

Rapid City, South Dakota is the second largest city and the gateway to the Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. The name was derived from Rapid Creek on which it is built. Settlement of Rapid City started in 1876, although at that time white settlement was forbidden by treaties signed by the Indians and the U.S. Government. In April of 1877 the government established a post office in Rapid City and recognized the town. As the gold rush continued, Rapid City became the hub of commerce for shipments into the mining towns. Stages from Ft. Pierre and Sidney, Neb., served the new town and merchants started setting up shops.
Today Rapid City, South Dakota is the Mecca for the tourist trade in the Black Hills and the gateway for almost any destination in the Black Hills. Rapid City teems with things to see and do for the family vacationer. Motels, cabins, campsites and bed & breakfast are abundant in Rapid City. Every type of food can be found in the numerous restaurants. Don’t miss the museums that show the history of the American Indians, Gold Rush days and even the dinosaurs that roamed the area millions of years ago.
Picture your next travel stop in Rapid City, South Dakota!
Rapid City
Chamber of Commerce
444 Mt. Rushmore Road
Rapid City, SD 57709
605-343-6550
www.rapidcitychamber.com
January 30, 2009 to February 8, 2009
Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo
PRCA rodeos, 10 breeds of cattle shows, cattle sales, team roping, AQHA show, ranch horse competition, horse sales, ranch rodeo, North American Sheepdog trials, banquet and ball, largest selection of vendors. Held at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.
Admission: Free
www.blackhillsstockshow.com
605-355-3861 - Ron Jeffries
Central States Fair Inc
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February 20, 2009 to February 22, 2009
Black Hills Sports Show and Sale
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.
Admission: Yes
www.blackhillssportsshowandsale.org
605-343-4279
NAJA Shriners
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April 4, 2009 to April 5, 2009
Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Gun Show
This event includes a diversity of guns and related items, cowboy and other collectibles, and sometimes artwork. Items are dependant on a diversity of vendors from many states. Held at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.
Admission: Yes
Adults: $4
Children: Under 12 Free
605-923-5191 - Sonny Pesicka
Dakota Territory Gun Collectors Association
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April 17, 2009 to April 19, 2009
Youth and Family Services Kids Fair
More than 60 organizations and area businesses will provide educational and fun activities for children of all ages during the three-day event. A giant sand box, mini-train rides, climbing wall, inflatable slide, obstacle course and jumping castles, petting zoo, stage entertainment and an exciting exhibition of western South Dakota kids' talent are among this event's favorite attractions. The is 14th Annual Youth and Family Services Kids Fair is held at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.
Admission: Yes
General: $3 per day
Children: under 1 get in free
www.youthandfamilyservices.org
605-342-4195 - Connie Olson
Youth and Family Services
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April 26, 2009 to April 27, 2009
BANFF Mountain Culture Film Festival
Selected films from the annual BANFF Film Festival in Canada, extreme sports, world culture and the fabulous outdoors are the focus of these amazing films. Different films show each night. It all takes place at the Elks Theatre.
Admission: Yes
General: 16.00
Children: 16.00
www.thedahl.org
605-394-4101 - Darla Lerdal
Rapid City Arts Council at the Dahl Arts Center
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May 22, 2009 to May 25, 2009
Black Hills Fat Tire Festival
Annual mountain-biking festival in which races,tours,vendors exhibits and receptions will showcase some of the best single-track riding in the upper Midwest.
Admission: Yes
www.bhfattirefestival.com
605-394-5225 - Jerry Cole
Rapid City Parks and Recreation
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June 1, 2009 to August 31, 2009
Rapid City Summer Nights on 7th
Every week will be something new! Join us on 7th Street between Main & St. Joseph for an event thats fun for all ages! Fun for the whole family to include live music, local & regional artisans, food vendors, an art walk, beer tent and entertainment activites for the kids.
Admission: Free
www.rapidcitysummernights.com
605-343-1823 - Sandra Schwan
Leadership Rapid City
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June 5, 2009 to June 7, 2009
Black Hills Quilters Guild Annual Show
Quilt show, vendors and demonstrations. Held at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.
Admission: Yes
General: $5
Children: Free (under 10)
www.blackhillsquilters.com
605-342-4126 - Carol Doyle
Black Hills Quilters Guild
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June 7, 2009 to June 13, 2009
Black Hills Loop Bicycle Tour
A self contained guided camping bicycle tour along lightly traveled roads and the unforgetable Mickelson Trail. Beginning and ending in Rapid City, riders will visit the historic towns of Lead, Hot Springs and Keystone, gateway to Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The route also passes through Custer State Park, Mountain streams, waterfalls, high trestles, and tunnels makes for an unforgetable tour.
Admission: Yes
www.adventurecycling.org/tours
800-755-2453 221 - Rod Kramer
Adventure Cycling Association
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June 11, 2009 to June 14, 2009
5th Annual Black Hills Overdrive Car Show & Cruise
Start your engines, shift into overdrive and head to the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota for the 5th Annual Black Hills Overdrive Car Show and Cruise. Show -n- Shines, cruises, food, and entertainment throughout the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. Take in the best cruising in the country, including Badlands National Park, Custer State Park, Mt Rushmore Memorial and more.
Admission: Yes
www.bhoverdrive.com
605-718-8491 - Matt Reed
Rapid City CVB
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June 13, 2009 to June 14, 2009
Methuselah`s Birthday Party at Reptile Gardens
In 2009, celebrate the 128th birthday of South Dakota`s oldest resident, a giant tortoise. He will dine on watermelon cake and there will be free cake, beverages, and giveaways.
