AGP Executive Report

Concert Buzz (South Dakota): The Denny Sanford PREMIER Center confirmed the Jonas Brothers will hit Sioux Falls Dec. 12 as part of their “Burning Up Tour All Over Again,” with presales starting Aug. 18 and general tickets Aug. 21. Big Tour News: Sugarland announced its 2026 “Ride Or Die Tour,” including a Sioux City stop Oct. 13 (plus a full 26-date run). Local Live Music: Levitt at the Falls in Sioux Falls gets a boost from Midco Mobile’s launch, with Pert Near Sandstone on Aug. 21. Festival Watch: Four Winds returns downtown Sioux Falls this weekend with a two-day, multi-stage lineup. Sturgis Spotlight: Yungblud says he’ll keep performing after breaking his leg in a dirt bike crash during Sturgis, with European festival dates still on deck. Community Arts: The State Theatre in Sioux Falls marks 100 years as a film hub. Sports-Entertainment Crossover: Xtreme One Entertainment set four XFC events for fall 2026, including its first South Dakota stop in Sioux Falls.

Jonas Brothers: The Denny Sanford PREMIER Center confirmed the Jonas Brothers’ “Burning Up All Over Again” tour hits Sioux Falls Dec. 12, with tickets set to go on sale Aug. 21 and presale starting Aug. 18. Celebrity Music: Yungblud broke his leg in a dirt bike accident during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally but says he’s still “giggin’,” with plans to keep festival dates in Portugal and Belgium. Country Spotlight: Miranda Lambert surprised fans in South Dakota by teaming up with Lainey Wilson and Gretchen Wilson for “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” and “Redneck Woman,” plus Lambert and Wilson’s “Good Horses.” Local Arts & Film: Sioux Falls’ State Theatre marked 100 years as a film hub, with local filmmakers highlighting how it keeps the downtown movie scene growing. Community Events: Hermosa hosts the Fall State Square Dance Festival Sept. 11-12, and Yankton/Vermillion gear up for National Park Week along the Missouri National Recreational River Aug. 22-30. Health & Safety: AAA urges college-bound families to plan for car care, insurance, and cybersecurity before heading back to campus.

Jonas Brothers Tour Buzz: The pop trio just announced a 45-city “The Burning Up Tour All Over Again,” kicking off Sept. 25 in Boston and running through Dec. 21 in Newark, with tickets starting via Spotify Reserved presale Aug. 18 and general on sale Aug. 21—expect nostalgia staples like “S.O.S.” and “Year 3000.” Sturgis Wrap-Up: The 86th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is over, with downtown vendors packing up after triple-digit heat and smaller crowds, while many riders still leaned into campground life. Local Arts & Community: Kathy Dean was honored after 37 years at Shakespeare Garden in Wessington Springs, and Hungry Hearts is gearing up for a free Sioux Falls back-to-school party Aug. 22 for middle schoolers. Rapid City Culture: Marty Two Bulls Jr. is set to present “Winter Counts” Aug. 29 at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument. DWU Update: Dakota Wesleyan University announced new faculty and promotions, plus a new provost, Dr. Michelle “Mickie” Metzinger. Charity Cruise: South Dakota charity Rock Legends Cruise adds Bret Michaels and George Thorogood for a Feb. 21–25, 2027 Royal Caribbean trip benefiting Native American Heritage Association.

Sturgis Spotlight: Miranda Lambert brought out Gretchen Wilson and Lainey Wilson for “Redneck Woman” at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, turning the crowd into a full-on country singalong. Black Hills Arts: The Homestake Opera House is in the spotlight with a local interview highlighting its role in bringing arts and entertainment to the Black Hills, plus what’s coming next. Local Music + AI Debate: Sioux Falls musician Zac Davis is using AI for “conviction rap,” while Popplers Music’s manager points out what tech can’t replace—learning and playing music the real way. Community Festivals: Highmore’s third annual Highmore Sunflower Festival leaned into prairie pride, bringing visitors to sunflower fields and park events. Patriotic Fair Fun: Turner County Fair (Aug. 17-20) will feature South Dakota’s oldest U.S. flag for one day, alongside patriotic barn quilts. Culture + Pop: A new “Prairie Fest” at Good Earth State Park invites families to explore South Dakota grasslands with hands-on fun. Nightlife/Travel Vibe: Sturgis Buffalo Chip campers say campground life keeps them coming back—music, neighbors, and rally access. South Dakota History: A Wild Bill Hickok monument dedication ties Abilene’s Wild West past to Deadwood’s Hickok legacy.

