Rapid City is buzzing this weekend with events that blend creativity, community, and plenty of seasonal fun. From tattoos for a cause to glowing art parties, from mentalist mind games to Oktoberfest steins, and of course the return of the city’s most beloved fall tradition — the Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival — there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, live music, or a night out with friends, this weekend is packed to the brim.
Friday, September 19
The weekend begins with purpose. At noon, Convicted Design Tattoo hosts a Suicide Awareness Flash Event benefiting Mission 22. Walk-in only and cash-only, this fundraiser offers $50 to $100 tattoo designs, with proceeds going directly toward suicide prevention efforts.
As the sun sets, creativity takes center stage at Coffee and the Cats Café. The Sip & Paint Glow Party kicks off at 6:00 p.m., where guests can choose to paint a Cheshire Cat template or freestyle their own art. Tickets include supplies, a drink, and time in the Kitty Cove with cats sporting glowing collars. Add UV body paint and blacklight vibes, and you’ve got one of the most unique art nights in town.
At 7:30 p.m., head to The Park 707 for Banachek’s Mind Games Live. Known as the “cream of the crop” in mentalism, Banachek has earned praise from Penn & Teller and Joe Rogan for his reality-bending illusions. General admission is $25, or go VIP for the best views and a meet-and-greet.
If music is your vibe, Lost Cabin After Dark turns up the volume starting at 8:00 p.m. Noise rockers Gold Metal, indie artist Cranston Joel, and punk-driven Carrion Crawlers are set to shake the taproom. Admission is free, but this one’s 21+ only.
Finally, close your Friday at The 445, where Stereo Trip launches into a high-energy set at 9:00 p.m.. They’ll be back Saturday, so fans have two chances to catch them live.
Saturday, September 20
Saturday belongs to the pumpkins. The Great Downtown Pumpkin Festival kicks off at 10:00 a.m. in Main Street Square, spilling into Memorial Park with a full day of autumn celebration. Festival favorites include the Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, Pumpkin Chunkin’ launches, a scarecrow contest, and a kid zone featuring everything from bounce houses to Touch-a-Truck. Over 100 vendors and food trucks will line the streets, while live music from the Wilt Brothers Band keeps the energy up. And for adults, the Pumpkin Pub Crawl begins at noon, offering pumpkin-themed drinks across downtown bars and restaurants.
Meanwhile, Lost Cabin Taproom embraces Bavarian tradition with Oktoberfest starting at 11:00 a.m. Expect steins, seasonal beer releases, and plenty of contests, from stein-holding to pretzel cutting. Flower crown crafting, live polka from The Happy Wanderers, and burgers from The Good Stuffed make this a full-day celebration of food, drink, and music.
Later in the evening, laughter takes over at West River Comedy Club, where Tyler Corbine’s Wall of Dread hits the stage at 8:00 p.m. The comedy showcase challenges performers to bring their best — or face hilarious punishments from the “wall.” Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
And if you missed them Friday, don’t worry — Stereo Trip is back at The 445 from 9:00 p.m. to midnight, keeping the weekend rocking all the way through.
From tattoos to pumpkins, mind games to polka, this weekend is full of reasons to get out and enjoy Rapid City.
Find all this and more at rapidcitypost.com.
We’ll see ya in the moonlight! 🌙