Custer Events
Plan Your Trip
Annual Highlights
There’s always something special going down in Custer, no matter the time of year. Check out our top events and plan your trip around the hottest happenings in the Black Hills.
Custer State Park Buffalo Round Up & Arts Festival
Feel the thunder of 1,300 sets of hooves as riders corral the largest animal in North America. After the roundup, stop by the State Game Lodge where up to 150 vendors showcase hand-made arts and crafts. Join the herd and come out for this three-day celebration of Western and Native American culture.
Fourth of July Festivities
July 4-5, 2025
Spend Independence Day in the home of the presidents.
Gold Discovery Days
July 18-20, 2025
Celebrate the discovery of gold in the Black Hills with Custer’s town celebration. Festivities include a car show, arts fair, hot air balloon rally and the largest parade in the Black Hills.
Studebaker Car Show
August 31, 2025
Join us for our outdoor car & truck! There will be vehicles representing several decades of manufacturing dates, both modified and restored, and in several models.
Mickelson Trail Trek
September 19-21, 2025
The Mickelson Summer Trek is an annual three-day bicycle ride covering almost the entire trail of South Dakota's George S. Mickelson Trail. This event presents riders an opportunity to travel the same path of historic figures such as Wild Bill Hickok, General George A. Custer, Calamity Jane, and Potato Creek Johnny.
Governor's Annual Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival
September 26-27, 2025
The annual Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival is held on the grounds of the State Game Lodge. Many events accompany the festival, but food, entertainment, and art booths top the list.
Annual Autumn Volksmarch - 10K Hike (6.2 miles) to the Face
September 28, 2025
The Crazy Horse Volksmarch is considered one of the most popular organized hikes in the United States with over 10,000 annually making the trek. There’s a start, and a finish line 10 kilometers away (6.2 miles).
Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort Harvest Moon Festival
October 4, 2025
Join us for Buffalo Ridge Camp Resort’s annual Harvest Moon Festival
Run Crazy Horse Marathon
October 5, 2025
Run in the shadows of the world's largest mountain carving to finish on Main Street in the Heart of the Black Hills, Hill City, South Dakota.
Burning Beetle
January 17, 2026
The Burning Beetle is a unique annual event in Custer, SD that combines community spirit with fire and fun. Held each January, it features a torch-lit procession, live music, and the dramatic burning of a giant wooden beetle, symbolizing the town’s resilience and commitment to battling the pine beetle infestation. It’s a one-of-a-kind winter celebration that brings locals and visitors together in the heart of the Black Hills.
Looking for local events?
You’ll find the full calendar at the Custer Chamber’s website: custersd.com/events.
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