Don't Miss These Upcoming Events
Breakin' the Winter Blues Chili Cook-Off
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Brrr... where is the heat when you need it? Wait! Here's a thought: you can tour Hill City Main Street shops from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm and try chili that will please even the most discerning palate. Vote for your favorite. It's guaranteed to keep Jack Frost at bay!
Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo Rapid City
Friday, January 30 - Saturday, February 7, 2026
This year's 67th Annual Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo Rapid City will feature over 100 events, 10+ rodeos, 200 vendors, and 1,000 animals. It showcases the region's largest trade show plus livestock sales and competition. The stock show is also home to one of the top five indoor PRCA rodeos in the country and has been selected four times as PRCA's Large Indoor Rodeo of the Year! For more information, visit blackhillsstockshow.com.
14th Annual Polar Bear Chili Cook-Off
Saturday, February 7, 2026
Want to warm-up on a snowy winter's day? Good news: there's a chili cook-off in downtown Hill City from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Chili (chilly?) chefs will be set up just off Main Street and, for a nominal fee, tastings will be featured and encouraged. B.Y.O.M. (Bring your own mittens!)
Tour de Chocolate
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Who knew Saint Valentine had taken up residence in our little mountain community! Need proof? Come and enjoy a day of chocolate tasting as Hill City merchants offer their guests Valentine specials and decadent samples.
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 28, 2026
Watch where you step! There’s an Easter Egg Hunt afoot at the Hill City Visitor Information Center. Line-up begins at 9:45 am and the hunt at 10:00 am sharp! Here’s your opportunity to visit with the Easter Bunny and join in the hunt! For more information, call: 605.574.2368.
Run for the Rangers
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Grab those sneakers and join Hill City locals for the 18th annual very popular 3-mile running and walking event. Entry includes a t-shirt, post-race "awards" ceremony, and over $10,000 in door prizes! Race-day check-in and registration will be available from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm at Granite Sports at 201 Main Street. The race begins at 1:00 pm.
Forks, Corks & Kegs Food & Wine Festival
Friday & Saturday, April 10 & 11, 2026
Fine food, wine, and distinctive brews will be featured in a town better-known for its gambling, yes, historic Deadwood. You won't want to miss this culinary event!
Spring Volksmarch at Crazy Horse Memorial
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Put on some comfortable shoes and come participate in the 40th annual spring 10K (6.2 mile) round-trip hike up the world's largest mountain carving in progress. For more information, call 605.673.4681 or visit crazyhorsememorial.org.
Deadwood Mickelson Trail Marathon
Saturday & Sunday, June 6 & 7, 2026
Billed as "26.2 Miles of Black Hills Beauty!" The event is a point-to-point course that begins in the old mining town of Rochford (competitive hint: don't drop into the Moonshine Gulch Saloon for a shot of liquid courage prior to race start) and finishes at the historic Engine House at the Deadwood Trailhead. Note: there is also a half marathon event as well. For more information, call 605.390.6137.
The Big Mick Century & Half Century Ride
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Great news bicycle fans! Participants will have the opportunity to ride the full length of the George S. Mickelson Trail; all 109 miles in one day! And do we need to remind you that the Mickelson Trail runs right through Newton Fork Ranch? Saddle up partners! For more information, call 605.440.2400 or visit www.mickelsontrailaffiliates.com.
Annual Mickelson Trail Summer Trek
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, June 19, 20 & 21, 2026
Participate in the 6th annual celebration of the achievement of many forward‐thinking individuals who created the now, very popular, Mickelson Trail. The 3-day bike ride covers almost the entire trail. Registration fee includes shuttle service, 6 snacks, 2 meals and 2 meal vouchers for dinner in Hill City or Custer and Deadwood. Riders can enjoy the beauty of the Black Hills as they travel through the scenic valleys, old
railroad tunnels and historic mining towns. For more information, call 605.584.3896 or visit the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks website.
Black Hills Bluegrass Festival
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, June 26, 27 & 28, 2026
The 45th Annual Black Hills Bluegrass Festival, held each year in Sturgis, will feature national touring bands, as well as, local musicians. There will be three concerts and a Sunday Morning Gospel Music Show. There will also be instrumental workshops hosted by the bands, arts & crafts vendors, and food concessionaires. For more information, call 605.348.1198 or visit blackhillsbluegrass.org.
Hill City's 4th of July Star Spangled Celebration
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Kick off the Fourth of July weekend by joining locals for a 10:00 am parade on Main Street where Old Glory will be flying and a hometown holiday spirit is celebrated. Enjoy local cuisine from our restaurants and food trucks and conclude your day with an old-fashioned Ice Cream & Pie Social with music from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Visitor Information Center. Family friendly! For more information call 605.574.2368 or visit VisitHillCitySD.com.
Hill City's Star Spangled Craft & Vendor Fair
Saturday, July 4, 2026
The fun continues on Saturday with a Craft & Vendor Fair from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at three locations on Walnut Street: the Hill City Center, the Boys & Girls Club, and the parking lot adjoining both. Over 25 vendors will be in attendance. For more information call 610.750.4738.
Days of '76 Rodeo & Parade
Sunday - Saturday, July 19 - 25, 2026
The Days of '76 Rodeo is a local jewel that is nationally recognized, a fan-favorite, and a source of local pride. The Deadwood event is held over five days in late July plus features free parades on its historic Main Street on Friday and Saturday. For more information, call 605.578.1876 or visit daysof76.com.
