Leaves are falling. Autumn is calling. The Black Hills will soon see a change of seasons and all the feel-good fall activities and events will begin. Here are the top recommendations for the best fall activities and happenings in the Black Hills.
If you’re looking for comfortable accommodations during your stay in the Black Hills, in either Rapid City or Deadwood, South Dakota, Liv Hospitality has you covered! These hotels boast high standards of comfort and access to the area’s major attractions and fall festivities: WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, AmericInn by Wyndham, the Hotel Alex Johnson, Courtyard by Marriott, Tin Lizzie Gaming Resort and Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort.
Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival – Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023
Kick off harvest season in downtown Rapid City at the annual Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival. It’s a jam-packed day full of fall fun with a pumpkin catapult, giant pumpkin weigh-off, the Kidz Zone, hayrides, vendors and more. This is a free event for everyone to enjoy.
Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival – Friday, Sept. 29, 2023
The annual Buffalo Roundup and Arts Festival is when approximately 1,300 bison are corralled by cowboys and cowgirls on horseback then branded and sorted. Not only is the roundup a spectacular sight to see, it is also a critical management tool in maintaining a strong and healthy herd. There will also be several vendors offering fine arts, crafts and unique Western-style food to browse and purchase. Did you know the first official roundup dates to 1965 and has been an ongoing tradition since then?
1880 Train Oktoberfest Express – Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023
Hop aboard the 1880 Train for their Oktoberfest Express. Enjoy live music, authentic seasonal beer and traditional German foods while taking in the beautiful fall colors of the Black Hills. Must be 21 or older to attend this event.
Oktoberfest – Deadwood – Friday, Oct. 6, through Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023
Celebrate Oktoberfest Wild West style in Historic Deadwood. Enjoy live German music, the annual Tour de Oktoberfest, free food and dancing. Have a blast with the whole family at the famous Weiner Dog Races and Beer Barrel Games. This event is one you don’t want to miss!
Jolly Lane Fall Festival – Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023
Get your fall on with Jolly Lane’s Fall Festival, featuring live music, food, horse and tractor wagon rides, corn boxes, marshmallow roasting and more. For a small fee, you can pick out your pumpkin and paint it. Otherwise the event itself is free!
Black Hills Powwow – Friday, Oct. 6, through Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023
Enjoy and experience the sights, sounds and tastes of the Black Hills Powwow, held annually in Rapid City. This cultural event brings Native American dancers, singers, artisans and visitors from all over to celebrate and honor the traditions of the Lakota, Dakota and Nakota people.
Leaf peeping
Take in all the beautiful fall colors with a drive through one of these scenic routes: Spearfish Canyon, Needles Highway, Skyline Drive, Peter Norbeck National Scenic Byway, Iron Mountain Road and Vanocker Canyon Road. You can’t go wrong; just hop in the car and drive!
Pumpkin patches
Get in the fall spirit and make your way to Lil’ Harvester’s Pumpkin Patch in Rapid City or Spearfish Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch in Spearfish. There’s fun for the whole family at both locations.
