Gold Discovery Days Returns to Custer for Its 103rd Year
Just after sunrise Saturday morning, Pageant Hill will begin filling with people bundled in sweatshirts and carrying coffee, all looking toward the sky.
Weather permitting, hot air balloons will lift over Custer as Gold Discovery Days returns for its 103rd year. By the time they drift out of sight, downtown will already be filling with parade spectators, classic cars, artists, musicians, and families settling in for the weekend.
Gold Discovery Days traces its roots to the 1874 discovery of gold along French Creek, which helped launch the Black Hills Gold Rush. More than 150 years later, the celebration has grown well beyond its origins. Today, nearly every block of downtown hosts something to see or do.
Prospecting demonstrations and gold-themed contests keep the festival connected to its history, while quilt shows, live music, classic cars, family activities, and the parade have become traditions of their own.
Friday Night: The Festival Begins
While the busiest crowds arrive Saturday, Gold Discovery Days gets rolling Friday afternoon.
The Arts & Crafts Festival and Quilt Show & Vendor Market open for the weekend, while kids can search for hidden treasure during the Gold Nugget Hunt. Friday evening brings the Gold Panner’s Race, Flick & Float at the Custer City Pool, and live music downtown.
The Custer Beacon hosts Clayton Ryan Band, while Brian McCollum Band performs at VFW Post 3442.
Saturday: The Heart of Gold Discovery Days
Saturday begins before most people have poured their first cup of coffee.
The Hot Air Balloon Rally takes flight at 5:30 a.m., weather permitting, followed by a community pancake breakfast and the Gold Discovery Days Parade at 10 a.m. Throughout the day, downtown fills with arts and crafts vendors, the Bob Plaisted Memorial Car Show, prospecting demonstrations at French Creek Park, family activities, tournaments, and the Kids Zone.
One of this year’s additions comes during the parade, where organizers plan to include 50 horseback riders carrying the flags of all 50 states in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary.
Music Around Downtown
Live music is spread across several Custer venues instead of centered on one festival stage, giving visitors several places to stop between the parade, car show, vendor booths, and dinner.
Place the Live Music Around Downtown table here.
That placement makes the table part of the Saturday section while still including Friday’s lineup. It also lets the visual block do the work, so you do not need another paragraph repeating every artist and venue.
Sunday: One More Morning
If you miss Saturday’s balloon launch, Sunday offers one more chance to catch the morning sky filled with color.
The weekend continues with another Hot Air Balloon Rally, the Gold Rush Fun Run on the Mickelson Trail, the Quilt Show & Vendor Market, arts and crafts vendors, church service in Way Park, the Walt Thomas Memorial Golf Scramble, R.I.S.E. Gold Miners Bingo, and a performance of Come From Away at the Black Hills Playhouse.
By Sunday afternoon, the booths begin packing up and downtown settles back into its usual pace. For one weekend each July, Washington Street belongs to balloons, music, prospecting pans, polished cars, and people stopping every few feet to visit with someone they know.
Know Before You Go
Friday, July 17 – Sunday, July 19
Signature Events
- Hot Air Balloon Rally (Saturday & Sunday, 5:30 a.m., weather permitting)
- Gold Discovery Days Parade (Saturday, 10 a.m.)
- Bob Plaisted Memorial Car Show
- Arts & Crafts Festival
- Black Hills Gold Prospecting demonstrations
- Gold Nugget Hunt
- Kids Zone
- Quilt Show & Vendor Market
Live Music
Friday
- Clayton Ryan Band — The Custer Beacon
- Brian McCollum Band — VFW Post 3442
Saturday
- Carson Brown — The Custer Beacon
- Camp Comfort — The Custer Beacon
- Flannel — Mt. Rushmore Brewing Company
- Stateline Ramblers — VFW Post 3442
Family Friendly
- Hot Air Balloon Rally
- Gold Nugget Hunt
- Prospecting demonstrations
- Car Show
- Arts & Crafts Festival
- Kids Zone
Parking & Tips
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and a camera—most of the festival is spread throughout downtown Custer.
Arrive early Saturday if you’re planning to watch the balloons or the parade.
Expect downtown street closures throughout the weekend.
The Hot Air Balloon Rally is weather dependent, so check conditions before heading to Pageant Hill.