Pierre Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Pierre, South Dakota - SD, USA)

There is usually something going on most months in Pierre, often taking place at the Expo Center. The city's very established assortment of annual events range from colorful processions, themed markets and fairs, to live music gigs, rodeos, races and harvest festivals.

May is a particularly busy month in Pierre, being when the ever-popular Spring Sling Cornhole Tournament takes place. The South Dakota State Parks' Open House Weekend is another highlight in May, while in June, the Oahe Days Music and Arts Festival at Steamboat Park is ideal for families.

All across America, July 4th is a day of celebrations, themed events and parades, and South Dakota's capital is no exception to this. On Independence Day, Fort Pierre is the place to come, with its annual procession, festivities and evening fireworks all drawing big crowds. There is also a Fourth of July Rodeo, followed by additional rodeo activities in August, at Bull-a-Rama.

Pierre Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo - held late January / early February in Rapid City, includes a team roping competition, sheep dog trials, a ranch rodeo and more.

February

• Valentine's Day - February 14th, with restaurants around the city offering romantic dinners for lovebirds, young and old.

March

• St. Patrick's Day Parade in Pierre - mid-March, starting at Griffin Park, a celebration of Irish heritage and culture with an Irish stew feast at the very end of the procession.

April

• Zonta Spring Craft Show - early / mid-April, fundraiser in aid of women's issues, with stalls and booths of homemade crafts, clothing, jewelry, gifts and more, from vendors across the Midwest.

May

• Spring Sling Cornhole Tournament - mid-May, an indoor competition of 'cornhole' (a bean bag game) played to American Cornhole Organization (ACO) rules.
• South Dakota State Parks' Open House Weekend - mid-May, entrance fees and fishing licenses are waived for three days, to encourage families to enjoy visiting any of South Dakota's recreation areas.
• Huron Turkey Races - mid-May, in Huron, spectators watch teams of two people entice and encourage their turkey to win a race for a monetary prize.

June

• Casey Tibbs Match of Champions - early June, at the Stanley County Fairgrounds, Fort Pierre. A bronco riding contest where the winner takes home money, a prized buckle and most importantly, a bronze statue of Casey Tibbs riding a horse.
• Oahe Days Music and Arts Festival - late June, at Steamboat Park, a three-day event starting with a themed parade and opening ceremony. Visitors not only enjoy live music and rides, but also participate in sports tournaments.

July

• Independence Day Celebrations - July 4th, events held in Fort Pierre include a parade, rodeo and fireworks display.

August

• Bull-a-Rama Festival - mid-August, rodeo events are staged over a long weekend at Fort Pierre.
• South Dakota State Fair - held late August / early September, in Huron, SD, approximately two hours and 30 minutes from Pierre.
• State Rodeo Finals - late August, held at the Stanley County Fairgrounds and featuring bull riding, barrel racing and calf roping.

September

• Prairie Fest - mid-September, held at the Maga Ta-Hohpi Waterfowl Production Area in Wolsey, SD. Free outdoor activities and environmental educational programs, including bird netting and banding.

October

• Huron Harvest Festival - held at the South Dakota Sate Fairgrounds in early October, featuring beer tasting, a bean bag tournament, hay rides, pumping carving and lots more family fun.

November

• Christmas at the Capitol - late November to late December, includes the Grand Lighting Ceremony, when around 100 themed decorated trees are lit at the Capitol.
• Pierre Parade of Lights - late November, a fundraising event where spectators can view brightly decorated floats, and Santa and his elves dish out candy canes to the children.
• Holiday Open House - late November, held at the Cultural Heritage Center on Governors Drive.

December

• Pie Day - early December at the Capitol, coffee and a piece of pie are available, together with entertainment from local performers.