South Dakota
EVENTS | Upcoming South Dakota events & entertainment
Friday, Nov. 29 • 12 p.m.
82 Mickelson Drive, Yankton
Celebrate the holiday season at the historic Mead Museum, where you can explore over 70 beautifully decorated Christmas trees created by local organizations and individuals. Visitors are invited to vote for their favorite tree while enjoying the festive atmosphere. The event is open daily from noon to 4 p.m., with extended hours on Friday nights until 8 p.m. This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages, and children will receive a special prize bag.
Friday, Nov. 29 • 5:45 p.m.
Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls
Come enjoy the beautifully adorned 45-foot Christmas tree located at the corner of 11th Street and Main Avenue. Join us for a fun-filled annual holiday tradition featuring live music and free cookies, sponsored by Hy-Vee. Special guests, including Mayor Paul TenHaken, will help us light up Sioux Falls’ largest Christmas tree. Don’t miss this festive celebration of the season.
Friday, Nov. 29 • 6:30 p.m.
Downtown, Watertown
The 28th Annual Watertown Holiday Lighted Parade will feature a “Children’s Magical Christmas.” theme with fireworks before and after the parade. Attendees are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to the Salvation Army Food Pantry, with a dedicated float collecting contributions. The event includes a tree lighting ceremony at Jenkins Living Center, a fireworks show, and complimentary hot chocolate provided by the Jefferson Scout Pack 8 & 8G.
Friday, Nov. 29 • 7 p.m.
The District, Sioux Falls
Join us for the Dueling Duo Black Friday Bash, live at The District. Enjoy an evening of great music, food, and drinks while celebrating the start of the holiday season. The event promises a lively atmosphere, making it a perfect way to kick off your weekend. Don’t miss out on this exciting night of entertainment and fun.
Friday, Nov. 29 • 7:30 p.m.
Downtown, Sioux Falls
Join us for the 32nd Annual Parade of Lights as we light up the city and welcome the 2024 holiday season. The Parade of Lights has become a family tradition, attracting thousands who gather to celebrate the joy of the season. We invite you to be part of the 32nd year of this growing holiday tradition.
Holiday floats with festive decorations and plenty of lights will line the streets of historic downtown for the public to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays. The parade route runs along Phillips Avenue between 13th and 5th Street.
Friday, Nov. 29 • 8 p.m.
Critters Bar, Crooks
Join us for the 2nd annual Friendsgiving at Critters, featuring live music by Weston Frank. The evening will begin with a potluck, offering a chance to share delicious dishes and enjoy great company. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season with friends, food, and live entertainment. Don’t miss this memorable event to kick off the holiday season.
Saturday, Nov. 30 • 11 a.m.
Falls Overlook Cafe, Sioux Falls
Join us for Small Business Saturday to kickstart your holiday shopping at the Falls Overlook Café. The event will feature 20 local small businesses and crafters, offering a variety of unique products. Enjoy live music, raffles, and holiday treats while you shop. You can also donate new or slightly used art supplies for a chance to win prizes, supporting a great cause while you celebrate the season.
Saturday, Nov. 30 • 4 p.m.
Remedy Brewing Company, Sioux Falls
Join us for the Beards for Box Lunches fundraiser in support of the Sioux Falls School District Lunch Program. The event will feature a Pickleball Round Robin Tournament on Saturday, November 30th, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Grab your paddle and compete while helping raise funds for a great cause—100% of the proceeds will go directly to the SFSD Lunch Program. You can sign up as an individual starting November 1st through the registration link. In addition, we’ll host a No-Shave November Beard & Mustache Competition, which starts at 4:00 pm on the same day. There will be categories for every style, whether you’re aiming for a full beard transformation, sporting a stylish mustache, or showcasing something truly unique.
Saturday, Nov. 30 • 4 p.m.
200 E. Willow Street, Harrisburg
Join us for a delightful, entirely free community event hosted by the Harrisburg Chamber. Bring the whole family to capture treasured moments with Santa, explore booths offering hands-on crafts, games, and delicious treats, and enjoy the radiant splendor of the Harrisburg Christmas tree lighting. The event will take place at Heritage Gym (formerly Liberty Elementary). The tree lighting is sponsored by Harrisburg Ace Hardware.
