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KEY EVENTS

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Live On Stage

January – March. Hill City Arts Council’s three-month winter music showcase ushers in each new year and features new talent and seasoned acts alike. Local and regional singer/songwriters and poets are regulars, but storytellers, joke tellers are welcome too. Put on your dancing shoes and be prepared to have a wonderful time. Held select Saturdays at High Country Guest Ranch.

Polar Bear Chili Cook-off

February. The Tin City Masonic Charities hosts this fundraiser where 20 teams compete on Main Street for best chili in various categories and best-themed booth.  Visitors and locals can sample chili, vote their favorites for a great cause. The event supports scholarships given to graduating High School seniors, dental care through Delta Dental to the school district, book-for-bike program  and child identification program.  Held in conjunction with Hill City Tour de Chocolate. For more information: https://bit.ly/PolarBChili.

Hill City Children's Easter Egg Hunt

April. Held by the Hill City Chamber and Visitor Information Team along with generous sponsors, area children are invited to attend, scramble to pick up more than 1,000 candy-filled Easter Eggs in three age categories (0-3; 4-7; 8-11) and be eligible to win a grand prize Easter Basket (basket courtesy Hill City Lions Club). Always held the Saturday one week prior to Easter (sometimes in March) at the Visitor Information Center. The first 125 children to arrive will receive a plush bunny courtesy The Handbag Store. More information: https://bit.ly/24HCCal.

Mickelson Summer Trail Trek

June. The Mickelson Trail Trek is a 3-day, 109-mile supported bicycle ride through the heart of the Black Hills on the George S. Mickelson Trail. The ride will take you through four hard rock tunnels, over more than 100 trestle bridges, through several beautiful areas and will leave you with many wonderful memories. Custer, Hill City and other communities feature welcoming events, snack breaks and hospitality during the ride.

Hill City Wine Brew & BBQ

August. The 12th Annual Hill City Wine Brew BBQ features delicious BBQ, refreshing beer and wine, live music and a great time. More than 25 pitmasters from around the country participate in this Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned event, and BBQ from the professional teams will be available during the People’s Choice period on Saturday. The event is free; drink and BBQ tokens can be purchased. Also–BBQ and other food is available at local restaurants and vendors will be on site. Held at the Hill City Center, on Elm and Walnut Avenue Aug. 23 and 24. More information: https://hillcitywinebrewandbbq.com/.

Annual Mickelson Trail Fall Trek

September. One of the best ways to see the beautiful Black Hills is by bicycle on the Mickelson Trail.  Now–the third weekend in September finds hundreds of riders joining together on the 109-mile Mickelson Trail Trek. This year’s 26th Trail Trek promises to be the best one yet with something for everyone. Sept. 20-22, 2024.

Black Hills Film Festival

September. The 15th annual Festival is September 27th – September 29th, 2024. The influential film festival in the Black Hills region features South Dakota-produced films and films shot on location in South Dakota, among other national and international entries.  Screening Locations are Rapid City – Friday 9- 27 at Journey Museum and Hill City – Saturday 9-28 and Sunday 9-29 at the High School Theater. More information:  https://www.blackhillsfilmfestival.org/.

Hill City Children's Boo Bash & Pumpkin Festival

October. This event at the Hill City Visitor Information Center features a pie-pumpkin giveaway, photo ops in The Great Pumpkin Patch, treat bags, pumpkin decorating, a Children’s Costume Contest Parade, A Pet Costume Contest Parade, Candy Corn bowling, Spider Ring Toss, plus loads of candy and a trunk-or-treat, weather permitting. Event held in-doors if inclement weather. Held the Saturday before Halloween, this year, October 26, 2024. More information: Hill City Chamber of Commerce – 605.574-2368.

Hill City Girlfriends Weekend

November. The 12th Annual Hill City Girlfriends’ Weekend comes to Hill City, SD Nov. 1-3, 2024! It’s three days of fun in Hill City, SD celebrating friendship, connecting with your girlfriends, shopping, dining, the always popular Friday night fashion show, relaxation at your favorite winery or microbrewery, prizes, giveaways and more!
More information and schedule of events: https://www.facebook.com/hillcitygirlfriendsweekend/events.

Breakin' The Winter Blues Chili Cookoff

January. On a cold Hill City January each year, some 20+ Hill City Merchants compete for bragging rights by offering their best chili in several categories–red, white and other. Locals and visitors sample chili from 11a-3p and vote for their favorites.
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064692546260.               

