AGP Executive Report

Native Story on the Big Screen: “Gangland” director Vincent Grashaw is bringing a Native American crime drama to the Jerusalem Film Festival, praising how the film’s world feels “lived-in” and grounded. Black Hills Energy Impact: The utility released its annual Community Impact Report, touting $1.65 billion in direct economic impact across eight states, including South Dakota. Rapid City Live & Pride: The free Hills Alive festival returns to Memorial Park July 18-19 with music, speakers, and family activities, while Lead With Pride hosts its second annual Pride Festival July 18 with a potluck picnic and ticketed adult performances at the Homestake Opera House. Capitol Restoration: Artists are restoring the South Dakota Capitol rotunda and dome, with restoration work described as “the next phase of history.” Mitchell Rodeo Buzz: Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo crowned 2026 winners, including top honors in the window decorating contest. Arts Across Towns: APEX Gallery at South Dakota Mines is previewing an exhibit using prehistoric Fuson Shale clay, and Rapid City unveiled two new downtown murals for display.

Viral Pop Culture: “The Puerto Rico Song” is taking over TikTok and Spotify—an AI-generated earworm about a trip to Puerto Rico that’s even been licensed by the Puerto Rico tourism board. Black Hills Arts & Exhibits: Rapid City’s APEX Gallery at South Dakota Mines is hosting an exhibit built from prehistoric Fuson Shale clay, with an Aug. 28 opening reception. Music & Opera in the region: Homestake Opera House is teasing upcoming concerts, while the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra is spotlighted for its internationally released recording of “Giants in the Earth.” Local theater & community stages: Vermillion’s Coyote Twin is getting a spotlight with a photography book tour stop and fundraising push, and “Annie KIDS” is set for PPAC performances. Summer events to plan now: Badlands AstroFest returns this weekend with free astronomy activities, and Sioux Falls’ Hot Summer Nites brings 400+ Corvettes back downtown. South Dakota creativity on walls: New Rapid City murals are now on display through the Downtown Beautification Project.

Local Arts & Murals: Rapid City’s Downtown Beautification Project has unveiled two fresh murals—one in Art Alley reclaiming Black Hills sacred history, and another by Dani Dodge highlighting the region’s topography. Community Music: Yankton Medical Clinic’s “Music at the Meridian” adds a do-over performance from The Crossroad Sound after last year’s rain cut the set short, with the Kansas City band set for Aug. 6. Family Fun in Sioux Falls: Prairie Meadows Park hosted the annual hydrant block party, with firefighters turning a hydrant into a giant sprinkler plus games, music, and a Bookmobile. Cars & Culture: Sioux Falls brought back Hot Summer Nites downtown with 400+ Corvettes, while Pipestone’s Dahl Motors runs its third annual car show July 18. Festivals & Theater: Montrose Music Festival hits July 23–27, Elkton’s Harvest Festival kicks off with a pageant July 16, and Pipestone Performing Arts Center stages “Annie KIDS” July 18–19. Space for Everyone: Badlands AstroFest returns this weekend with free astronomy talks, stargazing, and hands-on activities.

Hot Summer Nites (Sioux Falls): Corvettes rolled back into downtown Sioux Falls as Hot Summer Nites returned, drawing 400+ cars, live music, food trucks, and a charity beer-brewing auction benefiting American Legion Post 15. Student Art & America 250: Three South Dakota students won the American Heroes Student Art Contest in Washington, D.C., with works celebrating Louis Armstrong (Pierre), Walt Disney (Platte), and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain (Watertown). Native Arts Spotlight: South Dakota artist Ray “Rock Boy” Janis brings “Sakowin Synergy” to Minneapolis’ All My Relations Gallery, blending superhero motifs, fast cars, and ledger-art collaboration. Theater in the Region: “Annie KIDS” heads to the PPAC stage with a condensed, kid-cast version of the classic musical, running July 18-19. Local Rodeo Return: Little Eagle is set to host its first rodeo in 40+ years on July 26, powered by community volunteers and Standing Rock-raised stock. Music & Touring Buzz: Black Flag announced a 2026 U.S. tour stop in Sioux Falls (Sept. 14) plus a full run of dates nationwide. Pop Culture Note: Riley Green and Theo Von dug into the “side effects” of “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” on podcast.