Admission: Yes
Adults: $13.50
Children: $8.50
www.reptilegardens.com
605-342-5873 - John Brockelsby
Reptile Gardens
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June 20, 2009 to June 21, 2009
West Boulevard Summer Festival
This event is an outdoor arts and crafts festival. There will be horse-drawn wagon tours of the historic West Boulevard neighborhood with a guide who tells about the history of the homes. The event includes food vendors, art and craft venders, children's activities, free entertainment and a historic booth with historic photos. Held at Wilson Park.
Admission: Free
605-348-9439 - Jane Holeton
West Boulevard Neighborhood Association
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June 26, 2009 to June 27, 2009
Festival of Presidents Weekend
The Festival of Presidents is a two-day event in the heart of downtown Rapid City. The festival includes FREE concerts featuring nationally-known talent, craft and food vendors, kids fair, stores outdoors, and parade complete with marching bands! Our patriotic event takes place the annually the weekend before Independence Day so come enjoy the Festival amongst the City of Presidents.
Admission: Free
www.festivalofpresidents.com
605-716-7979 - Suzette Ainsworth
Rapid City Downtown Association
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June 26, 2009 to June 28, 2009
Black Hills Bluegrass Festival
This is the longest running bluegrass festival in South Dakota. Recently added features include free art activities for kids, expanded workshops and jam opportunities. Adult admission is $10 per show or $30 for the weekend. Held at Mystery Mountain Resort.
Admission: Yes
Adults: $14-30
Children: Free (under 12)
www.thedahl.org
605-394-4101 - Darla Drew Lerdal
Rapid City Arts Council
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June 27, 2009 to June 28, 2009
Western Dakota Gem and Mineral Show
This 28th annual event is the largest rock and gem show in the region. The show has lapidary demonstrations and seminars related to gems, minerals, rocks, and fossils. A silent auction of rocks, minerals, fossils, lapidary items is held. There are displays of collections, exhibits, fluorescent rocks and a children's area. Approximately 10 dealers of gems, beads, and specimens attend from several states. Held in the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center.
Admission: Yes
Adults: $3.00
Children: Free (under 12)
www.drathert@rap.midco.net
605-348-8948 - Donald Rathert
Western Dakota Gem and Mineral Society
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July 18, 2009 to July 19, 2009
Hills Alive Music Festival
Annual Christian music festival featuring two days of outdoor concerts by top-name Christian artists. A great family event. Held at Memorial Park.
Admission: Free
www.hillsalive.com
605-342-6822
Contact: Hill Alive, Kathy Cook
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August 21, 2009 to August 30, 2009
Central States Fair
Top-name grandstand entertainment, PRCA rodeos, supercross, demolition derby, carnival, beer tent with entertainment, vendors, kids activities and more.
Admission: Yes
Adults: $2
Children: free (6 and under)
www.centralstatesfair.com
605-355-3861 - Ron Jeffries
Central States Fair Inc
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September 4, 2009 to September 7, 2009
Black Hills UTV Rally
The Black Hills UTV Rally is an annual Labor Day weekend event for off-road enthusiasts. This family weekend of fun is open to ATV, dirtbike, and UTV or Side by Side enthusiasts. Each day Arctic Cat, Yamaha, and Kawasaki offer demo rides at Top 50 Rally Park for free! Come see the best aftermarket vendors in the industry on display. Guided trail rides leave the property daily and each evening. Top 50 Rally Park hosts competitive event like the mud bog, barrel racing, and sled pull. Join fellow riders for dinner and a slide show of the days events before hitting the beautiful and diverse trails of the Black Hills again in the morning
Admission: Yes
Adults: $50
Children: $30
www.top50rallypark.com
605-737-4200 - Tyna Bower
Contact: Top 50 Rally Park
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September 11, 2009 to September 12, 2009
Dakota Polka Festival
Annual festival with two bands alternating each hour and playing a wide variety of music for dancing and listening enjoyment. Homemade lunch will be served, pop and water available. No smoking or drinking. Floating hardwood floors. Held at the Viking Hall
Admission: Yes
Adults: $12 - $22
605-787-5584 - Gary Reynolds
605-721-8710
Canyon Lake Senior Citizen Center-Viking Hall
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October 24, 2009 to October 25, 2009
Marvin Garrett Roughstock Series
High impact Rodeo Series with three roughstock events, Bareback, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding. Event to include concert by Nashville recording artists
Admission: Yes
Adults: $45
Children: 6 & under free
www.marvingarett.com
605-892-4839 - Lisa Garrett
Marvin Garrett Roughstock Series
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November 28, 2009
Festival of Lights Parade Rapid City
This dazzling night time parade through downtown Rapid City includes floats, music and other entries decorated in lights! The glow of horse-drawn carriages and holiday scenes on flatbed trucks brings the community together to celebrate the spirit and magic of the holiday season. The season?s brightest event! See you on Main Street down town Rapid City.
Admission: Free
605-348-1930 - Sue McCormick
Festival of Lights
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December 15, 2009 to December 31, 2009
Jingle in the Jungle at Reptile Gardens
Reptile Gardens fills their sky dome with more than 1,000 poinsettias and 20,000 lights. It is absolutely beautiful. Pictures with Santa Claus on the weekends.
Admission: Yes
Adults: $7
Children: $5
www.reptilegardens.com
605-342-5873 - John Brockelsby