RAPID CITY, SD — What nearly became the end of one of downtown Rapid City’s most beloved summer traditions is now turning into one of its biggest comeback stories.

After a turbulent 2025 that saw the cancellation of the Rapid City Summer Nights concert series following permit denials, location disputes and uncertainty surrounding the future of the event, Summer Nights is officially returning May 28 for their 17th season in downtown Rapid City.

For many in the Black Hills community, the return means more than just live music on Thursday nights. It represents resilience, community pride and the heartbeat of downtown Rapid City.

“It feels AWESOME,” said Summer Nights founder Sandy Schwan. “I was an almost empty nester when we started this journey and someone once told me I used my mom energy to create a new kid. There is some truth to that. Summer Nights has always been my baby and I just couldn’t give up the fight to keep my baby alive.”

Schwan and the Summer Nights team spent the last year fighting to preserve the long-running community event after the 2025 season was canceled amid disagreements over location and logistics. The cancellation left many residents and downtown businesses disappointed after nearly two decades of concerts that regularly brought thousands of people into the heart of Rapid City.

Now, organizers are focused on making the comeback season one to remember.

“After the hiatus of the 2025 season we are excited to kick off the 2026 season with local sensation Brandon and are eagerly looking forward to seeing our old friends at the new location,” Schwan said. “The Summer Nights team plans to make 2026 the best season ever.”

Opening night on May 28 will feature local favorite Brandon Jones, an artist who has become closely tied to the Summer Nights legacy over the years.

“I think back to the first time I played it,” Jones said. “What an amazing opportunity it was for us as a band, locally and more. It’s a huge stage for an artist. I’m very fortunate to have played the opening and closing slots for a long time.”

For Jones, Summer Nights also became the setting for one of the biggest moments of his life.

“My favorite one would have to be when I proposed to my now wife in front of everyone in attendance,” he said. “Thank God she said yes.”

Jones said Summer Nights has long served as a major opportunity for local and regional musicians to perform in front of large crowds on a professional-caliber stage.

“Not too often do you get to perform in front of thousands of people with that level of production and size of stage,” Jones said. “It’s a great opportunity for current and future bands to strive for.”

He also said the absence of Summer Nights in 2025 left a noticeable void in the community.

“Last year when it was gone, that was a real bummer and a hit to our community hard for coming together and seeing each other,” Jones said. “Now that it’s back, the community needs to rally together to support the local businesses, not just on Thursday, but all week long, to help our downtown and our community.”

That message is expected to be a central theme throughout the season.

While Summer Nights brings thousands of people downtown on Thursday evenings, organizers and supporters hope the excitement inspires residents and visitors alike to continue supporting downtown Rapid City throughout the week.

Downtown Rapid City’s restaurants, boutiques, bars, coffee shops and local businesses remain open seven days a week, helping fuel the local economy and preserve the unique character of the city’s core.

For Schwan, the return of Summer Nights is proof that the community was unwilling to let the tradition disappear.

And after a year of uncertainty, downtown Rapid City is once again preparing for music, crowds, dancing and another summer under the lights in the Black Hills.

Schedule

  • May 28 Brandon Jones
  • June 4 Grunge Pop
  • June 11 8th Hour
  • June 17 Flannel
  • June 25 Stereo Trip
  • July 2 32 Below; Special Events: Parade & Drone Show
  • July 9 Rowan Grace
  • July 16 Bittersweet
  • July 23 The RathCo
  • July 30 Tripwire
  • August 6 Ryan Chrys & The Rough Cuts with special guest Dirt Road Getaway
  • August 13 Full Battle Rattle; Military Appreciation Night
  • August 20 Slamabama