Hot Summer Nites: Sioux Falls brought back the downtown classic with Hot Summer Nites’ return, packing 400+ Corvettes, live music, food trucks, and a Remedy Brewing “make your own beer” charity moment for American Legion Post 15. Local Music & Nightlife: SlamDakota Death Fest IX proved homegrown metal still hits hard, filling Bigs Bar with two stages and a full lineup of local bands. Community Events: Sioux Falls also gears up for Hot Classics Night, with hundreds of classic cars, live sets, and free family-friendly fun in downtown. Big Pop Culture News: Country star Riley Green teamed up with Theo Von to break down “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” turning an emotional hit into a funny “side effects” discussion. Major Science/Art Crossover: South Dakota’s T. rex “Gus” sold for a record $50.1 million at Sotheby’s, sparking fresh debate over access to pricey fossils. Local Civic Update: Sioux Falls mayoral candidate Jamie Smith conceded after losing the runoff by 4 votes, calling for election law improvements.

Dino Auction Buzz: A South Dakota–discovered T. rex nicknamed “Gus” just smashed records, selling for $50.1 million at Sotheby’s to a mystery bidder—sparking fresh debate about whether sky-high fossil prices are pricing museums and research out. Local Arts & Theater: Black Hills Community Theatre is holding auditions for Disney’s “Frozen” in Rapid City (July 25–26), with rehearsals starting Aug. 10 and performances set for late September into early October. Live Music Scene: Sioux Falls’ homegrown extreme-metal fest SlamDakota Death Fest IX brought a full-on community reunion vibe to Bigs Bar on July 11. Community Spotlight: Wallace teen Madison Grimm launched “Second Chance Flight” to rescue eggs from nests destroyed by farm equipment, helping drive a new state law that took effect July 1. Animal Update: After 155 days, Bessie finally found her forever home through the Sioux Falls Area Humane Society. Auditions & Performances: Watertown figure skaters qualified for the U.S. Figure Skating Excel Series nationals in Boston (July 15–19).

Dino Drama: South Dakota’s own “Gus” the T. rex just shattered auction records, selling for $50.1 million at Sotheby’s—sparking fresh debate over whether major fossils should stay in public research and education. Local Elections: Sioux Falls mayoral candidate Jamie Smith conceded after losing the runoff by 4 votes, while South Dakota Republicans hit a record registration surge ahead of the July 28 governor runoff. Theater & Family Fun: Black Hills Community Theatre announced auditions for Disney’s Frozen in Rapid City, and the South Dakota Art Museum is hosting its free Anderson Plaza Summer Performance Series. Music on the Move: Soulfly announced a fall U.S. tour with Nailbomb and INCITE—big metal news for fans across the region. Community Spotlight: Viborg’s Danish Days kicks off today, and Mitchell’s new Lil Kernel Academy expands childcare capacity for families.

Dinosaur Fossil Frenzy: A T. rex nicknamed “Gus,” discovered in South Dakota, just sold for a record $50.1 million at Sotheby’s—sparking fresh debate over whether major fossils should stay in private collections. Rapid City Theater: Black Hills Community Theatre is holding auditions for Disney’s “Frozen” (ages 7+), with rehearsals starting Aug. 10 and performances Sept. 25–Oct. 4. Rapid City Stage: Black Hills Playhouse will stage “Come From Away,” running July 19–Aug. 2, based on the real-life town of Gander, Newfoundland, that welcomed stranded passengers after 9/11. South Dakota Arts Calendar: The South Dakota Art Museum’s free Anderson Plaza Summer Performance Series continues Tuesday evenings in July, with music plus family-friendly activities. Science Fun in Lead: Neutrino Day returned to Lead with hands-on exhibits and talks for all ages at Sanford Underground Research Facility. Sioux Falls Pop Culture: SiouxperCon 2026 is accepting media requests for Sept. 25–27, with a big lineup across comics, film/TV, voice acting, and more. Music on the Move: Soulfly announced a fall U.S. tour with Nailbomb and INCITE. Local Live Events: Power on the Prairie brings an airshow to Sioux Falls Regional Airport July 18–19, featuring the rare airworthy B-29 DOC.

