With a multitude of festivals and fairs, South Dakota has something for everyone. Festivals and fairs celebrate the best things in life, from food to music to hobbies and more.
JazzFest – Sioux Falls
Each year over 90,000 people come to South Dakota for JazzFest, 2 days of South Dakota’s best jazz music. Jazzfest is held each summer at Yankton Trail Park in Sioux Falls, and features premier performers on 2 different stages. And don’t be surprised if you hear more than just jazz music, Jazzfest also showcases blues, Zydeco, Latin, reggae, big band, rock, soul and funk among others.
Lifelight – Sioux Falls
Lifelight is one of the largest outdoor Christian music festivals anywhere, and is held annually in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. With an attendance of nearly 320,000 people in 2008, Lifelight takes place over 3 days, and features 6 different performance stages. The festival attracts high profile bands within the Christian music scene, including past performers Third Day, Newsboys, and Michael W. Smith.
South Dakota State Fair – Huron
The South Dakota State Fair will entertain adults and children alike. A midway packed with rides, a grandstand featuring top notch music, and all the fair foods you remember will greet you at the South Dakota State Fair.
RibFest – Sioux Falls
If you love BBQ, RibFest will make your mouth water. Held annually in early summer in Sioux Falls, RibFest features all kinds of BBQ, including ribs and just about anything else you can imagine. BBQ masters from around the US descend on Sioux Falls during RibFest to round up some delectable BBQ. Attendees can vote for their favorite BBQ, and at the end of the festival, the BBQ outfit with the most votes takes home the People’s Choice Award, along with a trophy, a $1,500 check, and bragging rights for the best BBQ!
Farm Shows – Vermillion, Sioux Falls
If you want to see the real South Dakota, and the argicultural heritage of the state, you’ll definitely want to check out a farm show. Livestock showing and judging, horse and pony pulls, equipment and other agricultural exhibits will give you the flavor of what South Dakota farms and farmers are all about.
