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.
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.
About Central States Fair
The Central States Fair, based 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 served as a community gathering point for generations.
Heading to Central States Fair?
Our complete packing list covers what actually makes a difference — sun protection, footwear, and the small things people forget until they need them.
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Nearby County Fairs
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