Yellowstone Universe Buzz: CBS is bringing back the core cast for Marshals: A Yellowstone Story Season 2 in September 2026, with Luke Grimes, Logan Marshall-Green, Arielle Kebbel, Ash Santos and Tatanka Means returning—while Kelsey Asbille (Monica Dutton) is the only major cast member not confirmed. Vermillion Film Culture: Benita VanWinkle’s photography book tour lands at the Coyote Twin July 21, with a 7 p.m. talk, Q&A and signing—and a Vermillion Cultural Association push to raise $150,000 for a new digital marquee. South Dakota Arts & Music: The South Dakota Art Museum’s free Anderson Plaza Summer Performance Series continues Tuesdays in July, including Brass Holes on July 14. Community Events: Rapid City’s Summer Night Market returns with art, music, food and free activities. Local Spotlight: Phil Vassar brings resilience and chart-topping hits to Dickinson’s Live at Legacy Square on July 16. Creative Aging: Geddes’ Creative Aging class wrapped with a gallery reception and a bigger Prairie Arts Weekend kickoff. Roadside Fun: The “Tallest Ear of Corn” roadside photo stop is now open about an hour east of Sioux Falls in Iowa. Music Festival Recap: Sioux Falls’ Lallycooler Music Festival brought Darius Rucker and Jason Derulo as headliners.

Wildlife Rescue Law: A new South Dakota rule lets a Wallace teen, Madison Grimm, use her federal permit to rescue and hatch more kinds of wild bird eggs after hay harvests destroy nests—Second Chance Flight is already raising ducklings for release. Local Arts Buzz: Brookings Summer Arts Festival kept Pioneer Park packed with 170+ artists, food booths, antiques, and free stage entertainment despite the heat. Sioux Falls Music: Lallycooler Music Festival hit The Birdcage with two big nights—Darius Rucker headlined Friday, while Jason Derulo closed Saturday. Community Night Market: Rapid City’s Summer Night Market brought free art, music, and hands-on workshops with Elders-in-Residence. Gaming & Collecting: Sioux Falls launches Izzi’s Con July 18 at the Convention Center—free admission, tournaments, vendors, crafts, and family-friendly fun. Science for All: Neutrino Day returned in Lead as South Dakota’s free science festival at SURF, with experiments for kids and adults.

Community Arts: Rapid City’s Summer Night Market kept things free and welcoming with an artist market, hands-on pot painting and planting, and community meals. Music & Nightlife: Sioux Falls’ Lallycooler Music Festival kicked off at The Birdcage with Darius Rucker headlining Friday, then a big Saturday lineup including Jason Derulo. Science Fun: Lead hosted Neutrino Day at SURF, South Dakota’s biggest free science festival, with experiments and tours for all ages. Local Spotlight: Sioux Falls added Kenny Anderson Sr. to the Wall of Notability mural, honoring his trailblazing City Commission role. Big Summer Festivals: Brookings Summer Arts Festival drew thousands with 170+ artists, food booths, living history, and free entertainment across three stages. Upcoming Thrills: Rapid City’s Gold Rush Nationals demolition derby returns Nov. 3-7 at The Monument with $250,000 in prizes and tickets going on sale July 10. Pop Culture: Cheryl Ladd turns 75, celebrating her Charlie’s Angels legacy and her South Dakota roots. Digital Milestone: Bluepeak hit 500,000 fiber passings across six states, expanding high-speed access for rural communities.

Sioux Falls Music: Lallycooler Music Festival is in full swing at The Birdcage, with Friday’s opener Weston Frank at 5:30 p.m. and a big Saturday lineup featuring Josh Ross, Gavin DeGraw, Bow Wow, and headliner Jason Derulo. Lead Science Fun: Neutrino Day returns to Lead and SURF this Saturday with hands-on booths, talks, and a live underground livestream—plus South Dakota Mines liquid nitrogen ice cream. Brookings Arts Weekend: Brookings Summer Arts Festival keeps the tradition going with free, two-day art, food, and entertainment at Pioneer Park, drawing thousands despite the heat. Local Music & Community: The Minot City Band brings two identical Sunday concerts at Oak Park (4 p.m. and 7 p.m.). Sioux Falls Pop Culture: Izzi’s Con debuts July 18 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center—free admission, gaming and trading, inflatables, and family-friendly fun. Rapid City Events: Rapid City’s Birthday Bash wrapped up with visitors from 47 states and an estimated $11.7 million in earned media. Canistota Tradition: Canistota Sport Days added a hot dog eating contest, and organizers even had to tweak the timing mid-bite. Rapid City Motorsports: Gold Rush Nationals demolition derby returns Nov. 3-7 at The Monument with tickets on sale July 10.