Saturday, Nov. 30 • 5 p.m.
118 S. Main Street, Lennox
Whether you are participating in the Side by Side poker run or just looking for some good chili, come out and support Midwest Honor Flight by warming up with some of the best chili recipes. Think you have a great recipe? Cook it up, bring it out, and see how it rates.
Saturday, Nov. 30 • 6 p.m.
Days of ‘76 Museum, Deadwood
Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music and entertainment as The Lonely Rangers deliver their high-energy, acoustic country rock. Guests will enjoy a selection of delicious hors d’oeuvres, provided by Cheyenne Crossing, and a cash bar to complement the evening. The event will feature an exciting live auction with exclusive items. Terry Hupp will bring his expert auctioneering skills to the stage, ensuring an engaging experience. All proceeds from the auction will benefit Deadwood History, Inc. and the Days of ’76 Museum.
Saturday, Nov. 30 • 6 p.m.
Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls
Put on your best Ugly Sweater and join us for Charlie Brown Christmas, presented by the Salvation Army. The Stampede will wear special Christmas sweaters, which will be auctioned off via DASH Auctions. Fans will have the opportunity to enter an Ugly Sweater contest on the Stampede’s social media pages. Following the game, fans will be able to skate with the team.
Saturday, Nov. 30 • 8 p.m.
Club David, Sioux Falls
Catch an unforgettable night of live music with Trash Owls, a rowdy rock and roll show blending punk, emo, metal, and classic rock influences into a one-of-a-kind performance. Joining them are The Degenerates, a pop-punk band from Madison, South Dakota, known for their energetic sound. Also performing is Dream Beast, a local solo artist who creates a unique mix of magical, electronic pop music, and recently released his latest album, Wish Upon A Dying Star. This event promises an eclectic mix of genres and talent, making it a must-see for music lovers.
Sunday, Dec. 1 • 12 p.m.
West Central High School Gym, Hartford
Join us for a fun-filled event hosted by Hartford Hometown Christmas, benefiting the FCCLA. This family-friendly fundraiser will take place at the West Central High School Gym and offers a variety of activities for kids of all ages. Enjoy inflatable rides, carnival games, festive Christmas activities, and the chance to win exciting prizes. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season while supporting a great cause.
Tuesday, Dec 3 • 6 p.m.
Sanford Children’s Hospital, Sioux Falls
You’re invited to join us in front of Sanford Children’s Hospital as we celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with our youngest and tiniest patients at our annual lighting ceremony. Enjoy refreshments, music, entertainment, and more. If you can’t be there in person, watch live on Channel 34 in the hospital or tune into Facebook Live. We will be accepting donations at the front entrance of Sanford Children’s Hospital during the event.
Tuesday, Dec 3 • 6:45 p.m.
Watertown Regional Library
Join us in the Library Community Room immediately following our Lights Out event for a screening of The Grinch (2018). Enjoy a cozy and fun atmosphere as we watch this holiday classic. Popcorn and refreshments will be provided for all attendees. This is a great way to continue the festivities and enjoy a family-friendly movie together.
Tuesday, Dec 3 • 7 p.m.
Main Street, Mitchell
Join us for the 2024 Parade of Lights, beginning at 7 p.m. This year’s parade theme is Christmas Movies, bringing festive cheer and holiday magic to the streets. Enjoy beautifully decorated floats and displays inspired by your favorite holiday films. Don’t miss this annual celebration of the season.
Wednesday, Dec 4 • 7 p.m.
Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls
Experience the magic of the holiday season with Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls. This enchanting performance brings the classic tale to life with stunning choreography, beautiful costumes, and captivating music. Join us for a festive evening that will delight audiences of all ages. Don’t miss this special holiday tradition.
A tornado watch has been issued for much of central and eastern South Dakota as forecasters warn conditions are favorable for tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds Wednesday evening.
