Hills. The weather is nice and the entertainment (buffalo) is brethtaking. The rock climbing is darn good too, so take it all in!

September 28, 2008 Buffalo Wallow Chilli Cook-off - 1th annual cook-off - sponsored by the Custer County Chamber in conjunction with the Buffalo Roundup arts festival - 30 competitors call 800-922-9818 and bring a spoon

Sepetember 29 Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup - 1500 Buffalo being driven over the hill is a sight that will take you back to the days when the Black Hills was Indian territory. Come early to get a good viewing spot. for the 43rd annual Buffalo Roundup. Be sure to check out the craft fair, entertainment, and chili cook off.

October 19, 2008 Korczak Zoilkowski Remeberance Day at Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer, SD

October 24 and 25, 2008 Enjoy an autumn evening during the 11th Annual Halloween Night Hike on October 24 and 25. Following a one-mile paved hiking trail, participants take a guided night hike through a festive educational event. More info

Nov. 15th 2008 Buffalo Auction The American Bison was once faced with extinction but due to the conservation efforts of organizations like Custer State Park, there are now over 250,000. Each fall the Park sells surplus animals to the highest bidder at the live auction on the third Saturday in November. Buyers and non-buyers alike are invited to attend this annual event that has helped preserve a part of America.

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