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
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…
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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…
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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.
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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…
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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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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
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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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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