Entertainment & Nightlife

ENTERTAINMENT

& Nightlife

A good celebration is never too far away. Through holidays and festivals, live music and tournaments, we’re here for a good time and loads of laughs. Enjoy the memorable moments our community shares with you.

BUM’S, BIKE & BREW

Bring your crew for a ride on Bum’s, Bike & Brew!

Bum’s Bike & Brew (BBB) is a human-powered bicycle bar that seats up to 14-passengers, 10 pedaling passengers and 4 non-pedaling passengers. BBB supplies the sober captain while you bring the party! Your tour will explore downtown Brookings and make a few pit stops along the way. The pedal pub is a memorable activity for bachelorette parties, reunions, and team building.

Schedule your ride today! bumsbikeandbrew.com 605.261.4626

DOWNTOWNat Sundown

Enjoy live music and good vibes at Downtown at Sundown! This outdoor music festival takes place every Thursday night, for five weeks, beginning in July and running through August. It’s a free event, complete with free children’s activities. Local food and beverage vendors are on hand to quench your thirst and local retailers provide some extra browsing opportunities.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO...

• Be prepared for sunshine, as well as hot and humid weather. (sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are encouraged) • Bring a chair or blanket for extra comfort. • Pets are allowed and welcomed, just make sure they’re on a leash and up to date on shots and vaccines. • Bring your ID for any alcoholic beverages. • The event goes on rain or shine, dress accordingly.

LIVE MUSIC Helloooooo Brookings!

Do you get a rush from standing front row at a concert? Crave feeling the beat of the base in your chest? Brookings has several premium live music venues which provide everything from large stadium events to intimate shows.

SKINNER’S PUB

Whether it’s outside in The Courtyard in the summer or inside under the elaborate tin ceiling in the winter, this over 119-year-old historic building is a great backdrop to any number of shows. Known for having a wide variety of genres and groups perform, Skinner’s Pub caters to all music lovers.

THE WILD HARE

Just off Main Avenue is where the classic sports bar meets bustling night club. Go from cheering on the Jackrabbits to jamming out to a local cover band in a matter of hours. The high-end sound system and industrial-themed backdrop create the perfect space to dance the night away.

THE PHEASANT

You will find everyone from long time Brookings residents to newly rehomed college students enjoying the welcoming atmosphere at The Pheasant. With deep roots in community history, local and regional artists are often featured in the upscale dining room or on the garden patio.

THE SWIFTEL CENTER

Having hosted over 4,000 events since their opening in 2001, the Swiftel Center has an impressive list of artists who have graced their stage. There is no genre discrimination with acts spanning from country, rap, rock, and everything in between. The 30,000 square foot arena has more than enough room for you and all your friends to enjoy the next big name that rolls into town!

Theatre Thrives

in a Rural Community

BY MARIE ROBBINS

A fun evening in Brookings might start with dinner at a local restaurant followed by a captivating performance by a local theatre group. Theatre in Brookings represents our thriving, community-focused culture. Brookings Community Theatre and Prairie Repertory Theatre regularly entertain audiences by showcasing talented individuals in the city and on the South Dakota State University campus.

Brookings Community Theatre has produced shows since 2001 with the goal of offering educational and performance opportunities for people of all ages. Audiences can expect to see three enjoyable and entertaining productions in 2022. The company’s seasons typically include a mix of comedies, dramas and musicals.

Prairie Repertory Theatre is a long-standing tradition for many families in and around Brookings.

The South Dakota State University organization involves 35 to 45 students each season. During the summer, students are provided with housing, class credit and a scholarship for their participation.

As part of its mission, Prairie Repertory Theatre provides intensive training for students while supplying engaging entertainment for all in attendance. From acting and costume design to set construction and marketing, students gain experience in all aspects of theatre production as they stage four shows each season in a multitude of different genres.

“It is important to have that balance of both student training and quality entertainment,” said J.D. Ackman, professor and managing/ artistic director. “If one is lacking, either the students or the people who come to the shows will be missing out.”

Students participating in Prairie Repertory Theatre bring a wide range of skills and experience to performances. Diversity in major areas of study and experience allows for creativity to shine through in each act.

The company’s recent move to the newly renovated Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center on the SDSU campus was a welcome change, Ackman said. The facility is engineered for quality acoustics and the ability to eliminate background noises such as rain and hail. With a capacity of 850, Oscar Larson Theatre features multiple seating levels to give the audience the best possible views.

Since 1970, Prairie Repertory Theatre has staged 12,821 performances of 210 productions and reached over 544,064 patrons.

Top theatrical talent can be expected in each performance. The Brookings community looks forward to each story portrayed by local artists.

Experience the Magic BY KATIE HAWKINS of Woodbine Productions

South Dakota State University has paved the way for performing arts. The Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center has become the best facility within miles. Woodbine Productions, an addition to the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, has enriched Brookings with the magic of live performances.

Woodbine Productions was started by the SDSU Foundation and an anonymous benefactor who underwrites all performance expenses. Woodbine provides substantial scholarships to students involved in performing arts at South Dakota State University. Every dollar made from tickets sold, goes to scholarships. Woodbine is named after the former home of SDSU presidents, Woodbine Cottage, maintaining the connection and history to campus.

Woodbine Productions brings a variety of remarkable performers to Brookings. In the past they have had GRAMMY Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell, and GRAMMY Award winning acapella group Pentatonix. Concerts are open to the community and students, with tickets selling at lower rates compared to those at large venues.

“Performers are hand-selected and curated for specific arts,” said Rina Reynolds of the SDSU Foundation, who programs the Woodbine series. “The goal is to bring the finest, both world-renowned and beginning performers, and to enrich the student experience and community with music.”

Woodbine enriches more than just the campus; it also impacts the community. In close conjunction with Brookings High School and state arts programs, Woodbine and SDSU work together to hold concerts, programs and tours. These experiences give aspiring artists an experience of a lifetime.

“Nothing compares to experiencing live music or live theatre. That cannot be replicated,” said David Reynolds, director of the School of Performing Arts.

“Do you think that they had a good time?” The anonymous benefactor asks that question at the end of every show. The Woodbine Productions team ensures that every show is a guaranteed good time and each new season gets better.