Third Sunday Breakfast at VFW
2026-04-19 09:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | VFW: George Dokken Post, 520 Main Avenue, Brookings, SD, 57006
Pancakes, sausage and eggs for $8. Biscuits and gravy, sausage and eggs for $8. Pancakes AND biscuits and gravy, sausage and eggs for $10. Kids under 2 are free. Kids 3-7 years old are $5.
VFW George Dokken Post #2118
520 Main Avenue
Brookings, SD 57006

Sweeney Todd
2026-04-18 19:00 - 21:30, 2026-04-17 19:00 - 21:30, 2026-04-16 19:00 - 21:30 | Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, 1601 University Boulevard, Brookings, SD, 57007
The SDSU School of Performing Arts presents Sweeney Todd.

Bluestem Saturday Cruise
2026-04-18 17:00 - 19:00, 2026-04-11 17:00 - 19:00 | Bluestem Bicycles, 405 Main Ave, Brookings, SD, 57006, United States
If you seek a casual bicycle ride centered around having fun, chilling, and seeing different parts of town, this might be the one for you. We pedal from park to park, taking a break at each to chat.
Want to know if we are riding? Call us at 605.692.2453, email us at info@bluestembicycles.com or pop in at our shop at 405 Main Ave.

Keeping Warm in South Dakota XII
2026-04-18 09:00 - 17:00 | Dacotah Bank Center, 824 32nd Avenue, Brookings, SD, 57006, United States
Keeping Warm in South Dakota XII: All Creatures Near and Far
April 18, 2026 9:00am – 5:00pm
Dakotah Bank Center, Brookings, SD (East of I-29 on Hwy 14)
Admission: $10
Raffle Quilt (as pictured) Tickets: $1 each or 6 for $5
contact Theresa Bennett for tickets: 605-690-3246

Featured Quilter – Rose Horner
Vendors
Seminars
Boutique
For more show information: Theresa Bennett 605-690-3246

250th Community Mural at the Farmers Market
2026-04-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Fifth Street Gym, 606 5th Street, Brookings, SD, 57006
Be a part of a lasting legacy in our community. Brookings residents are invited to a Community Painting Party as we celebrate America’s 250th Birthday.
The Brookings Regional Growth Alliance is creating a patriots’ flag mosaic mural, made with over 950 tiles, each one hand-painted by Brookings residents. Once finished, this mural will be displayed on the north side of the VFW at 520 Main Avenue.
Free Public Painting Session:

Saturday, April 18: 9:00 am – 12:00 PM

There is no cost to paint and participants can come and go at any time during the session. Bring a friend and enjoy a morning at the last Winter Farmer’s Market of the season. No need to bring anything other than your creativity. All participants will receive a mural kit and instructions. Those interested in a little inspiration, can watch a tutorial found at this link.
Save the Date for the Big Reveal!
After all the tiles are gathered and placed, join us for the grand unveiling at VFW Parking Lot (North of 520 Main Ave) on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM
The mural project is funded through a grant from the Brookings Public Art Commission.

Winter Farmers Market
2026-04-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Fifth Street Gym, 606 5th Street, Brookings, SD, 57006
The Farmers Market is a year round event!
Join the vendors every first and third Saturday from November through April at the 5th Street Gym.

Yellow and Blue Discovery Day
2026-04-18 08:45 - 14:00 | SDSU University Student Union, 1421 Student Union Ln, Brookings, SD, 57007, United States
Join South Dakota State University for Yellow and Blue Discovery Day, a free Saturday event designed to help prospective students explore academic programs while learning more about life at SDSU.
This program is ideal for high school juniors who are exploring their academic options and seniors who are finalizing their college plans. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about programs they are interested in, connect with faculty and staff, and experience what it’s like to be part of the SDSU community.
The April 18, 2026 event will feature programs from the College of Education and Human Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, and the College of Nursing. Yellow and Blue Discovery Day is a great opportunity to explore academic interests and start envisioning your future at SDSU.

Museum After Dark
2026-04-17 19:00 - 22:00 | 521 4th St, Brookings, SD 57006
It’s BAAAAACK!
Experience the Children’s Museum of South Dakota during our adult-only (21+) Museum After Dark party!
In addition to playing in the Museum exhibits (yes YOU get first dibs on the Cloud Climber!) activities will include:
Light Bright Pictionary
Hungry Hungry Hippos
Supermarket Sweep
Balcony Toss
Retro Art Projects
Giant Yard Games
Photo Booth
And More!
We are excited to partner with Wooden Legs Brewing Company for the evening’s beer selection!
Cafe Coteau will have a $5 all-you-care-to-eat nacho bar.
One drink ticket comes with each admission, additional beer, seltzer, and soda are an additional charge.
Event is 21+. Must present your photo ID to enter.
Tickets on sale on Tuesday, March 10, at noon

Bingo at VFW
2026-04-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-15 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-10 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-04-08 19:00 - 21:00 | VFW: George Dokken Post, 520 Main Avenue, Brookings, SD, 57006
Doors open at 5:00 PM.
Bar opens at 5:00 PM. Cheapest drinks in town!
$3 sandwiches and $2 desserts are available from 5:30 PM through intermission,
Buy bingo cards starting at 6:30 PM. Bingo starts at 7:00 PM.
A variety of bingo games are played during each evening. Payouts range from $10 to $200! Payouts are split between all good BINGOs during that game.

