The Black Hills are gearing up for an unforgettable 2025, packed with exciting events you won’t want to miss! Whether you’re drawn to the magic of Downtown Hill City, the scenic beauty of the Black Hills, or both, the EverSpring Inn & Suites is your perfect home base for all the action.
We’ve rounded up a must-see list of events happening throughout the year, covering a variety of themes, interests, and dates—so no matter when you visit, there’s something special waiting for you. And as you might be able to tell, narrowing down this list wasn’t an easy task. For a full list of events in and around Hill City, visit the Black Hills & Badlands event calendar.
Ready to start planning your adventure? Dive into our 8 must see events list:
National Park Free Entrance Days
Discover, reflect, and immerse yourself in nature during the 2025 National Park free entrance days. Experience the stunning Badlands National Park, Wind Cave National Park, or other National Park Service parks at no cost on April 19, June 19, August 4, September 27, and November 11.
1880 Train Opening Day
The Black Hills Central Railroad 1880 Train in Hill City, SD, is a historic steam train that takes passengers on a scenic ride through the Black Hills. This beloved attraction kicks off its 2025 season on May 11, welcoming visitors aboard for an unforgettable experience between Hill City and Keystone. Check their schedule for a complete lineup of themed events, shootout reenactments, wine nights, and more.
Crazy Horse Memorial Volksmarch
One of the most popular organized hikes in the United States, with over 15,000 walkers in a record year, is back in 2025. On June 7, hike the 6.2 mile round trip up the world’s largest mountain carving. Before or after your hike, be sure to stop at The Indian Museum of North America and The Native American Educational and Cultural Center to learn more about the monument.
The Big Mick
The George S. Mickelson Trail stretches 109 miles through some of the most scenic landscapes, winding through lush forests, historic mining towns, towering bridges, and historic railroad tunnels. One day a year, a lucky 200 riders can experience this breathtaking trail in a way unlike any other—by taking part in The Big Mick, a challenging yet rewarding endurance ride set for June 14, 2025.
Badlands Astro Fest – July 18 – July 20
Experience the magic of the night sky and the excitement of space exploration at the Annual Badlands Astronomy Festival This out-of-this-world event unites space science experts, amateur astronomers, educators, youth groups, and park visitors for an unforgettable celestial adventure on July 18-20. As the sun sets, the magic begins with nightly telescope viewings led by expert astronomers, revealing distant stars, planets, and nebulae up close.
Days of 76
The annual Days of ’76 Rodeo & Parade in Deadwood, SD, held July 20–26, is a beloved tradition that celebrates the town’s rich Old West history. Since 1924, this award-winning rodeo has featured top PRCA cowboys and cowgirls competing in events like breakaway roping, steer roping, and barrel racing. The accompanying parade showcases American West floats, historical reenactments, and more, bringing Deadwood’s gold rush era to life.
Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup
On Friday, September 26, 2025, Custer State Park in South Dakota will host its 60th Annual Buffalo Roundup, as cowboys, cowgirls, and park rangers round up to 1,300 buffalo. The annual roundup is a critical management tool that maintains a strong and healthy herd while keeping the population in balance with the available land and resources. Following the Roundup, the three-day Arts Festival from September 25 to 27 will feature over 100 vendors offering fine arts, crafts, and South Dakota-made products.
Hill City Wine, Brew, & BBQ
A staple event, the annual Wine, Brew, & BBQ in downtown Hill City offers a full weekend of tasty BBQ, local wine, craft beer, and live music. Visitors can mingle with some of the best competition BBQ teams in the region as they prepare their entries into various competitions. The event usually takes place in August, with the exact date to be announced. Check for updates on their Facebook page.
