CUSTER, SD — Start warming up your windmill arms and perfecting your power stance, because Custer is about to crank the volume all the way to 11—with zero actual instruments.
The 9th Annual Custer Air Guitar Event returns Saturday, May 10th, and this year, it’s not just about local glory. Held at the legendary Custer Beacon, this event has been officially named a US Air Guitar Regional Qualifier, meaning one lucky (and wildly charismatic) pretend-shredder will earn a spot at the National Championships in San Francisco on July 26th. Yes, there’s a real national stage for fake guitars.
And no, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you: the winner gets a paid flight to San Fran and a Subway gift card. Because even air guitarists need real sandwiches.
Organized by the ever-enthusiastic Custer Area Arts, this over-the-top rock tribute isn’t just about invisible solos and outrageous costumes (though, those are encouraged). It’s a celebration of unfiltered fun, weirdness, and a deep—albeit oddly specific—mission: world peace, one imaginary strum at a time.
“This isn’t just a show—it’s a movement,” says Chris Pelczarski, lead event organizer and undisputed ambassador of airiness. “Every year, the energy in that room is electric. You walk in skeptical and leave wondering if you should start practicing your fretless fretting.”
Doors open at 6:00 PM, and the mayhem follows shortly after. Whether you’re competing, cheering, or just curious to see someone dive off a speaker while holding absolutely nothing, there’s a place for you in the crowd.
Want in on the action? Competitors must pre-register by submitting a 60-second MP3 clip of their chosen song to custerairguitar@gmail.com. Tickets for performers are $20 (purchase at this link)—a small price to pay for a shot at eternal fake-guitar fame.
So dust off your leather pants, channel your inner Slash, and get ready to rock… kind of. This isn’t just a night out—it’s a full-blown fantasy, where the solos are fake, but the vibes are very, very real.