38 Special - Dacotah Bank Center
2026-04-16 18:00 - 22:00 | Dacotah Bank Center, 824 32nd Avenue, Brookings, SD, 57006, United States
Get ready for a night of classic Southern rock at the Dacotah Bank Center in Brookings, South Dakota! Iconic band 38 Special will take the stage on Thursday, April 16 at 7:00 PM for an evening packed with the guitar-driven sound and high-energy performance that has defined their career for decades.
With 50 years together and more than 20 million albums sold, 38 Special has built a legacy of unforgettable hits. Fans can look forward to hearing favorites like “Hold On Loosely,” “Caught Up In You,” “If I’d Been The One,” “Back Where You Belong,” and “Second Chance,” showcasing the signature Southern rock sound that continues to captivate audiences across generations. The Summit will kick off the night, making it an epic evening of live music.
The Dacotah Bank Center provides a vibrant and intimate setting for live performances, ensuring that every seat in the house offers a fantastic view of the stage. Located in the heart of Brookings, the venue is easily accessible and surrounded by plenty of dining and entertainment options for a complete night out.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music as 38 Special brings their legendary sound to the Dacotah Bank Center. Secure your tickets and get ready for a show that will have the crowd on their feet all night long.

250th Mural Painting Party
2026-04-16 17:00 - 19:00 | VFW: George Dokken Post, 520 Main Avenue, Brookings, SD, 57006
Be a part of a lasting legacy in our community. Brookings residents are invited to a Community Painting Party as we celebrate America’s 250th Birthday.
The Brookings Regional Growth Alliance, in partnership with the VFW George Dokken Post 2118 and Auxiliary and other community groups, is creating a patriots’ flag mosaic mural, made with over 950 tiles, each one hand-painted by Brookings residents. Once finished, this mural will be displayed on the north side of the VFW at 520 Main Avenue.
Choose Your Painting Session:

Thursday, April 16 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Saturday, April 25 | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

There is no cost to paint and participants can come and go at any time during the session. Whether you’re an artist or a first-timer, everything you need will be provided. While you paint, enjoy a selection of food and drinks available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting our local veterans and community programs.
Save the Date for the Big Reveal!
After all the tiles are gathered and placed, join us for the grand unveiling at VFW Parking Lot (North of 520 Main Ave) on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM
The mural project is funded through a grant from the Brookings Public Art Commission.

EBC Trivia Night
2026-04-15 19:00 - 21:00 | Eponymous Brewing Company, 126 Main Ave, Brookings, SD, 57006, United States
Trivia Night at EBC is a time to test your knowledge against your fellow beer lovers! As always, the game is free to play and offers many fun prizes to our star teams of the evening. The game will start at 7pm and will wrap up by 9pm. We also ask that you limit your team size to less than 6 individuals.
Every week is a different topic and many weeks it is random trivia to test all your knowledge.

Trivia Tuesday
2026-04-14 19:30 - 22:00 | Wooden Legs Brewing Company, 309 5th Street, Ste 100, Brookings, SD, 57006
Trivia Night at Wooden Legs is a time to test your knowledge against your fellow beer lovers! As always, the game is free to play and offers many fun prizes to our star teams of the evening. The game will start at 7:30pm and will wrap up by 10pm.
Table are limited so we suggest getting here early to grab yours! Trivia is 21+.

250th Community Mural Night
2026-04-14 18:00 - 20:00 | South Dakota Art Museum, 1036 Medary Ave, Brookings, SD, 57006, United States
Be a part of a lasting legacy in our community. Brookings residents are invited to a Community Painting Party as we celebrate America’s 250th Birthday.
The Brookings Regional Growth Alliance, in partnership with the South Dakota Art Museum, is creating a patriots’ flag mosaic mural, made with over 950 tiles, each one hand-painted by Brookings residents. Once finished, this mural will be displayed on the north side of the VFW at 520 Main Avenue.
Free Public Painting Session:

Tuesday, April 14: 6:00 – 8:00 PM

There is no cost to paint and participants can come and go at any time during the session. Free parking is available in the Museum lot on Harvey Dunn Street. Bring a friend and enjoy dirty soda, snacks, and a relaxed, creative evening. No need to bring anything other than your creativity. All participants will receive a mural kit and instructions. Those interested in a little inspiration, can watch a tutorial found at this link.
Save the Date for the Big Reveal!
After all the tiles are gathered and placed, join us for the grand unveiling at VFW Parking Lot (North of 520 Main Ave) on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 7:00 PM
The mural project is funded through a grant from the Brookings Public Art Commission.

