The 9 Best New Year’s Eve Events in South Dakota!

Across South Dakota, New Year’s Eve celebrations are done big. From Sioux Falls to Rapid City, you’ll find all sorts of festivities like parades, winter carnivals, dance parties, and even a rodeo or two. To ring in the new year right, check out these wonderful New Year’s Eve events in South Dakota. 

1. NPRA Bull Riding Challenge, Sioux Falls, SD

There’s nothing more “South Dakota” than celebrating the new year by watching a rodeo. For a unique last night of the year, head to Sioux Fall’s NPRA Bull Riding Challenge at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds in Sioux Falls. Eat fair food and watch as the tough bulls try to throw off the adrenaline-junkie cowboys. The party doesn’t end with the rodeo though. Make sure to hit the New Year’s Eve after party for free music and dancing. All ages are welcome. 

Rodeo fun! #vacation #family #siouxfalls #southdakota

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2. WaTiki’s New Year’s Eve Party, Rapid City, SD

This is a pretty unique way to celebrate the new year, and a supremely fun way if you have little kids! The WaTiki Indoor Waterpark Resort in Rapid City will be celebrating the new year with a collections of activities. Festivities include: midnight balloon drop, a dance party provided by Hot 91.1 FM, a movie showing for children, a dinner buffet from 4-8 p.m., and much more. Note: This event is open for children and adults. It’s fun for the whole family. 

3. Make-A-Wish New Year's Eve Benefit and Dance, Aberdeen, SD

Make-A-Wish New Year's Eve Benefit and Dance, Aberdeen, SD

Celebrate New Year’s Eve and support a good cause by attending the Make-A-Wish New Year’s Eve Benefit and Dance in Aberdeen. The night includes a silent auction, penny raffle, wine raffle, snacks, cash bar, and live music and dancing. All proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish South Dakota. The best part? Kids five years old and younger get in for free! Tickets are available at the door for $20 for adults and $10 for children over five years-old. 

4. Downtown Countdown at Main Street Square, Rapid City, SD

Come to Main Street Square in the heart of downtown Rapid City for a New Year’s Eve party like no other! The downtown ice rink in the square will be transformed into a dance party with lights on the ice. There will be fun, interactive games to play as everyone waits for the countdown to begin. Ice skating, games, and music—what more could you ask for?

5. Sioux Falls Stampede New Year’s Eve Bash, Sioux Falls, SD

Why not watch a little ice hockey to ring in the new year? At around 6 p.m., the Tier I junior ice hockey team Sioux Falls Stampede will face off against the Fargo Force at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls. This yearly event invites guests to bring their skates to the game so they can hop on the ice with the players following the game. Your kids will surely enjoy this one.  

Teddy bear night. First through.

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6. New Year's Eve Parade & Craft Event, Delmont, SD

Head to Legion Hall in Delmont, as tons of craft booths will be set up and there will be a New Year’s Eve Parade. It is wholesome fun for the whole family!

7. Black Hills Winter Carnival, Spearfish Canyon, SD

If parties and drinking aren’t your thing, head to the great outdoors for the Black Hills Winter Carnival in Spearfish Canyon for a unique end-of-the-year celebration. Participate in some of the events like fat biking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. Check out their Facebook page, Black Hills Nordic Ski Club for more information. 

8. Black Hills Symphony Orchestra, Rapid City, SD

Another one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve experience is the annual NYE concert at the Black Hills Symphony Orchestra in Rapid City. The concert changes every year, but it is guaranteed to be a beautiful performance!

9. New Year's Eve Celebration, Deadwood, SD

Deadwood is famous for its off-the-hook parties, and New Year’s Eve is certainly no exception. Head to the Historic Franklin Hotel before midnight to see the ball drop and welcome in the new year. Party the night away at the local bars and casinos, who offer free drinks, party favors, and even low-priced buffets! The historic, cobblestone streets of this Wild West town is the best spot to welcome in the new year. 

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