Science & Community: Neutrino Day brought hands-on experiments to Lead at SURF, with stops across the Homestake Opera House and Visitor Center plus a live underground tour vibe—perfect for families and curious adults alike. Live Music (South Dakota): The Minot City Band returns with two identical concerts Sunday at Oak Park, while Sioux Falls’ Lallycooler Music Festival kicks off at the Birdcage this weekend with Darius Rucker headlining Friday and Jason Derulo on Saturday. Arts Festival Buzz: Brookings Summer Arts Festival is drawing big crowds again—nearly 90-degree heat didn’t slow thousands at Pioneer Park, where artists, food, and free entertainment fill the weekend. Local Events to Watch: Sioux Falls is also getting a new free gaming-and-collectibles convention, Izzi’s Con, July 18 at the Convention Center. Big Fall Fun: Rapid City’s Gold Rush Nationals demolition derby is back Nov. 3–7 at The Monument, with tickets going on sale July 10.

Sioux Falls Entertainment & Community: Izzi’s Con is bringing a free, family-friendly gaming and collectibles day to the Sioux Falls Convention Center on July 18, with tournaments, vendors, face painting, and hands-on fun. Music & Local Pride: Lallycooler kicks off in Sioux Falls at the Birdcage with Darius Rucker headlining night one, plus Jason Derulo, Bow Wow, and Gavin DeGraw on Saturday. Science Festival: Neutrino Day returns to Lead on July 11 at SURF with 40+ interactive booths, live underground talks, and hands-on STEM stops across town. Sports-Entertainment Buzz: Justin Moore says he’s newly sober after rehab, opening up about how his drinking got out of control during his first show back. Rapid City Events: The Gold Rush Nationals demolition derby is set for Nov. 3-7 at Summit Arena at The Monument, with tickets going on sale July 10. New Music From South Dakota: Bijou Belle drops alt-pop single “Blind Crush,” leaning into impulsive attraction with driving bass and stacked guitars. Arts & Film: Vermillion’s Coyote Twin hosts author Benita VanWinkle July 21 for a photography book event spotlighting hometown movie theaters.

Feeding South Dakota Boost: The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation handed out a $292,620 check at Sioux Falls’ Prime Time Gala & Concert, continuing its 2013 partnership that’s topped $3 million to fight food insecurity. Rapid City Fall Fun: The Gold Rush Nationals demolition derby returns to Rapid City’s Summit Arena at The Monument Nov. 3-7, with tickets going on sale July 10 and more than $250,000 in prizes up for grabs. Science Weekend in Lead: Neutrino Day hits Sanford Underground Research Facility July 11 with free, hands-on activities across Lead plus an underground livestream and “ask-a-scientist” talks. Sioux Falls Spotlight: Sunny’s Pizzeria is adding Kenny Anderson Sr. to the Sioux Falls Wall of Notability, with the mural addition planned for July 18. Music & Community: Lallycooler moves to The Birdcage in Sioux Falls this weekend, while Brookings Summer Arts Festival celebrates its 55th year with up to 70,000 expected visitors. Local Arts Upgrade: Sioux Falls City Council approved three new public sculptures, including “Oculus” for Lions Centennial Park.

Watertown Summer Festival: Cookin’ on Kampeska is going “music-first” this year, dropping the barbecue competitions and adding bingo, cooking demos, a pedal tractor pull, touch-a-truck fun, and more live music at Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park (July 16–18). Arts & Education: Winners of the Freedom 250 / National Endowment for the Humanities American Heroes Student Art Contest were honored in Washington, D.C., with state winners heading to the National Mall’s Great American State Fair. Mitchell Economic Buzz: Tourism leaders say attractions like the Corn Palace can be the “front door” to business growth and community recruitment. Brookings Arts Spotlight: Aurora leather maker Quinn Holden—working out of his garage—made the cut for the Brookings Summer Arts Festival. Vermillion Film Culture: Benita VanWinkle brings her photography book tour to the Coyote Twin (July 21) to spotlight hometown movie theaters and kick off a fundraising push for a new digital marquee. Sioux Falls Public Art: City Council approved three new public sculptures, including “Oculus” for Lions Centennial Park. Rapid City Punk: The Rapid City Punk Rock Family Reunion returns for 40 years of local scene history, plus a documentary premiere at the Dahl Arts Center. Theater: Vermillion Community Theatre stages Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” July 10–13. Sports/Community: Spooner’s 72nd Heart of the North Rodeo opens Thursday with pro events and youth activities.