A chill is in the air, and Halloween is right around the corner. To get into the spirit of the holiday, you'll want to head to the town of Webster for the Pumpkin Fest - an annual event that's perfect for the whole family.
The slogan for the town of Webser is "A Town For All Seasons," and that's certainly true - especially during autumn. This little town with 1,800 residents pulls out all the stops for its annual Pumpkin Fest.
Residents all over town participate in the scarecrow contest, dressing up their yards in Halloween decor for a chance to win. Drive around town to see all the great decorations.
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The festival starts on Friday, October 12th, and you'll want to swing by CorTrust and Great Western Banks for some free coffee and treats all day long, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..
Dakotah Bank also gets in on the action with a bake sale to benefit a charity. Scoop up home-baked pies, cakes, and breads from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m..
On Saturday, October 13th, dress up your little ghoul, pumpkin, or goblin and head to The Blossom Shoppe for a costume contest at 9 a.m..
Afterwards, visit the Day County Arts Center to see the various vendors and check out the children's painted pumpkins from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m..
At the Armory, you'll find lots of fun activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides...
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...and a bouncy house.
There's also plenty to see and do at the Museum of Wildlife, Science and Industry. Starting at 11 a.m., you can see the tractor pull, ride the barrel train, and get some lunch.
At 6:30, you'll want to find a spot along 5th street so you can get a good look at the Pumpkin Parade, which starts at 7 p.m.. You'll love this lighted parade that will definitely get you in the mood for the Halloween season.
Do you have plans to visit Webster's Pumpkin Fest? If so, tag your friends and family in the comments and get them to join you! If you're looking for another fun pumpkin-themed event, don't miss this glowing pumpkin walk, taking place October 6th.
This Magical Hot Air Balloon Glow In South Dakota Will Light Up Your Summer
Experience the magical Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival in Hot Springs, South Dakota, featuring daytime launches and a captivating nighttime balloon glow.
No matter your age, there is nothing quite as magical and enchanting as seeing a colorful hot air balloon floating high above and through the sky. While this whimsical activity is fun at any time of day, it becomes all the more incredible at night when the world is dark and is lit by only moonlight and a captivating balloon glow. Are you ready to experience this completely magical event for yourself? Then make plans to attend South Dakota's Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival which is guaranteed to light up your summer!
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Taking place August 23-25, 2024 is the 9th annual Fall River Hot Air Balloon Festival!
This wildly popular annual festival runs for three full days.
It is dedicated to all things hot air balloons, beginning with launches at dawn and ending with...
...the unforgettable night glow!
If you like to see things light up the dark night sky, definitely make plans to attend. This enchanting event takes place at the Southern Hills Golf Course. This hot air balloon night glow is the perfect end to an already perfect day and features not only beautiful balloons, but live music as well.
Are you feeling brave and want to take part in the festival?
No problem, as you can either fly your own balloon or ride in one of the entries!
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And if watching the balloons themselves and the music is not fun enough...
... attendees who come from all over South Dakota can participate in a 5K walk, play in the kid zone, shop at the sidewalk sale, enter a walk-in balloon, and more!
The festival address is 801 S. 6th Street, Hot Springs, SD 57747.
Have you had the opportunity to attend this SoDak hot air balloon festival? Did you see the nighttime balloon glow? If so, what was your favorite part? Would you agree that it is one of the best hot air balloon festivals in South Dakota? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
For other can't-miss South Dakota events, check out these unique festivals in SD:
No matter what time of year it might be, there are ALWAYS tons of festivals coming up at some point all over South Dakota. From exciting rodeos to outdoor music events, you have got to experience them yourself! Here are some of the downright best events and festivals in South Dakota that everyone ought to experience at least once:
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1. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally - Sturgis
Whether you are a biker, motorcycle enthusiast, or just an observer, the annual motorcycle rally held in Sturgis is quite the sight to behold. Thousands of bikers from all over gather to take a scenic drive through the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota in one huge group ride. There are tons of things for everyone to see and do on main street in Sturgis each year.
2. Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant - De Smet
Get the show of a lifetime out on the prairie stage. Every year, De Smet holds this pageant that draws hundreds of people to see the history of life in South Dakota played out in front of them in spectacular fashion. Other activities and events are held during the day. Take a trip to the past at this awesome event! Fan of North Dakota's history will be fans of this little event!
3. Wild Bill Days - Deadwood
This is the event that really packs them in to historic Deadwood, SD. Live music performances, shows, vendors, you name it - everything that makes a great festival is at Wild Bill Days. Just prepare for it to be busy!
4. Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo - Rapid City
One of the biggest stock shows in South Dakota is held annually in Rapid City. Tons of events are held here every year. Rodeo sports like barrel racing and bull riding are some favorites. Hundreds of stock animals are bought and sold here, and there are plenty of vendors selling their wares: everything from delicious food to handmade art. Come to browse or come for the excitement of the rodeo; either way, you're in for a good time. If you're a fan of stock shows, you might also enjoy some of the amazing flea markets in South Dakota.
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5. Jazzfest - Sioux Falls
Let the music overtake you at the annual Jazzfest in Sioux Falls. There is live music from local artists and national stars alike, all day. Even if you're not a jazz fan, you should check this one out at least once. It's an amazing experience! This event is one of those things to love about South Dakota we wish was all year long.
6. Fort Sisseton Historical Festival - Lake City
Thousands of people visit this historic state park in South Dakota each year to experience this festival, featuring live shows and plenty of other activities to make the day awesome. Discover history through the amazing performances at Fort Sisseton Historical Festival.
7. Days of '76 Rodeo - Deadwood
All the thrills of a rodeo packed into one awesome festival! The Days of '76 Rodeo is just loaded with awesome events and everything you could ever think of to be at a rodeo. Horses and riders especially show off in some intense competitions that will have you on the edge of your seat. It's just an all-around great time to be had. Besides, rodeos are just one of those things people from South Dakota are good at.
8. Yankton Riverboat Days & Summer Arts Festival - Yankton
Enjoy a summer day out in the sun while browsing through tons of beautiful works of art by many artists and vendors from all over the place. It's also a great way to see picturesque Yankton. Be sure to get there in time for the parade through town at this iconic summer festival in South Dakota.
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9. South Dakota State Fair - Huron
The best time of the year for many is the annual state fair, and South Dakota's state fair does not disappoint. All the carnival rides and stand favorites everyone knows and loves and some amazing events take place every year in Huron, South Dakota. Don't forget about the fair food - you'll be stuffed by the end of the day! This is one of those things to do in South Dakota before you die if we ever saw one.
10. Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup - Custer
This really needs to be seen in person to get the true experience, but check out this video of a roundup from a few years ago! The giant herd of bison in Custer State Park is moved annually, and you can get a front-row seat to this exciting event that will put you right back into the old west.
What are some other awesome events and festivals in South Dakota you look forward to every year? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!