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Commerce Community Room. South Dakota artists will be
displaying a variety of art forms. Contact the show chairman at
605.567.3562.
Each April and November, the Zonta Spring Craft Show
brings more than 90 artisans from South Dakota, Wyoming,
Nebraska, Montana and North Dakota to the Pierre Area,
605.224.7801.
May is State Parks Open House Weekend. Both residents
and visitors enjoy free fishing and free access to all South
Dakota state parks and recreation areas, including nearby
Oahe Downstream and Farm and LaFramboise islands. Annual
kids fishing day at Farm Island is held in May. Enjoy free fishing
(no license needed) and fun activities for the whole family.
605.223.7708. www.gfp.sd.gov.
In May 2020, the Wishard Memorial Disc Golf Tournament
will be held at Oahe Downstream. You can visit http://gfp.
sd.gov/calendar.aspx for more information. that of hockey. You can catch games of the local high school
Each Wednesday evening at 8 p.m., from Memorial Day hockey team from October through March at the Expo Center
to the end of July, the community is treated to free outdoor in Fort Pierre. In summer, enjoy play among city leagues as you
concerts by the Capital City Band. For more information visit relax and mingle with locals at Pierre’s several softball fields.
www.pierre.org. More than 50,000 people celebrate Christmas at the Capitol
The Short Grass Arts Council sponsors “Tales on the River,” each November and December. Nearly 100 trees are decorated
a series of storytelling on Thursday nights during the summer. by various organizations and displayed in the Capitol. The
www.pierre.org. 605.224.7361. event also includes entertainment in the Rotunda, exhibits at
The Casey Tibbs Match of Champions takes place in June the Cultural Heritage Center and story time in a children’s
2020. It is a spectacular bronc riding event. For more information, area at the capital. The 2020 celebration begins November.
visit www.caseytibbs.com. 605.773.3301. www.state.sd.us. Check for holiday details at
In June, Oahe Downstream will play host to the Kids Fishing www.pierre.org or call the chamber at 605.224.7361.
Derby. For more information about this event visit the Game, Held in downtown Pierre, the annual Parade of Lights kicks
Fish and Park’s website at http://gfp.sd.gov/calendar.aspx off the Christmas season with holiday music, unique floats and
Oahe Days Music and Arts Festival is the largest festival a visit from Santa. There’s time to do a little shopping, too. For
held in Pierre. The festival is held in Steamboat Park June 18-20, more information on these events or other events that occur in
2020, along the great Missouri River and includes live music, an the Pierre area visit the Chamber’s website, www.pierre.org.
arts and craft show, a parade, food, carnival and much more.
Growing every year, Oahe Days hosts over 25,000 visitors and Entertainment
dozens of vendors. For more information visit www.oahedays. Pierre began as a rough-and-tumble frontier town, a place
com or email contact@oahedays.com. where gamblers, prospectors, ranchers and settlers alike
The Shrine Circus arrives in town in June with 2 p.m. and 7 stopped on the long trip west.
p.m. performances at the Stanley County Fairgrounds. For more As Pierre made the transition from railroad town to state
information visit www.pierre.org. capital, it shed its wild side, evolving into a friendly, family-
This year the South Dakota Governor’s Cup Walleye oriented center of government. But though some of the livelier
Tournament will take place in July. For more information, visit characters have long since moved on, Pierre doesn’t lack for
the Chamber’s website www.pierre.org. lively entertainment.
The State 4-H Rodeo Finals will be held the third weekend Locals and tourists gather in restaurants and taverns to listen
in August. to live music, watch sporting events, sing karaoke and play
The Dakota Western Heritage Festival will be held in pool, foosball and darts. There is a three-screen movie theater
September 2020 at the Expo Center. The Festival features playing current releases nightly, plus weekend matinées.
exhibits, demonstrations, western artisan vendors and Opportunities to play video lottery abound in Pierre, but if
demonstrations, cowboy music and poetry, free daily activities, you’re seeking the excitement of gambling in a major casino,
evening concerts, and a cowboy/music and poetry freedom you can drive 58 miles to the Golden Buffalo Casino. It offers
stage. Contact Gary Heintz 605.222.0079 or Carmen Cowan gaming, dining and hotel accommodations.
Magee, 605.280.8938 for more information. Pierre is home to a small but thriving arts community, including
The Stirling Family Memorial Ranch Rodeo will be held in the longest-running local theatre group in the state. Since 1967,
September. The Stirling Family helping families fight cancer. An the Pierre Players have thrilled audiences in town and across
action packed day of ranching fun. For more details go to www. the state with nearly 150 shows and have sponsored 12 touring
stirlingfamilyranchrodeo.com. productions. Visit www.pierreplayers.com or call 605.224.7826
Each fall signals the start of several sports seasons, including to view their current play list or for more information.
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