Hill City Antiques, Railroad & Collectibles Show & Sale

March. Held twice a year in spring and fall, this event is for railfans and historians, antique lovers and vintage collectors, along with those who have a special interest in South Dakota rail.  Attendees can also bring their family or other historical items to the event, and for an evaluation  fee, can have their item(s) appraised by local experts.                For more information: https://www.facebook.com/hillcityantiques/.

Best of Hill City - Mother's Day Weekend

May. The perfect way to treat Mom!  Mother’s Day Weekend is the season’s kickoff to showcase the wonderful attractions, outdoor recreation, lodging, shopping and dining Hill City offers.  Mother’s Day is the opening day of the 1880 Train with special Mother’s Day excursions, and a Sunday Breakfast at the Hill City Center, in addition to other wonderful treats and specials just for Mom.  Just a week later ArtForms Gallery hosts their Grand Re-Opening and New Artist Reception. For more information: https://bit.ly/24HCCal (and individual FB pages).

Hill City Star Spangled Independence Celebration

July. Our home-town Star Spangled parade begins at 10a on Thursday, July 4th. Enjoy breakfast and lunch at Hill City Center and any of our fantastic restaurants. Then head for a free old-fashioned Ice Cream and Pie Social at the Hill City Visitor Information Center with a performance of the Shrine of Democracy Chorus followed by the Carson Brown Band. Friday July 5th is “Experience Hill City Day!” A 2-day Star Spangled Craft Fair will be held Sat.-Sun. July 6-7. More information: https://bit.ly/HCIndependenceDay.

3rd Annual Hill City Lions Club Duck Race

August. Come out and join the Hill City Lions Club for a fun filled day of music, shopping, games, and food. Our 3rd Annual Rubber Duck Race is being held at Memorial Park in Hill City August 31, 2024. We will have over 30 crafters/consultants, food trucks, carnival games, a pie eating contest, fun for the kiddos, and our duck race, plus–there’s music, too! Ducks will be dropped in the creek at the park at 3:30 and will float to the finish line further down the creek to the other end of the park. Ducks will be available the day of the event. So come out and join us for some fun!
More information: https://www.facebook.com/HillCityLionsSD/.

Hill City Quilt Show & Sale

September. On September 7th & 8th the Heart of the Hills Quilt Guild will host this long-standing showcase of quilts and fiber artists to our community now in its 25th year. The Hill City Quilt Show & Sale offers a dinner and quilt trunk show, bed turning, prizes, demonstrations, vendor mall, youth arts activity and more than 300 unique quilts and fiber arts will be on display. See the expanded outdoor display of quilts on Main Street.
Held in conjunction with the Friends of the Library Book Sale (HC Public Library) and attendees can also enjoy the Hill City Senior Sunday breakfast that same weekend. More information: https://heartofthehillsquilters.com/#quilt-show.

Hill City Antiques Railroad & Collectibles Show & Sale

September. Held twice a year in spring and fall, this event is for railfans and historians, antique lovers and vintage collectors, along with those who have a special interest in South Dakota rail. Attendees can also bring their family or other historical items to the event, and for an evaluation fee, can have their item(s) appraised by local experts.
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/hillcityantiques/.

Run Crazy Horse Full & Half Marathon

October. The Run Crazy Horse events–marathon, half-marathon and 5-person marathon relay–begin in the shadow of the world’s largest mountain carving, Crazy Horse Memorial, and finishes in the heart of the Black Hills… Hill City, South Dakota. This year’s 14th Anniversary event is Oct. 6, 2024. More information: https://www.runcrazyhorse.com/.

1880 Train Holiday Express

November & December. Experience the magic as you take a one-hour, round trip journey from Hill City to the North Pole where Santa will board the train and ride back to Hill City, taking time to visit with each child (or the young at heart!) on the way. Passengers enjoy hot cocoa, a sugar cookie and a special story on the way to the North Pole. (Holiday Express Spiked excursions for adults 21+). All kids will receive a bell to ring for Santa and be able to talk with Mrs. Claus and Santa. Select dates November-December. More information: https://www.1880train.com/holiday-express.html.

