Central States Fair

About Central States Fair

The Central States Fair in Rapid City is a nine-day late-August celebration in the gateway to the Black Hills, drawing large crowds from across the northern Great Plains for a major regional fair. Established in 1945, the fair has brought South Dakota communities together for generations.

What to Expect

Expect championship livestock shows, 4-H and FFA competitions, major grandstand entertainment, a large midway, and the western South Dakota community spirit of Mount Rushmore's gateway city.

Visitor Tips

Rapid City is the gateway to Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse Memorial, Custer State Park, and Badlands National Park — fair week in Rapid City is perfectly paired with Black Hills exploration.

Nearby County Fairs