The Back To School Block Party is a free, family-friendly summer celebration in Downtown Rapid City featuring water slides, inflatables, food trucks, vendors, and fun activities to celebrate the end of summer and get kids excited for the new school year.

Admission to the Back To School Block Party is free for all ages. Some activities — like wristbands for inflatables — may have a separate cost.

Expect giant water slides, jumping castles, inflatable games, food trucks, local vendors, community resource booths, giveaways, and more kid-friendly entertainment.

General admission is free, but some activities (like unlimited use of inflatables or water slides) require a wristband or ticket available at the event.

Yes — a variety of food trucks and local vendors will be on site offering delicious options for lunch and snacks.

Downtown parking is metered on Saturdays, both street and Main Street Square parking ramp options. Plan to arrive early for the best spots.

Main Street Square provides public restrooms, both in the Square and inside The Shops at Main Street Square, as well as shaded areas — perfect for families spending the day at this downtown celebration.

The process for all of our vendors and performers for all of our events is extremely easy!

Vendors need to simply go to our Vendor Opportunities page, select the event they would like to participate in, and fill out a brief application. Our team will be in touch with you soon after!

Entertainers simply need to fill out a brief form and indicate which event they are interested in performing at.