Hill City Tour de Chocolate

February. Businesses and merchants in Hill City offer chocolates, treats and special Valentine offerings each year on this Saturday before Valentine’s Day. Chocolate delicacies include chocolate truffles, chocolate-covered cherries, chocolate covered caramels and much more.  Held in conjunction with the Polar Bear Chili Cookoff. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/tourdechocolatehillcity/.

 

Hill City Restaurant Week

March. Held near spring break time in March, this brand new 6-day family-friendly event showcases nearly 30 participating restaurants, wineries, microbreweries, food providers, coffee, ice cream, candy, snack and specialty/retail shops. Visitors and locals alike can return to some favorite destinations or find new ones to explore contemporary flavors and tastes. Patrons who complete a Restaurant Week punch card will be eligible in a drawing for fantastic “Experience Hill City” gift bags filled with items donated by Hill City businesses. https://bit.ly/HillCityRW.

Fine Arts in the Hills & Gift from Mother Earth

June. Come to the Hills for two great art shows in one weekend. Fine Arts in the Hills in downtown Hill City and Gift from Mother Earth Art Show
at Crazy Horse Memorial®. For Fine Arts in the Hills, look for The Big White Tent on Hill City’s Elm Street featuring juried art from 20+ local, regional and national artists. Also this weekend, Crazy Horse Memorial celebrates the arts and crafts that are melding Native American cultures and the New West. the exhibitors and makers of custom-made clothing, jewelry and other items, fill much of the visitor complex. For more information: https://bit.ly/FAITCHHC / https://bit.ly/GFMEArtShow.

Hill City Senior Citizens Biker Breakfast

August. Each year during the Sturgis Motorcyle Rally Hill City Seniors don their aprons to prepare food to and welcome thousands of bikers that ride through the Hills to Hill City for the seniors’ famous all-you-can-eat Biker Breakfast that Hill City is known for. Held at the Hill City Center Aug. 1-10, 2024. More information: https://www.hillcitycenter.com/.

Black Hills Plein Air Paint-out

September. The 7th Annual Black Hills Plein Air Paint Out will be held Sept, 19-21, 2024. More than 20 artists from around the region will compete for 3 days in this event that features paintings “out of doors” created from amazing landscapes in the Black Hills. Hill City galleries will showcase these and other works, an artist reception will be held, plus People’s Choice voting and public auctions of the day’s work by the artists will conclude each day. Visitors will be able to spot and observe the artists as they work to create their beautiful images. More information:  https://www.hillcityarts.org/plein-air.

Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival

September. Feel the thunder at the 59th Annual Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup on Friday, September 27, 2024. Watch cowboys, cowgirls and park rangers as they round up and drive the herd of approximately 1,300 buffalo. Be sure to plan for plenty of time at the three-day Arts Festival, September 26-28, where more than 100 vendors will offer fine arts and crafts and South Dakota made products. More information:  https://gfp.sd.gov/buffalo-roundup/.

Main Street Trick or Treat & Halloween Carnival

October. Each year the Friday before Halloween Hill City area school children are invited to trick-or-treat at Hill City businesses after school, then head to the Boys and Girls Club for the Club’s Annual Halloween Carnival for games and the always popular Cake Walk. This year’s events are on Friday, October 25, 2024. More information: Hill City Chamber of Commerce – 605.574-2368.

Trees & Trains Exhibit

November & December. On display at the South Dakota State Railroad Museum, 30+ theme-decorated trees by Hill City businesses and organizations.  Select dates throughout November and December. More information:  https://www.1880train.com/railroad-museum.html  or call 605-574-9000.

Hill City Olde Tyme Christmas - Parade and Kickoff Nov. 29, 2024

November & December. For the warmth of a true, small-town hometown old-fashioned Christmas, join us in Hill City. Holiday Magic starts the day after Thanksgiving with these events: Kris Krigle Vendor Fair ( 2-days Nov. 29-30) Snacks with Santa 2-4p at the Hill City Center. Trees & Trains Exhibit at SD State Railroad Museum. Holiday Express–1880 Train. 5p enjoy roasted chestnuts and cider compliments of the Alpine Inn. Olde Tyme Christmas Lighted Parade at 6p.  Get your spot early and dress warm. All day and throughout the season–Olde Tyme Christmas at participating businesses. More information:  See individual businesses or contact Hill City Chamber  605.574.2368 and https://www.facebook.com/hillcitysd.