Celebrate America's 250th on the Missouri River!

March 19, 2026

TOP 5 EVENTS in the magestic river region! Come celebrate America's 250th Anniversary along South Dakota's Missouri River Valley!

America 250: Riverfront Traditions

1. Fort Pierre's 4th of July Parade, Rodeo, & Fireworks
BOOTS & ROOTS: 4th of July in Fort Pierre! In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, Fort Pierre is planning its biggest and most memorable Fourth of July yet, blending expanded traditions, new activities, and the town’s unmistakable hometown spirit. The celebration will run July 1–5, 2026, bringing together creative programming, lively entertainment, and community pride for an unforgettable week in Fort Pierre! On July 3, there is a rodeo performance at 7pm. On July 4, there is a parade at 10 am, a second rodeo performance at 7 pm, and a fireworks show following the rodeo. For parade and fireworks information, contact Visit Fort Pierre.

2. Sitting Bull Stampede Rodeo | July 2nd - July 4th
Since 1945, traditions of the Old West come alive at the PRCA-sanctioned Sitting Bull Stampede Rodeo every July 2, 3 and 4, 7:30 p.m. nightly. Featured are top-name professional cowboys and cowgirls, top animals and top rodeo entertainment. In addition to the rodeo action, there is a carnival, two big main street parades and a huge fireworks display on the night of the 4th after the rodeo. The annual Sitting Bull Stampede in Mobridge is the major event of the year, with its parades, carnival and rodeos.

3. ROCKIN' THE BLUFFS INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION & FIREWORKS | July 4th
Experience 4th of July fireworks along the Missouri River. Join us in Chamberlain for the annual Rock the Bluffs Fireworks show. The free display begins at dusk (approximately 10:20 p.m.) and lasts about an hour. The fireworks are shot off from the causeway, almost in the middle of the Missouri River (on the Interstate 90 business route), and can be seen from many areas around Chamberlain and Oacoma. During the day, Chamberlain-Oacoma's traditional 4th of July Celebration includes a Fun Run at 7:30 a.m. and parade on Main Street starting at 11 a.m. followed by lunch at the American Legion.

4. Geddes Fur Trader Days | August 7th - 9th
Join us at Fur Traders Days in Geddes. Experience a unique blend of nostalgia for roots and the excitement of our bright future. Celebrate tradition while embracing innovation in a vibrant atmosphere filled with activities, stories, and community spirit. Enjoy three days of activities, including a RODEO, parade, flea market, kids' pedal pull, softball tournament, 5K run/walk, horseshoe pitching, bean bags, a car show, bull riding, a tractor pull, and more. Don't miss out on this unforgettable event in south central South Dakota!

5. Wagner Labor Day Celebration | September 4th - 7th
The city of Wagner, South Dakota has been known as the home of the "World's Best Labor Day Celebration" since 1900. The weekend is packed full of events and activities, including a road race, kiddie parade, poker run, midway/carnival, kids fishing tournament, motorcycle ride, two nights of rodeo (Saturday and Sunday), a Festival in the Park (Sunday and Monday), and a parade at 10 a.m. on Monday. One thing is clear, each Wagner Labor Day celebration is better than the last. Come see for yourself!

6. Christmas at the Capitol | November 26th - December 26th
The lights, the smell of pine in the air — Pierre’s Christmas at the Capitol event transforms the South Dakota State Capitol into a festive spectacle each holiday season. Crafted and customized by local groups, nearly 100 uniquely decorated Christmas trees fill the building's halls to create a magical winter wonderland full of festive ambiance. This beloved annual event includes a grand lighting ceremony, musical performances and special events like story time for children.