There’s so much to see and do in Brookings all year long.
Brookings Area Burger Clash – January 1 – February 29, 2024
The Burger Clash features 23 burgers from restaurants in and around Brookings. After trying a participating burger, cast your vote. The 2024 winner will be crowned after the conclusion of the event.
Participating Burgers
10th Annual Frost Fest – February 16 – 18, 2024
Embrace the chill at Brookings’ 10th annual Frost Fest! This weekend of frosty fun features Brookings attractions and businesses and the activities they offer year-round!
Frost Fest 2024
Farmers Market – Saturdays May – October
The Brookings Farmers Market allows local farmers and entrepreneurs to sell directly to the consumer. Every Saturday May through October head to the Farmers Market located at 300
Farmers Market
Brookings Marathon – May 11, 2024
The Brookings Marathon includes a marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, and typically takes place in May. The route features multiple places to watch and cheer on the runners. After completing their races, runners receive a t-shirt and are honored during an awards ceremony at Pioneer Park.
@Brookings Marathon | Facebook
Brookings Kite Festival – June 22 – 23, 2024
The Brookings Kite Festival is two full days of fun at Fishback Soccer Complex. All the activites are free for all participants.
@Brookings Kite Festival | Facebook
Uncle Sam Jam – July 4, 2024
Uncle Sam Jam is hosted by the Dacotah Bank Center. This free event brings together the community with a variety of activities, live music and ending the night with fireworks.
Dacotah Bank Center
Brookings Summer Arts Festival – July 13 – 14, 2024
The Brookings Summer Arts Festival is a special occasion for art lovers of all ages. The event attracts a myriad of artists from across the country to Pioneer Park. Artists bring their one-of-a-kind creations, while musicians play to entertain the crowds. The center of the park focuses on fun children’s activities. Food vendors serve a variety of gourmet and ethnic dishes, while living history presenters educate visitors about trades practiced long ago. Brookings Summer Arts Festival | Instagram and Brookings Summer Arts Festival | Facebook
Brookings Bonzana – July 20, 2024
Support local and celebrate Brookings on July 20th in Downtown at our Brookings Bonanza events (formerly known as Crazy Days)! Enjoy sales and specials from a variety of businesses, in addition to the farmer’s market, food trucks, mobile boutiques, artisans, kids activities, musicians, and more! End the evening with by grooving at the annual Brookings Fire Department Street Dance starting at 7:30 p.m.
Downtown Brookings
Downtown at Sundown – 5 Thursdays July – August
Downtown at Sundown draws Brooking’s locals, college students, and visitors. Held five consecutive Thursdays in July and August, this outdoor concert series showcases different musical genres plus vendors serving up a variety of food and drink as well as community information.
Downtown at Sundown| Instagram and Downtown at Sundown | Facebook
Fall for Downtown – September 14, 2024
Downtown Brookings invites you to enjoy a day of fall festivities, fun, and shopping during the “Fall for Downtown” event in September! From 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Main Avenue in Brookings will be bustling with activities the whole family can enjoy.
Downtown Brookings
Fear Asylum – Weekends in October and Halloween
The Fear Asylum is certain to fill your need of terror and horror. Voted one of the best Haunted Houses in South Dakota! Enter if you dare and be prepared to be scared.
Fear Asylum
Hobo Day – October 12
South Dakota State University’s homecoming is by far the biggest annual event in Brookings. Hobo Day traditionally takes place in mid to late October. The event draws an estimated 20,000 students, alumni, sports fans, locals, and visitors for the parade and football game. Hobo Day will celebrate its 112th year in the fall of 2024.
Hobo Day | Instagram and Hobo Day | Facebook.
Garden Glow December 7 – January 6
Garden Glow, a holiday light show, takes place at McCrory Gardens. The garden becomes an immersive wonderland. The holiday theme stays the same, with new features added every year. The event typically runs from the first Saturday of December to Jan. 6. Hours are 5 to 9 p.m. nightly, except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Buy tickets ahead of time through SDSU ticket services. McCrory Gardens | Instagram and McCrory Gardens | Facebook.
Festival of Lights – December 6
Celebrate the sparkle and joy of the holiday season! Downtown Brookings will be lit up and ready for your family to enjoy the 29th Annual Festival of Lights celebration. Pre-parade activities start at 4 or 5 p.m. and the parade kick-off at 7 p.m.
Downtown Brookings
For more information about events in Brookings, check out our events calendar.
