South Dakota’s premier juried arts festival garners over 200 artists from across the nation to fill the grassy areas of Pioneer Park. Representing 15 different disciplines or art, 38 different ethnic and gourmet food booths, historic displays, and entertainment, it can seem hard to tackle; here are some pro tips to pack in as much art into two days as possible.
#1 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You’ll be walking A LOT! The best thing to do is wear comfortable walking shoes for the weekend.
#2 Be Prepared for Weather
July is notoriously hot and humid, with the occasional rainstorm. We would love to guarantee the sun will be out, but to be safe be prepared for some rain. We recommend making sure you have a light rain jacket or umbrella for your trip.
#3 Consider Eating Later or Earlier
With so many great food options all in the same place, lines can get pretty long at peak times. Consider waiting or getting in line sooner to beat the lines.
#4 Bring a Large Bag for Carrying all Your Finds
No one likes taking multiple trips to the car, so bring a tote bag or small wagon to put your new treasures in while you look.
#5 Try all the Kettle Corn Booths
Trust us. This is a must. Follow the smell of sweet Kettle Corn and get a bag almost as big as you. It’s like a rite of passage to becoming a festival expert.
#6 Leave Your Pets at Home
The festival is an overwhelming environment for animals, leave your furry friends where they will be the most comfortable, at home. Certified service animals are welcome.
#7 Bring Cash
While many vendors accept cards or mobile payments, having cash on hand can make transactions quicker, especially in high-traffic areas or with smaller vendors.
#8 Use the Shuttle
Take the easy way in by hitching a ride. Shuttle buses pick you up at specific places around town and drop you off right at the main entrance. Parking can be overwhelming closer to the park, the shuttles make the festival more relaxing.
#9 Take an A/C Break
Grab a pint and shop local in Downtown Brookings, where the cool air is always on. If you park near SDSU, stop in at the South Dakota Art Museum or South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum.
#10 Bring a Smile
Enjoy the art, food and entertainment only found in Brookings for 2 days every year.
FAQs
The Brookings Summer Arts Festival is open Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM.
Visitors typically spend 2 to 4 hours at the festival, depending on their interests and pace.
Yes! Admission is free. This includes the live music, living history exhibitors and the children’s area.
Vendor parking is located on-site.
Handicap parking is available on the east side of the park at 2nd Avenue and 5th Street and at the south gate on Western Avenue. Gate attendants will help direct drivers.
Public parking is available on side streets and public parking in lots downtown as well as paid parking lots north and northwest of the festival.
For those parking further away, there is a shuttle bus from the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum to the festival which runs continuously.
Yes! Located on the west side of the park on Western Avenue. No picks is allowed on 6th Street or 1st Avenue.
This event is not pet friendly. For the safety of visitors and your pets, please leave them at home. Service animals are welcome.
There is so much to do in Brookings.
Check out our visitor guide for things to do before or after the festival.
