Happy Fourth of July! As Independence Day nears, it’s hard not to get excited about fireworks.
For the folks who don’t live in Rapid Valley with free front-row access to nearly unlimited fireworks shows, there are still plenty of places to see some fireworks light up the night sky.
Rapid City’s official fireworks show is July 4 at the Executive Golf Course. The fireworks are set to start around 9:30 p.m., and will last 20 to 25 minutes. Patriotic music will be part of the show, playing on 93.9 The Mix. Before the show, the Rapid City Municipal Band will perform at 8 p.m. at the Memorial Park Band Shell. The rainout date for fireworks is July 5.
Prime places to park to view the fireworks include the downtown parking ramp, City Hall parking lot, Civic Center parking lots, Rapid City Central High School, and areas near Founders Park and the downtown area. Other viewing areas include Memorial Park, Founders Park, Skyline Drive and areas around The Gap.
It’s a popular show, so don’t forget to give yourself plenty of time to get there, pack some water and snacks, and watch for pedestrians!
Here’s a roundup of other fireworks and Fourth of July festivities in the area:
Gold Camp Jubilee, July 1-4
Every year, Lead hosts the Gold Camp Jubilee to celebrate the historic mining community. The festival kicks off on July 1, and includes family events, live music, street dances, and culminates in a fireworks show on Sunday, July 4, over the Open Cut. For a detailed schedule of events, visit www.leadmethere.org/goldcampjubilee/
Black Hills Speedway Fireworks Show, July 2
Black Hills Speedway will host its annual fireworks show after the races on July 2. The races start at 7 p.m. Check out the Black Hills Speedway’s Facebook page for more details.
Black Hills Roundup Fireworks, July 2-3
Belle Fourche’s annual event, the Black Hills Roundup, will again include fireworks shows after its rodeos on July 2 and 3. For more information, visit www.blackhillsroundup.com/events/fireworks.
Fall River Fourth of July Celebration, July 2-4
The Fall River Fourth of July Weekend Celebration starts July 2 and continues through the 4th. There is a free street dance July 2 from 8 p.m. to midnight at Centennial Park in Hot Springs. There will be fireworks at 9 p.m. July 3, weather permitting, in Hot Springs. Watch from Butler Park. On July 4, there will be a full day of events, starting with a Firecracker 5K/10K & Mile Race, followed by a parade, picnic, car show and Firequacker Duck Race. For a full schedule, visit the event page on Facebook.
Custer’s Fourth of July Celebration, July 2-4
Custer’s Fourth of July festivities start with its annual Old Time Country Fair July 2-3 in the 1881 Courthouse Museum. There will two parades on July 4 – a kids parade at 10 a.m., and the Patriots’ Parade at 11 a.m. Fireworks at Pageant Hill start at 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.custersd.com/Old-Time-Country-Fourth-of-July.
Deadwood Independence Day Celebration, July 3-4
There will be sidewalk sales on July 3-4 on Deadwood’s Main Street, but the main events are on July 4. There will be a Firecracker 5K starting at 9 a.m., a parade at 4:15 p.m., live entertainment at Outlaw Square from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit www.deadwood.com/event/independence-day/ .
Post 22 Firework Display, July 3
There will be fireworks after the Post 22 Firecracker Baseball Tournament on July 3 at Fitzgerald Stadium, 2721 Canyon Lake Drive in Rapid City. Fireworks are scheduled to start around 10 p.m.
City of Sturgis fireworks display, July 3
Sturgis will host its free fireworks display at dusk July 3, weather permitting. The fireworks will be lit at the Fairgrounds on Ballpark Road. Visit the city’s Facebook page for event or weather updates.
Wall Community Golf Course, July 3
Wall canceled its annual fireworks show this year due to the dry conditions. The Wall Community Golf Course is replacing it with a Glow Ball Tournament on Saturday, July 3. There will be corn hole, drinks and snacks.
The Barn at Piedmont, July 4
The Barn at Piedmont will host fireworks starting at dusk (around 9 p.m.)
No matter where you spend your holiday, we hope you have a happy and safe Fourth of July!