Summer days in Rapid City are the sweetest during the Central States Fair. Neon lights illuminate the sky, the air is filled with the smell of funnel cakes, and you can hear laughter everywhere. For many, this event is the highlight of the summer. 

Carnival Rides

Every day during the fair, from noon to midnight, Carnival Americana is in full swing. Ferris wheels, yo-yo swings, tilt-a-whirls, and so many more set up shop for a week of thrilling fun. Woven among the rides are the tantalizing treats of the fair. Frozen lemonades, fried Oreo’s, what should be a two-person turkey leg, and plenty of options for the crowd favorite – funnel cake. 

The making of every good fair experience is trying your hand at a carnival game or two. Whether you’re working to win a specific prize or just want to crack the code on how the game works, it’s hard to not have a good time. 

Pricing options vary for the kind of carnival experience you want to have. From multiple days of unlimited rides to maybe just the Buddy Day special, check out your options prior to getting to the gate so you have what you need in hand. 

Concert Series

Rolling into town with the fair every year are big name bands that put on great shows. Three major concerts take the stage, each on a different night, during the Black Hills Energy Concert Series. Crowd pleasures for the region include a country star or two, but in recent years rising excitement has brought a hip-hop artist to town. Last year, tickets sold out for iconic artist Nelly, and this year Flo-Rida will take center stage. 

If you want to witness any of these concerts it's recommended to secure your tickets in advance. Many of the shows sell out or may only have a limited number available at the gate. 

Rodeo Events

Concerts aren’t the only events that take over the Grandstands during the Central States Fair. The state sport of South Dakota is Rodeo, so when we have an opportunity to throw down - or maybe better stated, “be thrown off”- we do it well. 

The Range Days Rodeo takes place during the Central States Fair with an event lineup that includes bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, bronc riding and more. 

While televised on the Cowboy Channel, you can catch the live show of the Xtreme Broncs Finals in Rapid City during the fair. Purchasing tickets in advance for this event is highly recommended. 

Other Entertainment Options

While the well known entertainment options are typically the carnival, the concerts, and the rodeo action, that’s not all this event offers. If you’re looking for more, consider the Mountain States Ford Demolition Derby or the Arenacross Racing & Freestyle MotoX Show.

The fair also offers smaller, more unique entertainment options such as magic shows, tribute bands, and special performances on the Monument Health Community Stage. You’ll even find the State Pro-Am Arm Wrestling Championship in the Busch Light Tent. 

More to Know Before you Go:

• Hydrate well if you plan to spend several hours exploring the fair. 
• It’s highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance for Grandstand performances.
• Arrive in advance for performances so you have time to find parking and enter the grounds.
• Parking is available off Centre Street, Cambell Street, San Francisco Street, and Lacrosse Street surrounding the fairgrounds.

Visitors to the Central States Fair can enjoy a variety of entertainment all included in the price of admission. You’ll find fun at the Central States Fair whether you’re a ride enthusiast, concert lover, rodeo fan or foodie connoisseur.

See the full list of events on the Central States Fair website. 

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