Discover Downtown

Rhythm of Rapid City

Downtown’s heart beats with the power of music. See national acts, listen to an acoustic set, catch an indie band, or dance to resident DJs spinning beats. Free music fills the summer air on Thursdays at Summer Nights and once a month on a Friday at Main Street Square’s Golden Hour Live in July and August. Whatever your vibe, you’re going to find it here.

Arlo Iron Cloud Sr.

Cultural kaleidoscope

Treasured artifacts blend with modern Native American art in museums and galleries. Cultural celebrations, such as Native POP and the Black Hills Powwow, mix rich traditions with contemporary interpretations. Stop by Prairie Edge for the finest Northern Great Plains art, crafts, jewelry, books, and music. Then venture along to other boutiques featuring handmade items.

Get in the game

Sports fans can take in hardhitting action downtown. Join locals cheering on the Rapid City Rush as they take the ice, root for the SD Mines Hardrockers’ men and women competing in NCAA Div. II athletics, or buck into the wild western action of the PRCA at the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo.

Modern masterpiece

Public art runs as wild as buffalo in downtown Rapid City. With more than 10 utility boxes dripping in colorful local artwork, a 9,000-pound interactive limestone sculpture in Memorial Park, a two-story mural depicting the Badlands painted on the Elks Theatre building, the 21 hand-carved granite pieces that compose The Sculpture Project, and Art Alley’s constantly evolving canvas— everything is fair game.

Monumental memories

Bronze commanders-in-chief have executive authority over downtown Rapid City. Find the City of Presidents guide at an information center or online; go on a presidential scavenger hunt and snap a picture with your favorite president on a self-guided tour.

Snowy splendor

Magical moments abound as snow covers downtown Rapid City. Revel in the holiday spirit at Main Street Square’s Holiday Celebration and the Festival of Lights Parade, where you may even see Santa. Ice skating in the heart of town, enchanting storefront displays, and dazzling theatrical performances will make your spirits bright. Downtown absolutely glows throughout the holidays with celebrations to ring in the New Year.

After dark

The glass is always half-full downtown. Soak up skyline sunsets at a rooftop bar complete with dinner and cocktails. Find your way to the speakeasy’s secret entrance, play classic games at the barcade, and enjoy local brews and your favorite drinks throughout the downtown Rapid City bar scene.