RAPID CITY, SD – South Dakota’s second-largest community is preparing to host a massive America 250 celebration titled the Real America Birthday Bash from July 1-4, 2026. The four-day event in Rapid City will feature the state’s largest drone show, a Mount Rushmore fireworks watch party, and a headline performance by country music artist Chancey Williams.
For saddle bronc rider turned country artist Chancey Williams is set to release a new single, It’s My Lie, this Friday, and stepping into a new spotlight, making his big-screen acting debut in the upcoming Western short film Becoming Billy – An Outriding the Devil Origin Story later this March at the Mescal Movie set.
Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun noted that the community events are designed to complement the return of the fireworks display at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on July 3.
“Mount Rushmore will take the national stage with the return of the majestic fireworks display and supporting that event will be several days of community-wide patriotic events in Rapid City,” Salamun said. “Rapid City will be a premier holiday destination for people wanting to celebrate the anniversary of our nation’s independence”.
The festivities kick off July 1 at 7 p.m. with an Air Force Academy Band concert at the Memorial Park Band Shell. On July 2, a downtown festival begins at 4 p.m., followed by a community parade at 7 p.m. and a Sky Elements patriotic drone show at 9:30 p.m. launched from the Central High School football field.
July 3 features a downtown festival starting at noon with historical reenactments, vendors, and live music. Brandon Jones is scheduled to headline the musical performances at Main Street Square at 7 p.m., leading into a 9 p.m. watch party that will livestream the Mount Rushmore fireworks display.
The celebration concludes July 4 with a performance by Chancey Williams at the Main Street Square Stage at 7 p.m.. The Rapid City Municipal Band will perform at 8 p.m. at Memorial Park, followed by the official city fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. from the Executive Golf Course.
Ally Formanek, CEO of Visit Rapid City, described the city as one of the most Americana destinations in the country.
“As the City of Presidents, this will be an epic place to celebrate 250 years of America, from the festival downtown to visiting national parks, monuments and memorials,” Formanek said.
Throughout the holiday, daily activities in Rapid City will include a Kids’ Zone, a Touch-A-Truck military vehicle exhibit, and various interactive historical exhibits.
| Date | Time | Event | Location |
| July 1 | 7 p.m. | Air Force Academy Band Concert | Memorial Park Band Shell |
| July 2 | 4 p.m. | Downtown Festival Begins | Downtown Rapid City |
| 7 p.m. | Community Parade | Downtown Rapid City | |
| 9:30 p.m. | Sky Elements Patriotic Drone Show | Central High School Football Field | |
| July 3 | Noon – 11 p.m. | Downtown Festival (Reenactments, Music, Vendors) | Downtown / Main Street Square |
| Noon – 6 p.m. | Family Day | Memorial Park | |
| 7 p.m. | Brandon Jones (Musical Headliner) | Main Street Square | |
| 9 p.m. | Mount Rushmore Fireworks Watch Party (Live Stream) | Main Street Square | |
| July 4 | Noon – 11 p.m. | Downtown Festival Continues | Downtown / Main Street Square |
| 7 p.m. | Chancey Williams (Musical Headliner) | Main Street Square Stage | |
| 8 p.m. | Rapid City Municipal Band Concert | Memorial Park Band Shell | |
| 9:30 p.m. | City Fireworks Display | Executive Golf Course |
Disclosure: The HomeSlice Group, the parent company of The Rapid City Post, is the managing agency for Chancey Williams and Brandon Jones.
