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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On Our Radar
Black Hills Bluegrass Festival 2026
Bluegrass Festival Takes Over Elk Creek Resort Authentic Unlimited and Carson Peters Headline Bluegrass Festival June 26–28. The Black Hills Bluegrass & BBQ Festival returns June 26–28 at Elk Creek Resort near…
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On Our Radar
1776
Theatre 605 Brings 1776 to the Black Hills Playhouse The Black Hills Playhouse heads into Fourth of July season with a production that explores the debates that shaped the nation’s founding. Theatre…
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Guides
The Summer Stages This Week
Summer Stages are lighting up across the Black Hills, from weekly concert series and outdoor music nights to recurring summer events across the region.
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On Our Radar
Black Hills Renaissance Festival- 2026
Black Hills Renaissance Festival Heads to Sturgis Knights, fairies, mermaids, musicians, artisans, and costumed guests will gather in Sturgis this weekend as the Black Hills Renaissance Festival returns to Kickstands Campground for…
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On Our Radar
Abys Last Show
One Last Show for Aby’s Farewell Night The Aby’s Farewell Show features Fueled By Spite, Goodfire, Wicked Six, and The Fatal Few. The all-ages event begins at 7 p.m. with advance tickets…
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On Our Radar
Stardustfest – 2026
StardustFest returns with live music, vendors, and wellness offerings Founded by Black Hills musician and event organizer Bobbie Jo Kuhl, StardustFest returns to Hill City on Saturday, June 28, bringing live music,…
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On Our Radar
Black Hills Comedy Festival
Stand-Up Is Taking Over Rapid City More than 25 comedians will take over stages across Rapid City this week, with nine shows scheduled at West River Comedy Club, the Hotel Alex Johnson,…
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Spotlight
Father’s Day Events Around the Black Hills
Fathers’s Day is coming up in the Black Hills this weekend! We pulled together a list of events happening around the Hills we thought would be fun to do with your pops…
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High Rise
High Rise is a Black Hills–based reggae/rock band that’s been building its sound locally since forming in 2014. Drawing from…
Upcoming Shows
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