RAPID CITY, S.D. – It’s official – the Central State’s Fair is underway.
Central States Fair representatives were joined Friday afternoon at the Fairgrounds by city, county and state officials to cut the ribbon ushering in the second largest event in Western South Dakota.
During the 2026 event’s Aug. 21 to Aug. 29 run dates, it’s estimated that more than 140,000 people walk through the gates. Teamwork and cooperation make the busy annual event work.
“This fair is not possible without a lot of hard work and there are a lot of thank you’s in order to make this happen,” Quentin Riggins, President, Central States Fair, said, citing city and county support, and the respective law enforcement agencies, and Fair staff.
This year’s lineup includes arenacross racing, the demolition derby, three nights of PRCA Range Days Rodeo, the Xtreme Broncs event, and three nights of concerts closing out the fair. Jo Dee Messina plays Aug. 27, Billy Currington Aug. 28 and Gary Allan Aug. 29.
General passes are available at centralstatesfairinc.com, the Central States Fair office, and Runnings.
Quentin Riggins, President of the Central States Fair
General Operating Hours
Fair Open Monday-Thursday 3pm-Midnight, Friday–Sunday Noon-Midnght. No Re-Entry after 10pm.
Sip & Saddle Wine Tasting Sunday-Tuesday 4pm at the Genaro Building Ticket required purchase in advance for FREE gate admission.
Ag-Venture Experience Gate Opening to 7pm
Petting Zoo Gate Opening to 7pm
Kids Zoo One Hour After Gate Opening to 8pm
Fair-E-Oke 4-8pm
Friday, August 21
Day: Youth Swine (9am), Goat (11am), Sheep (1pm), Longhorns (4pm) | Official Fair Opening (3pm)
Arena (7pm): Offroad Arena Cross & Freestyle Motox
Evening & Music: The Nervous Turtles (3:30pm & 7pm), German Tent Opening (7pm), Booze -N- Tuna (9pm)
Saturday, August 22
Day: Youth Beef (9am), Longhorns Sale (10am), 4-H Fashion Judging (1pm) & Style Show (5pm), Mutton Bustin’ (2pm & 4pm), Pokemon Show (3–7pm)
Arena (7pm): Demolition Derby
Evening & Music: Bob Grimm Band (1pm), Potter Johns Trio (2:30pm), Blind Bard (7pm), Booze -N- Tuna (9pm)
Sunday, August 23
Military Appreciation Day
Al military with proper ID, their family members, and DOD cardholder get FREE gate admission and FREE admission to the rodeo.
Day: Longhorns Show (10am), Slot Races (10am), Cornhole Tournament (12pm), Pokemon Show (12pm), 4-H Contests (1pm), Wine Tasting (4pm), Mutton Bustin’ Finals (4pm)
Arena (7pm): Range Days Rodeo (Military Appreciation)
Evening & Music: Midnight Sun (12pm), Humbletown (3:30pm), Dylan Lewis (7pm), Big Skillet (9pm)
Monday, August 24
AG Appreciation Day
An agriculture appreciation event celebration and honoring rural neighbors.
Day: Rodeo Slack (9am), Slot Races (10am), Team Roping (1pm), Wine Tasting (4pm), 4-H Dog Skill-a-thon (5pm), Ag Picnic & Awards (5pm)
Arena (7pm): Range Days Rodeo (Ag Appreciation)
Evening & Music: Lonely Rangers (3:30pm), JJ Kent (7:30pm), Big Skillet (9pm)
Tuesday, August 25
First Responders Appreciation Day
All first responders, with proper ID, and their family members get FREE gate admission and FREE admission to the rodeo.
Day: AQHA Breeders Showcase (3pm & 5pm), Wine Tasting (4pm), Trivia & Shuffleboard (5pm), 4-H Companion Animal Show (6pm)
Arena (7pm): Range Days Rodeo (First Responders Night)
Evening & Music: Brent Morris (4pm), James Van Nuys (7:30pm), Jessica Loobey (9pm)
Wednesday, August 26
Day: Cattle Show (11am), AQHA Showcase (3pm & 5pm), 4-H Horticulture (4pm), Cloggers (6pm), Craft Beer Night (7pm)
Arena (7pm): PRCA Xtreme Broncs Final
Evening & Music: Brent Morris (3:30pm), Midnight Sun (6pm), Kim Baxter (7:30pm), Jessica Loobey (9pm)
Thursday, August 27
Day: 4-H Poultry Show (6pm), Nail Driving Contest (7pm)
Arena (7pm): Concert: Jo Dee Messina
Evening & Music: Outlaw Bohdi Linde (4pm), BW Buzz Band (7:30pm), Flannel (9pm)
Friday, August 28
Day: 4-H Skill-a-thon (3pm), 4-H Robotics Showcase (5pm), Stein Hoisting (7pm)
Arena (7pm): Concert: Billy Currington
Evening & Music: Blind Bard & The Seeing Eye Dogs (4pm), Hot City Soul (7:30pm), Tristen Schofield & Drive By Night (9pm)
Saturday, August 29
Day: Special Rodeo (10:30am), 4-H Rabbit Show (1pm), Cribbage Tournament (1pm)
Arena (7pm): Concert: Gary Allan
Evening & Music: Bob Grimm Band (1pm), The Wilt Brothers (2pm), Outlaw Bohdi Linde Band (4:30pm), Donnie Miller Band (7:30pm), Tristen Schofield & Drive By Night (9pm)
