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.
On Our Radar
Black Hills All-Stars Explore America’s Musical Roots
When the group takes the stage at The Custer Beacon before Custer’s Fourth of July fireworks, it won’t be a touring band or even a permanent one. It’s a one-night gathering of…
[ read story ]
On Our Radar
Reggae Takeover at Prairie Dog Taproom
A Reggae Takeover Comes to Prairie Dog Taproom This Friday Beginning at 4 p.m., the Hill City venue will host a three-band reggae showcase featuring Camp Comfort, High Rise, and The Alley…
[ read story ]
On Our Radar
Listen before you Go: The Lowest Pair
Listen before you Go: The Lowest Pair On Thursday, July 2, The Matthews Opera House will hand the stage over to two musicians who have spent more than a decade proving that…
[ read story ]
Spotlight
Get to Know: Tiffany Johnson
Get to Know: Tiffany Johnson Four years ago, Tiffany Johnson left Rapid City for Nashville to write songs. This week, she returns to the Black Hills for six performances over the Fourth…
[ read story ]
Guides
Ultimate Forth of July Guide for the Black Hills
Find parades, fireworks, live music, festivals, and community celebrations in Lead, Deadwood, Rapid CIty, Mount Rushmore, Custer and everywhere else across the Black Hills.
[ read story ]
On Our Radar
Dilly Dally to the Dahl
Every Room Has Something Happening at Dilly Dally to the Dahl Friday Night Dilly Dally to the Dahl returns Friday, June 26, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. as the Dahl’s annual community…
[ read story ]
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…
[ read story ]
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…
[ read story ]Up Next:
Jalan Crossland
Jalan Crossland is a Wyoming-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for a live style that leans as much on storytelling and…
Upcoming Shows
Looking Ahead:
[ See all events on our radar ]
Enjoying Black Hills Art Beat?
Help keep the calendar and coverage going
Love what we do?
BHAB helps keep the Black Hills connected to local arts, music, events, and culture.