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center issued the watch at 4:05 p.m. CDT, and it will remain in effect until 11 p.m. It includes dozens of counties across central and eastern South Dakota, as well as parts of southeastern North Dakota and western Minnesota.
Forecasters expect thunderstorms to develop along and ahead of a cold front moving southeast across the Dakotas. The strongest storms could become supercells capable of producing all severe weather hazards.
The severe weather threat is expected to continue Thursday, when another round of strong to severe thunderstorms could develop across parts of South Dakota. Large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes will again be possible.
What are expected impacts of South Dakota storms?
Storms that remain isolated could produce tornadoes and very large hail before merging into a line of thunderstorms later in the evening, according to the Storm Prediction Center. Once storms organize into a line, damaging winds are expected to become the main threat, although brief tornadoes and hail will remain possible.
The National Weather Service office in Sioux Falls said portions of southeastern South Dakota face a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather Wednesday evening. Atmospheric conditions include high instability, increasing wind shear and abundant moisture, creating an environment supportive of severe thunderstorms.
In addition to severe weather, some areas could receive heavy rainfall. Most locations are expected to receive between a quarter-inch and three-quarters of an inch of rain, although isolated areas could see more than an inch. Widespread flooding is not expected, but localized flooding could occur in areas that recently received heavy rainfall.
Where will storms hit in South Dakota?
Storms are expected to develop in central South Dakota between late afternoon and early evening before moving east through the night. Forecasters expect the strongest storms to reach the Interstate 29 corridor between about 10 p.m. and midnight.
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Brandi D. Addison covers weather across the United States as the Weather Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. She can be reached at baddison@gannett.com.
See Republican Zach Lahn speak after primary win in governor’s race
GOP gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn speaks to his supporters during an election night watch party on June 2, 2026, in West Des Moines.
The makeup of the Legislature was up in the air as of 1 a.m. after South Dakota’s primary election.
Ten Republican state lawmakers ousted in 2024 are angling to get their seats back in 2026. Results were mixed for the nine who had primaries on Tuesday, with results still coming in for several races and others set for possible recounts.
Shawn Bordeaux of Rosebud won the state’s only Democratic primary, beating Troy “Luke” Lunderman for a chance to return to the state Senate.
Bordeaux will face Chamberlain Republican Rebecca Reimer in November’s general election. Reimer, who was term-limited in the state House of Representatives, beat Lower Brule Sen. Tamara Grove in Tuesday’s primary.
In Watertown’s District 5, Rep. Josephine Garcia fell in a state Senate primary to incumbent Sen. Glen Vilhauer. Garcia beat Byron Callies in the 2024 primary to earn her seat in the House of Representatives, but opted to challenge Vilhauer for his Senate seat instead of seeking reelection to the House.
Callies, Vilhauer and Garcia are all from Watertown.
Vilhauer won with 59% of the vote. His was one of the first state legislative victories of the night reported on the Secretary of State’s website.
Vilhauer won handily, but he said he wasn’t necessarily expecting to as polls opened on Tuesday.
“I knew it was going to be a battle going in,” Vilhauer said. “She worked hard on her side, and I didn’t know what to expect.”
Callies was among the first to call Vilhauer to congratulate him, around 9:30 p.m.
“I’m happy, because Glen’s a solid legislator,” said Callies, who’s angling to win his seat back in the general election.
Garcia did not return a call seeking comment.
In District 21, Sen. Mykala Voita of Bonesteel beat former Sen. Erin Tobin of Winner in a rematch of their 2024 contest, which Voita won by a few dozen votes that year. This time around, Voita bested Tobin by 1,002 votes.
In response to a request for comment, Voita sent a text reading “Glory to God!”
Tobin did not return a call from South Dakota Searchlight about her race after it was called, but said earlier in the evening she would be “at peace” with the results regardless of what they might be.
Another rematch saw Yanktonites Lauren Nelson and Jean Hunhoff battling for District 18’s state Senate seat. Nelson was a newcomer in 2024 when she beat Hunhoff, who’d spent decades in the Capitol between stints in the House and Senate. On Tuesday, Nelson held off Hunhoff, winning by 243 votes.