Brookings Regional Civics Bee
2026-04-14 18:00 - 19:30 | Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, 1601 University Boulevard, Brookings, SD, 57007
Join us for the 2026 National Civics Bee in Brookings on Tuesday, April 14. The public is welcome to come cheer on a group of 20 local middle school students as they put their civics knowledge to the test in a fast-paced, live quiz event. Hosted by the Brookings Regional Growth Alliance as part of a national program promoted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Civics Bee begins with a first-round essay competition. After essays are reviewed, the top 20 students advance to this live round to compete for recognition and prizes. The top five finalists will move on to the state competition, and the state winner will earn a trip to Washington, D.C. for the national championship and a chance to win up to $50,000 in prizes. Come support these impressive students and celebrate civic learning in our community.

April Make & Take Monday - Farm Animal Suncatchers
2026-04-13 14:30 - 17:00 | South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, 977 11th Street, Brookings, SD, 57007, United States
Stop by the museum on the second Monday of each month for a Make & Take Monday craft! Each month will bring a new ag-related craft for you to stop in, make, and take home to enjoy. The cost is $1 per craft.
In April, we’re making farm animal suncatchers.

SDSU Stampede Rodeo - Brookings
2026-04-12 19:30 - 23:30, 2026-04-11 13:00 - 17:00, 2026-04-10 19:30 - 23:30 | Dacotah Bank Center, 824 32nd Avenue, Brookings, SD, 57006, United States
Brookings knows how to cheer, and the SDSU Stampede Rodeo is back to light up the Dacotah Bank Center with hometown energy and big-arena thrills. If you’re looking for a local favorite night out, this is the one everyone talks about.
Expect fast turns, fearless rides, and the unmistakable pageantry of college rodeo—where grit, timing, and teamwork decide every second. The SDSU Stampede Rodeo Brookings brings that campus pride to the dirt with a show that feels close, loud, and real.
The SDSU Stampede Rodeo Dacotah Bank Center experience is all about great sightlines, easy entry, and a lively crowd that makes every whistle and buzzer hit harder.

America's 250th Celebration Concert
2026-04-11 12:00 - 19:00 | Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, 1601 University Boulevard, Brookings, SD, 57007
Celebrate America’s 250th at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center. This concert is hosted at the Larson Memorial Concert Hall.

Community Art Day
2026-04-11 10:00 - 13:00 | South Dakota Art Museum, 1036 Medary Ave, Brookings, SD, 57006, United States
Join us for another FREE Community Art Day! The South Dakota Art Museum and Brookings Arts Council are partnering with local artist Kim Chanthalakeo!
Come get creative on Saturday, April 11th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the South Dakota Art Museum (1036 Medary Ave., Brookings) with us.
This month, we’ll explore portraiture, creating portraits with collaged construction paper.
🟢 Open to all ages—everyone is welcome to join the fun
🟢 Come and go as you please—drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
🟢 All materials are provided—just bring your creativity
🟢 No cost to attend—it’s completely FREE!
Free parking is available on Harvey Dunn St. and nearby lots on campus. Questions? Call the Museum at (605)688-5423.

Sensory Friendly Play
2026-04-10 16:00 - 19:00 | Children’s Museum of South Dakota, 521 4th Street, Brookings, SD, 57006, United States
Join us for a low-sensory playtime that offers a calm, less crowded opportunity for exploration in our Museum’s exhibits. This event is specially designed for children, adults, and families who will benefit from expanded accessibility and sensory accommodations. Service providers and therapists are welcome to accompany students/clients. Regular admission rates apply.
These events include the following adaptations:
– Service providers as well as service pets are welcome
– Less crowded environment
– Designated quiet rooms
– Adaptive equipment
– Adaptive art tools
– Café space available if families bring a packed meal
If your child needs specific accommodations to attend, participate, or engage in play at our museum, please call 605-692-6700. Do you want to be reminded of these events? Sign up for our email list!

Optimist Jazz Festival
2026-04-09 08:00 - 17:00 | Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center, 1601 University Boulevard, Brookings, SD, 57007
Enjoy live music at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center

National History Day in South Dakota State Contest
2026-04-08 09:30 - 17:30 | SDSU University Student Union, 1421 Student Union Ln, Brookings, SD, 57007, United States
More details coming soon.
