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When it comes to special events, fairs and festivals, South Dakota  has something for everyone. Whether it's honoring food, history, heritage, or one of the four seasons, South Dakota’s  celebrations are known for their authentic charm. The following is just a sample of the events taking place year round.

Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo

January 31 - February 9, 2014 in Rapid City, South Dakota

The Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo ® is the second largest event in the state of South Dakota following the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo includes rodeos backed by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), cattle shows and sales, team roping, an American Quarter Horse show, a ranch horse competition, horse sales, ranch rodeo, North American Sheepdog trials, a banquet and ball, and free family entertainment. It is held at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. Visit www.blackhillsstockshow.com

66th Annual Czech Days

June 19-21, 2014  in Tabor, South Dakota

CZECH DAYS--These two words are synonymous with fun, music, entertainment, dancing, and traditional Czech foods.  The celebration has kept alive the heritage of the early founders of the little South Dakota community who came to Tabor from Czechoslovakia as early as 1869. . A tradition for more than 60 years, activities include an authentic mini Czech pioneer village, Beseda dancers, craft fair, music, entertainment, dancing, and traditional Czech foods. Visit: www.taborczechdays.com

Fort Sisseton Historical Festival

June 6-8, 2014 in Sisseton, South Dakota

During the first full weekend in June, cavalry troops and infantry units converge on the fort's grounds to form a military encampment complete with soldiers, women and children, and all the necessary tents, uniforms, horses, and memorabilia. The military is joined by fur traders and other participants of the Rendezvous - muzzleloaders, riflemen and crack-shots from eight states meet amidst a teepee encampment with dozens of lodges and traders.  The festival covers the whole gamut of frontier life and settlement. It includes fiddle music, medicine shows, an art and craft show, hoop dancing, songs and music from the Civil War, period dance instruction classes, and a military costume ball - colorful costumes, tall tales and unique system of bartering, will bring history to life.  The annual 3-day event draws more than 15,000 visitors and 200 camping units. Our local supporters have "accused" us of doubling the population of rural South Dakota.Visit:  Fort Sisseton

JazzFest

July 17-19, 2014 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

JAZZFEST 2012 SETS RECORD ATTENDANCE WITH 125,000 PEOPLE.  The annual Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Festival, JazzFest has become a summer favorite in Sioux Falls and the region. JazzFest is a two-day outdoor musical event featuring two stages and is free to the public. The festival is free and features two stages with over 18 hours of music. JazzFest features a wide variety of music every year including jazz, blues, Zydeco, Latin, reggae, big band, rock, soul and funk among others. Visit: www.jazzfestsiouxfalls.com

Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant

July  in De Smet, South Dakota

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday each week in July, more than a hundred volunteers combine their talents to present a family-friendly drama based on the writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder. People from all over the world gather together on the beautiful South Dakota Prairie and step back into history to a time when the West was just opening up to a wave of pioneering men and women. The Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant explores the heartwarming and unforgettable story of Laura Ingalls growing up in the Dakota prairies. Visit:  www.desmetpageant.org

Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo

July 17 - 20, 2014  in Mitchell, South Dakota

A major event in South Dakota for over 37 years, the Corn Palace Stampeded Rodeo in Mitchell features rodeo performances, rodeo parade, barrel racing, a golf tournament, jackpot team roping, cowboy church service and a Chili Cook-off and Country Music Showdown. Visit: www.cornpalacestampede.com

Mount Rushmore Independence Day Celebration

July  in Mount Rushmore, South Dakota

South Dakota's Black Hills provide the backdrop for Mount Rushmore, the world's greatest mountain carving of four exalted American presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. These 60-foot high faces, 500 feet up, look out over a setting of pine, spruce, birch, and aspen in the clear western air are the setting for the Mount Rushmore Independence Day Celebration and the fireworks show.  Visit: www.mtrushmore.net

Sturgis Rally

August 4-10, 2014  in Sturgis, South Dakota

Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally is one of the largest bike rallies in the United States. The Rally includes concerts, races, bike shows, exhibits, organized rides, and a full schedule of entertainment. A big attraction in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota for over 72 years, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is all bout the motorcycles - and then more. Apart from the bikes themselves, highlights of the Sturgis Rally include concerts and races and bike shows, the Annual Mayor’s Ride, the Annual World Championship of Custom Bike Building, free style stunters, and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame. Visit: www.sturgismotorcyclerally.com

49th Annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival

September  26 - 28,  2014 in Custer, South Dakota

Feel the thunder and join the herd at the 49th Annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup. Watch cowboys and cowgirls as they roundup and drive the herd of approximately 1,300 buffalo (number of animals vary depending on rangeland conditions). Not only is the roundup a spectacular sight to see, it is also a critical management tool in maintaining a strong and healthy herd.To control the size of the park's bison population, a portion of the herd is sold at the annual Buffalo Auction, the third Saturday in November. The two days of the Arts festival take place prior to the actual Buffalo Roundup Day, and includes live entertainment, a Chili Cookoff, and heritage arts and crafts exhibits. Visit:  buffalo roundup

Mickelson Trail Trek

September 19-21, 2014 in Black Hills, South Dakota

Covering the entire Mickelson Trail through the heart of the Black Hills, this annual, three-day cycling event began in 1997. Today, cyclists can ride the 109-mile trail and enjoy the scenic valleys, old railroad tunnels and historic mining towns including Lead, Deadwood, Edgemont, Custer and Hill City. Pre-registration is required for riders. Visit: www.mickelsontrail.com

Black Hills Pow Wow

October  in Rapid City, South Dakota

The Indian people’s way of meeting together, to join in dancing, singing, visiting, renewing old friendships and making new ones, the Black Hills Pow Wow, or He Sapa Wacipi Na Oskate, has been attracting thousands of attendees for over 22 years. Events of the Pow Wow include a softball, archery and hand game tournaments, Miss He Sapa Win Pageant, youth day activities, walk, and the He Sapa Style Show.  Visit: www.blackhillspowwow.com