86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Friday - Sunday, August 7 - 16, 2026
The small Northern Hills town of Sturgis will expand exponentially as it welcomes 450,000+ motorcycle enthusiasts for its 86th rally. Established in the 1930s, it's a 10-day party and festival like no other with, naturally, gleaming "iron horses" taking center stage. Many of these exotic machines are simply works of art and not to be missed! Whether you are a proud bike owner or not, you'll enjoy the sights and sounds: races, shopping (including over temporary 800 vendors), world-class entertainment, and very colorful people. B.Y.O.L. (Bring Your Own Leather)! For more information, visit sturgismotorcyclerally.com.
Hill City Wine, Brew & BBQ
Friday & Saturday, August 21 & 22, 2026
What started out as a small event by local enthusiasts has now grown into an event that attracts some of the best competitive BBQ teams in the country. Their passion for ultimate recognition amongst their peers will have you licking your chops and, yes, your fingers! It all takes place on Elm Street in downtown Hill City. For more information, visit hillcitywinebrewandbbq.com.
Central States Fair & Rodeo
Friday - Saturday, August 21 - 29, 2026
Are you hankerin' for a little Midwest fun and excitement? This is the biggest South Dakota fair west of the Missouri River and it takes place in Rapid City at the Central States Fairgrounds. You can spend your day sampling delicious food and checking out carnival rides and exhibits for all ages before capping off each night with a demolition derby, rodeo, or concerts by great country music acts. The fair also features children's entertainment, regional music, a magic show, and pig wrestling. For more information, call 605.355.3861 or visit centralstatesfair.com.
Hill City Quilt Show & Sale
Saturday & Sunday, September 12 & 13, 2026
Check out the local quilting talent at this popular 27th annual show offering a featured artist, special events, prizes, demonstrations, a vendor mall, youth fiber arts activity, and more than 200 quilts that each have a story to tell. This is your opportunity to view these unique quilts that are located along Main Street and continued at the Hill City School Gyms. For more information visit www.hillcityarts.org/quilt-show or contact the Heart of the Hills Quilt Guild.
28th Annual Mickelson Trail Trek
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 18, 19, & 20, 2026
Over a three-day span bicyclists will be complete the length of the Mickelson Trail. The ride begins in Edgemont, in the Southern Hills and travels the same historic path as General George A. Custer, Wild Bill Hickok, Calamity Jane, and Potato Creek Johnny to a finish in the Northern Hills at the Deadwood Trailhead. For more information visit the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks website or call 605.584.3896.
61st Annual Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival
Thursday, Friday & Saturday, September 24, 25 & 26 2026
This exciting three-day event in Custer State Park begins with lots of festivities featuring food, entertainment, and art booths on the grounds surrounding the State Game Lodge. But, a true highlight is the annual buffalo roundup on Friday. Thrill to sound of thousands of hooves thundering over and through the hills as cowboys and cowgirls bring in the herd. It is a not-to-be missed experience! For more information, visit the South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks website.
Fall Volksmarch at Crazy Horse Memorial
Sunday, September 27, 2026
This 13th annual autumn hike is held the same weekend as the Custer State Park Buffalo Round-Up. It affords the public a second chance this year to walk up the world’s largest mountain carving in progress. For more information, call 605.673.4681.
Black Hills Film Festival
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, October 2, 3 & 4, 2026
This popular celluloid festival that began in Hill City, is now in its 17th year and features screenings, workshops, seminars, and guest presentations, at venues around the Black Hills. The festival includes South Dakota-produced films, motion pictures shot on location in our state, plus additional national and international entries. Don't miss this opportunity to view exciting new films that help create our own "Hollywood in the Hills!" For more information, visit blackhillsfilmfestival.org.
Run Crazy Horse Marathon, Half Marathon, & Half Marathon Relay
Sunday, October 4, 2026
The 16th Annual Run Crazy Horse Marathon will follow a course from Crazy Horse Memorial to an exciting finish on Main Street, Hill City. For more information, visit runcrazyhorse.com.
Black Hills Powwow or He Sapa Wacipi
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, October 9, 10, & 11, 2026
Experience the proud heritage of Native American dancers & drum groups as Lakota, Nakota, & Dakota nations gather. Enjoy the grand entrance, drum groups, & dance competitions in this annual three-day event held at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City. For more information, visit: blackhillspowwow.com.
13th Annual Girlfriends' Weekend
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, November 6, 7, & 8, 2026
Hill City is host to an annual three-day weekend event dedicated to helping women rejuvenate their minds, bodies, and spirits! Showcasing Hill City's finest clothing, accessories, art, talent, and spirits all wrapped up into, yes, one weekend. The merriment continues each day with nearly every store in town catering to the joys of being women celebrating shopping, dining, fun, and friendships! Cheers to that! For more information, check out the Hill City Girlfriends' Weekend Facebook page.
Dickens Festival & Olde Tyme Christmas Parade
Friday, November 27, 2026
Festivities begin with holiday sales and free refreshments throughout the Hill City's Main Street businesses. At 5:00 pm enjoy music, the offical lighting of the town Christmas tree, and roasted chestnuts in front of the historic Alpine Inn. And at 6:00 pm, an illuminated parade will add sparkle up and down Main Street ending with a visit from Santa Claus who, in the European tradition, will be dispensing bright red apples at the Olde World Plaza. For more information, call 605.574.2368.
Olde Tyme Christmas & Holiday Festivities in Hill City
Saturday, November 28 through Thursday, December 31, 2026
Our little mountain town is positively magical at Christmastime! Main Street is bright with holiday lights, the hot chocolate at Turtle Town is warm and inviting, and the massive Christmas tree outside the Old World Alpine Inn is breathtaking! Catch a ride on one of the special Holiday Expresses departing from the 1880 Train depot for an opportunity to meet Santa at the North Pole. And his elves will not disappoint, providing hot chocolate and cookies along the route. Don't miss these and many other happenings throughout the holiday season in enchanting Hill City! For more information, call 605.574.2368.
