The Beat
Stories, news & culture from around the Black Hills
Local voices. Big stories. The people, places, and moments shaping our creative community.
Welcome to our little corner of the Black Hills where we keep our finger on the pulse, our ear to the ground and our eyes on the stage. The shows, the openings, the late-night sets, the tucked-away venues, and the artists shaping the culture of our community. We’ll be out there taking notes so you don’t miss what matters. If it’s unfolding locally and worth talking about, you’ll find it here.
Spotlight
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Guides
Halloween 2026 Guide
Halloween in the Black Hills: 2026 Events, Haunts & Parties From haunted houses and costume parties to family events, spooky shows and Halloween nights out, here’s what’s happening around the Black Hills…
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Guides
On Our Radar
ON OUR RADAR: Black Hills Events Worth Planning Ahead For Here’s a list of events we think you might want to know about.
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News
There’s a Lot Happening at the Dahl Right Now
There’s a Lot Happening at the Dahl Right Now Exhibitions, an art auction, open mic, comedy and more fill the next ten days. The walls have changed at the Dahl Arts Center,…
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On Our Radar
Bonzeye Tiny Shop Welcomes BHAB
The Tiny Shop is Making Room for the Big Black Hills Arts Scene Black Hills Art Beat officially has a headquarters this winter, and it is very small. If you’ve known me…
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Guides
Open Mic & Open Jam Nights in the Black Hills
Looking for a place to perform in Rapid City, Spearfish, Deadwood, or elsewhere in the Black Hills? Here's where musicians, comedians, poets, storytellers, and jam-session regulars can find a stage.
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On Our Radar
What to Know About the 2026 Black Hills Film Festival
Friday night at the Journey Museum, the Black Hills Film Festival opens its 17th year with two films built around adventure, including one with deep roots in the Black Hills. The festival…
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On Our Radar
Buffalo Roundup Weekend
Before the buffalo start moving Friday morning, Custer State Park will already be well into the first day of Roundup weekend. The Buffalo Roundup Arts Festival opens Thursday, Sept. 24, beginning three…
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On Our Radar
Rapid City Is Getting a New Stage
Rapid City Is Getting a New Stage Rapid City has plenty of people willing to put on a show and finding the right space may get easier. That is part of what…
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Johnny Hastings
Johnny Hastings is a Black Hills–based guitarist and songwriter who has become a steady presence across stages in Rapid City…
Looking Ahead:
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