KELOLAND.com

Celebrating Pride across the state

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) –June is Pride month and South Dakota is celebrating with festivals, parades and performances throughout the month. Here’s a look at the local events across the state for 2023.

Sioux Falls, June 10

The Sioux Falls Pride Parade starts at 10 a.m. CT Saturday, June 10 at the intersection of 8th Street and Main Avenue and ends at 8th and Railroad. 

The festival will follow immediately after the parade at 8th and Railroad Center and is set to last from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT. All festival events are free and family friendly. 

The first performance kicks off at 11:30 a.m. CT by Native American dancers performing a Two-Spirit dance. Drag story time then goes from 12:30-12:50 p.m. CT on the main stage. The drag performances begin on the main stage at 1 p.m. CT, followed by a performance by the Rainbow Chorus at 2:35 p.m. CT. 

A booth will be open for people to pet puppies, as well as a kids corner with inflatables and games. There will be over 70 vendors present.

Seven food trucks will be on site throughout the day including Let Me Be Frank, Salsa Salsas, Boki Gelato, Pa & Sons Food Truck, Brosia Bowl, Taqueria Juanita and The Cookie Lady. 

According to Rachel Polan, the marketing director for Sioux Falls Pride, since the festival is on private property, they are able to ask protestors to leave and restrict them to the public sidewalk.

Sioux Falls Pride has multiple events throughout the month of June including a drag brunch, bingo and burlesque show, Pride Night at Skate City and a trans rally. 

Watertown, June 24

The Watertown Pride in the Park event is Saturday, June 24 from 11-6 p.m. CT at McKinley Park. The festival will have vendors, live music, food and drag shows.

According to Amy Rambow, the president of Watertown Love, all of the drag performances are during the day and family friendly.

“People always think that they’re sexualized and sex-based, but ours never are,” Rambow said. “We just do lots of fun with the drag shows.”

Vermillion, June 24

The Vermillion Pride Craft and Vendor Fair is June 24 from 12:30-4 p.m. CT at the Vermillion Cultural Association. The headlining drag show is at 9 p.m. CT at Carey’s Bar with emcees VodkaLynn Shakers and Devin Shakers. 

Black Hills, July 7-9

The Black Hills Pride Festival will take place July 7-9. The Youth Pride event is July 7 from 6-10 p.m. MST at the Dahl Arts Center in Rapid City. This event is free for those in attendance and geared toward 13-18-year-olds. 

The “Thank the Gods It’s Pride Again 3” show is July 7 from 7 p.m. MST to midnight. This event is 21+ at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in downtown Rapid City. Tickets cost $20

Saturday’s Pride in the Park starts at 9 a.m. MST at the Memorial Park bandshell. This event is free and family friendly. 

If you know of a Pride event in your area that isn’t listed, email GTerrall@keloland.com.