January in the Black Hills and Badlands region is full of fun and flavors – and, most importantly - a slew of festivals and events. Though it may be tempting to hide under the covers until the cold weather passes, we invite you to step out and enjoy these local classics. Say goodbye to the winter blues, and hello to weekends packed with excitement.
Ditch hibernation and these four events to your calendar this January:
Burning Beetle in Custer, SD – Jan. 18
Bundle up and head out to join the protest against Pine beetles. Crowds chant, “Burn beetle, burn!” as audience members throw torches into the bonfire. Rest assured - it’s not a cult – just a simple way of celebrating local conservation efforts. Plus, every year, the design of the Pine beetle is different, so each bonfire is unique.
Chinook Days in Spearfish, SD – Jan 18 – Jan 25
Ever experience a sweeping, 49° temperature-change in just two minutes? We’re not saying that you will during this winter festival, but you’ll get to see where it all happened. Come to Spearfish for Chinook days, a weeklong event that celebrates Spearfish’s 1943 world record. The festival is jammed with snow sculpting, beer tasting, and much, much more. Dress warm! We’re not anticipating any drastic heat any time soon.
Pro Snocross Races in Deadwood, SD – Jan 24
See the best-of-the-best take to the snow in this professional snowmobiling competition. Every year, the historic town of Deadwood hosts over 200 professional racers at the Days of ’76 Event Complex. Crowds rally to witness the speed, stunts, and agility of the competitors. Want to go full-VIP? Enjoy a special Happy Hour event with drinks and delicious food. Who knows? Perhaps this is just the motivation that you need to hit the trails in the Black Hills!
Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo in Rapid City, SD – Jan 31 – Feb 8
South Dakota’s state sport, the rodeo, can be enjoyed year-round in the Black Hills and Badlands, but it all starts here in January at the Black Hills Stock Show & Rodeo in Rapid City. This highly anticipated event kicks off the year for locals and travelers looking to celebrate Western culture and community spirit, and it is filled with events that cowboys and cowgirls have spent all season preparing for. We’ll see you at the Central States Fairgrounds!
Ready to go?
If you choose one – or all – of these events to attend this January, studies have shown that you’ll fall back in love with winter. Is this true? Well, there haven’t actually been any studies done, but anecdotal evidence suggests that you’re guaranteed to have a great time, regardless. Basically, we’re excited for January, and we’re inviting you to join in the hype.
Make your travel monumental by exploring more festivals and happenings. Visit www.BlackHillsBadlands.com/events to get started.
