October refuses to stick to one lane in Rapid City.

One weekend puts independent films on the big screen. The next fills Summit Arena with the sound of drums and the movement of generations-old traditions. Then college football takes over O’Harra Stadium, professional hockey returns to The Monument, and costumed kids make their way through Downtown Rapid City with candy bags in hand.

Add crisp Black Hills days, changing leaves, and plenty happening between the headliners, and October gives you more than one reason to put Rapid City on the calendar.

 

17th Black Hills Film Festival

Oct. 2-4 | The Journey Museum

Audience members fill a theater during the Black Hills Film Festival as a speaker addresses the crowd from the stage.

Start the month with three days of storytelling at The Journey Museum. The 17th annual Black Hills Film Festival brings together independent films, filmmakers, and audiences for screenings, discussions, and special programming from Oct. 2-4.

The 2026 lineup stretches from regional stories to films from around the world, with dedicated programming highlighting South Dakota filmmaking and Native American stories. Visitors can settle in for an individual screening or make a weekend of it, with free filmmaker panels also scheduled Saturday morning.

For travelers who like discovering a destination through the people and stories connected to it, this is a fitting way to begin October in the Black Hills.

 

He Sapa Wacipi Na Oskate, the Black Hills Powwow

Oct. 9-11 | The Monument

Birds eye view of Native American dancer at Black Hills Powwow

Few events fill Rapid City with the sights, sounds, and energy of He Sapa Wacipi Na Oskate.

The 38th annual Black Hills Powwow gathers dancers, singers, artists, vendors, and spectators from across North America at Summit Arena at The Monument from Oct. 9-11. Championship dancing and singing fill the arena while artwork, beadwork, ribbon skirts, and other pieces from vendors offer another way to experience the creativity and traditions represented throughout the weekend.

First-time visitors can also attend Wacipi 101 to learn about cultural protocols, dance styles, regalia, Grand Entry, powwow royalty, and other parts of the gathering before experiencing them firsthand.

Come ready to listen, learn, and experience one of Rapid City’s most important annual cultural gatherings.

 

141st Black Hills Brawl

Oct. 17 | O'Harra Stadium

Black Hills State University and South Dakota Mines football players line up at the line of scrimmage during the Black Hills Brawl in Rapid City.

Some rivalries need very little introduction around here.

South Dakota Mines and Black Hills State University meet for the 141st Black Hills Brawl at 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at O’Harra Stadium. The annual matchup is the most-played football rivalry in NCAA Division II and one of the most-played rivalries across college football.

The Hardrockers and Yellow Jackets have officially been meeting on the football field since 1900, with the Homestake Trophy becoming part of the rivalry in 1946.

For visitors, it is a chance to see a side of Rapid City that does not show up on a scenic overlook. Find a seat beneath the lights at O’Harra Stadium and experience what more than a century of bragging rights sounds like.

 

Rapid City Rush Home Opener

Oct. 23 | Slumberland Furniture Ice at The Monument

Hockey players in red jerseys skate off the ice, celebrating a victory. A cheering crowd fills the arena, banners overhead. Energetic, triumphant scene.

A week later, the action moves indoors.

The Rapid City Rush return to Slumberland Furniture Ice at The Monument for their 2026-27 home opener against the Kansas City Mavericks at 7:05 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. The game also serves as a USA 250 Celebration, with a pregame party and giveaways planned for opening night.

The opener begins a full weekend of home hockey against Kansas City. The teams meet again Saturday night before wrapping up the series with a Family Fun Spooktacular at 4:05 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25.

Whether you follow hockey all season or just want to see what happens when Rapid City packs the rink, opening weekend is a good time to join the noise.

 

Downtown Trick-or-Treat

Oct. 31 | Main Street Square

Child dressed in a witch costume collecting candy from a downtown business owner as part of the Downtown Trick-or-Treat event in Rapid City, SD.

October saves the costumes and candy for last.

Downtown Trick-or-Treat returns from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, with Main Street Square serving as the starting point for an afternoon of Halloween fun. Families can dress up, grab their trick-or-treat bags, and make their way through participating Downtown Rapid City businesses collecting treats along the way.

The event is free, making it an easy addition to a Halloween weekend in Rapid City. Once the candy bags are full, stick around downtown for lunch, local shopping, or a walk among the City of Presidents before the evening’s festivities begin.

 

Make October Your Own

Skyline Drive in Fall

That is the fun of October here. There is no single way to experience it.

Spend a weekend discovering new stories on screen. Listen as drums fill Summit Arena. Pick a side in a rivalry that has lasted generations. Trade the football stands for a hockey rink. Or bring the kids downtown and see how much candy one afternoon can possibly hold.

Between it all, leave time for the rest of Rapid City. Grab a table somewhere local, wander downtown, or head into the Black Hills while autumn still has something to show off.

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