Other notable races
- District 4 Rep. Dylan Jordan of Clear Lake, first elected in 2024, finished fourth in a five-way race. As of 1 a.m. Wednesday, he trailed Ryan Kohl of Milbank and former Rep. Fred Deutsch of Florence, in first and second place, respectively. A recount is possible in that race, with 59 votes separating the top two vote-getters while Rep. Kent Roe, of Hayti, came in third place, with 72 fewer votes than Deutsch.
- District 4 has two possible recounts. In the other, Bryant’s Stephanie Sauder beat Clear Lake’s Tim Begalka by 105 votes in the unofficial tally from the Secretary of State.
- District 1 Rep. Logan Manhart of Aberdeen, elected in the 2024 primary, fell to Rep. Nick Fosness, a hospital administrator appointed by Gov. Larry Rhoden in 2025, and newcomer Daniel Kjos.
- Another recount was possible as of Wednesday at 1 a.m., in the District 16 race for House of Representatives. Rep. John Shubeck of Beresford trailed Lisa Bogue of Beresford by 245 votes in unofficial results. Jason VanDenTop of Canton was in third place, trailing Shubeck by 68 votes.
Vote totals incomplete
- Sen. John Carley of Piedmont, who won his first term in 2024, trailed William Meirose of Sturgis by 166 votes as of 1 a.m. Wednesday.
- Former Rep. Tyler Tordsen led Rep. Tony Kayser by two votes in the District 14 primary, with results still coming in. The Sioux Falls men are vying for second place and a spot on the November general election ballot alongside Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt of Sioux Falls, who led by more than 600 votes early Wednesday.
- District 28 Sen. Sam Marty of Prairie City was in a close race with former legislator Ryan Maher of Isabel.
- Former Rep. Gary Cammack of Union Center, who lost his seat in 2024, and Gary Deering of Hereford, led Reps. Terri Jorgenson of Piedmont and Kathy Rice of Blackhawk in the District 29 race.
- In District 30, Hot Springs Sen. Amber Hulse led former Sen. Julie Frye-Mueller of Rapid City by more than 1,300 votes.
- Former Sen. David Johnson of Rapid City led Sen. Curt Voight of Rapid City in a rematch of their 2024 race for District 33 Senate in early results.
- Rep. Heather Baxter of Rapid City has signaled her intention to challenge sitting Secretary of State Monae Johnson for the Republican nomination to that constitutional office at the state’s Republican Party convention this summer. In early results, Baxter trailed former Rapid City Rep. Becky Drury and Rep. Mike Derby in the District 34 primary.
- Early results in the District 35 primary put Sen. Greg Blanc, elected in 2024, in a close race with fellow Rapid City resident Nicole Mitzel.
South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
South Dakota
Republican businessman Toby Doeden advances to primary runoff in South Dakota governor’s race
Republican businessman Toby Doeden has advanced to a runoff in South Dakota governor’s race, NBC News projects.
Gov. Larry Rhoden, who replaced Kristi Noem last year when President Donald Trump nominated her to lead the Department of Homeland Security, was battling with Rep. Dusty Johnson and former state House Speaker Jon Hansen for a second spot in the July 28 runoff. The primary will go to a runoff because no candidate eclipsed 35% of the vote.
Trump did not issue an endorsement in the race. Doeden branded himself on his campaign website as “a total political outsider who’s tired of the government’s failure to deliver on its promises” and one of Trump’s “fiercest supporters.”
Rhoden, a former lieutenant governor, agriculture secretary and lawmaker, campaigned on property tax cuts and lowering crime in his bid for a four-year term.
Johnson is the state’s lone representative in the House, where he previously was chair of the Republican Main Street Caucus. Hansen, who was elected to the South Dakota House in 2010, held several leadership positions before he became speaker.
The Republican nominee will be the favorite to win the general election in the solidly red state this fall. A Democrat has not served as governor in South Dakota since the 1970s, and Trump carried the state by 29 points in 2024.
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