RAPID CITY, S.D. – The dust has settled on another successful year for the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo and Rodeo Rapid City, as organizers report massive crowds and record-breaking interest throughout the ten-day event.
The annual tradition, which serves as a cornerstone for the region’s agricultural community and tourism economy, saw a surge in participation across all venues. From the livestock stalls to the dirt of the rodeo arena, the energy remained high from the opening weekend through the final bucking horse.
Participation in the youth livestock events were one of the many highlights of this year’s schedule, with beef, sheep and goat shows taking center stage and drawing significant audiences. The investment in the next generation of ranchers and exhibitors continues to be a driving force for the event’s longevity.
With over 400 vendor booths, The Cinch Trade Show sold out for the fifth year in a row, with officials noting that many vendors had record-breaking shows.
“The nice weather and great prices on cattle, among other things, has made 2026 a banner year for The Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo Rapid City.” said Craig Baltzer, Executive Director of The Monument “Many days had record-setting attendances. We could not be more thrilled with how the entire 10 days went this year. We can’t say enough about Sutton Rodeo and Central States Fair for the time and dedication attributed to drive such resounding numbers. These are great 10 days for all organizations involved and for driving impact to the entire city!”
The entertainment lineup proved to be a major draw for the 2025 season. Musical performances brought a gritty, western sound to the stage with appearances by Tanner Usrey and Kenny Feidler and The Cowboy Killers. The momentum reached a peak when the band Ole 60 officially sold out their performance, highlighting the growing crossover appeal of the stock show’s concert series.
General manager Ron Jeffries noted that the scale of the event requires a massive collective effort to execute.
“We simply could not put on an event of this magnitude without the tireless dedication of our volunteers and the unwavering support of our sponsors,” Jeffries said. “They are the backbone of everything we do here in Rapid City, ensuring that every guest and exhibitor has a world-class experience.”
Livestock sales and rodeo entries remained competitive, bolstered by the high attendance numbers that filled the stands at the Monument and Kjerstad Event Center. The economic impact of the event continues to reach nearly every corner of the Black Hills region as visitors travel from across the country to participate.
Planning is already underway for next year. Officials have confirmed that the Black Hills Stock Show and Rodeo + Rodeo Rapid City will return to Rapid City next year, running from January 29 through February 6.
