There’s a full slate of events happening across the Black Hills this weekend, from live music and jazz performances to interactive dinner theatre, book-themed bingo, and late-night concerts. Whether you’re looking for something relaxed or high-energy, there’s plenty to explore Friday and Saturday.
Kicking things off Friday evening is Ignite Rapid City, starting at 5 p.m. at Elevate Rapid City. The three-day innovation event invites founders, students, and community members to turn ideas into working app prototypes using AI-powered tools. Participants will collaborate in teams after a Vibecoding 101 session hosted by OpenAI and spend the weekend building toward a final pitch presentation. Registration is free, meals are provided, and teams will compete for $1,750 in prizes, including $1,000 for the top project.
Also at 5 p.m., Firehouse Pizzeria & Wine Cellars hosts a Feel-Good Friday performance by NeuMac, featuring longtime Black Hills musicians Bruce Neubert and Mark McFarland. The duo blends melodic classic rock with smooth Yacht Rock favorites for a laid-back patio performance. Guests can also enjoy Wine Down Happy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. with $5 glasses of house wine.
At 6 p.m., the Black Hills Jazz Fest continues with Jazz Orchestra Night at The Journey Museum & Learning Center. Known as “The Sound of South Dakota,” the state’s flagship jazz ensemble will perform alongside featured guest artists Emma Taylor, Brendan Bull, Georgi Petrov, and local guest artist Tony DeBlois. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for the evening performance.
For something more interactive, Coffee and the Cats hosts the Interactive Meow-der Mystery Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Guests are invited to step into the “Midnight Meow Gala,” a cat-themed murder mystery where attendees help solve the poisoning of Duchess Whiskerworth. Costumes are encouraged, and organizers say participants can expect a guided and entertaining dinner theatre experience.
Friday night wraps up with 80’s Night at Aby’s Rapid City starting at 8 p.m. The event features throwback hits from the decade along with themed drinks and an 18+ dance floor atmosphere.
Saturday brings a mix of literary fun and live concerts across town. At 6 p.m., Monarch Books and Boutique presents Bingo After Dark: Between the Covers, a playful spin on book club featuring romance tropes, plot twists, and bingo-style games inspired by popular “spicy read” favorites. Organizers say the event welcomes longtime romance readers as well as newcomers looking for a lighthearted evening.
Heavy music fans can head to Aby’s at 7 p.m. for performances by Dopethrone, Year of the Cobra, and Wicked Six. The touring lineup delivers a night of sludge metal and doom-inspired sound as part of a national run supporting Dopethrone’s latest release, Broke Sabbath.
At 8 p.m., The Park at 707 Sports Bar & Nightlife hosts the Buffalo Chip Poster Model Semi-Finals. Contestants who qualified at earlier events will compete in multiple themed rounds, including Americana wear and swimwear, for a chance to advance to the finals scheduled May 2 at Robbinsdale Entertainment Center.
Also beginning at 8 p.m., Lost Cabin After Dark returns with live performances from Newcastle-based punk band Chesterfield and Rapid City’s Diaphane. The 21+ event promises a louder-than-usual taproom atmosphere, with Phat Bottom Salsa serving food onsite throughout the evening.
With everything from jazz and yacht rock to mystery theatre and late-night concerts, the weekend offers something for nearly every interest.
Find more local events and entertainment coverage at rapidcitypost.com.
We’ll see ya in the moonlight. 🌙