Sturgis Buzz: Campers at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip say campground life is the draw—lower costs, familiar neighbors, and late-night music—plus they’re adapting when storms roll through by securing tents and sheltering in RVs. AI & Music in Sioux Falls: Zac Davis is using AI to build “conviction rap” rooted in Christian values, while a local music pro stresses AI can’t replace the real learning experience of playing an instrument. Crazy Horse Update: A new look at the Crazy Horse Memorial highlights fresh progress on the massive mountain sculpture, including a lifelike thumb detail that’s been growing over time. Country Spotlight: Miranda Lambert brought out Gretchen Wilson and Lainey Wilson at Sturgis for “Redneck Woman,” plus more hits—another big moment for South Dakota’s summer music scene. Local Arts: Homestake Opera House is featured in a Black Hills arts interview, previewing what’s next for the venue. Family Fun: Prairie Fest returns Aug. 22 at Good Earth State Park, aiming to get families exploring South Dakota grasslands before fall routines kick in.

Sturgis Spotlight: Miranda Lambert brought out Gretchen Wilson and Lainey Wilson for “Redneck Woman” during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, turning the Full Throttle Saloon into a full-on country reunion. Black Hills Arts: Homestake Opera House is back in the conversation with a local arts-and-entertainment push, plus more details on what’s coming next for the venue. Music & Education: Dakota Wesleyan’s music department is renovating Smith Hall, creating a dedicated vocal rehearsal space with fresh upgrades for performers. Local Culture: Turner County Fair (Aug. 17-20) will feature South Dakota’s oldest U.S. flag for one day, alongside patriotic barn quilts. Community Events: Prairie Fest returns Aug. 22 at Good Earth State Park, a family-friendly grasslands day with an outdoors-and-education focus. Sports/Entertainment Mix: Rapid City’s airbrush artist Mickey Harris unveiled an “America 250” custom trike in Sturgis, with patriotic art and a celebrity appearance. Quick Hits: Bedbugs coverage is back in the news with tips as infestations rise.

Sturgis Spotlight: A custom “America 250” trike painted by Menno airbrush artist Mickey Harris debuted in Sturgis, with actor Robert Patrick speaking at the ribbon cutting. Local Fair Tradition: Turner County Fair in Parker will feature South Dakota’s oldest U.S. flag for one day (Aug. 17) as part of its 1875-founded, patriotic run. Music & Country Buzz: Miranda Lambert turned heads at Sturgis by bringing out Gretchen Wilson and Lainey Wilson for “Redneck Woman” and more. Arts in the Hills: Homestake Opera House reps sat down for a local preview of upcoming events and its ongoing Black Hills arts push. Family Fun Outdoors: Prairie Fest returns Aug. 22 at Good Earth State Park, pairing grasslands education with a last-summer adventure vibe. Faith on Film: Sioux Falls author Lonnette Kelley’s “Joy in the Heartland” documentary screened for audiences this week, built from her 4,000-mile Trail of Hearts journey. Community Arts Upgrade: Dakota Wesleyan’s music department is renovating Smith Hall spaces, adding new vocal rehearsal room upgrades. Quick Hits: South Dakota’s “State Nosh” chislic gets a spotlight; and Rapid City Area Schools says it’s hiring for the new school year, including an elementary music teacher.

Turner County Fair Patriot Spotlight: South Dakota’s oldest U.S. flag—made in the 1860s and tied to Turner County’s territorial roots—will be on display at Heritage Park during the Turner County Fair in Parker (Aug. 17-20), with barn quilts in red, white and blue around the grounds. Local Nightlife & Safety: Yankton’s e-bike and e-scooter boom is bringing faster, heavier rides—local shop staff urge helmets and mirrors as riders learn the hard way. MMA in the Spotlight: Sabrinna de Sousa returns to the PFL cage next weekend in Tampa, taking on Taila Santos in women’s flyweight action. Grasslands Family Fun: Prairie Fest hits Good Earth State Park on Aug. 22, pairing outdoor activities with a serious message about protecting South Dakota’s grasslands. Music & Arts Updates: Dakota Wesleyan’s music department is renovating Smith Hall to create dedicated vocal rehearsal space, while Homestake Opera House continues expanding its Black Hills events calendar. Sturgis Mood Check: Rain rolled through Sturgis Wednesday, but riders and businesses say it pushed people indoors—more shopping, concerts and bike-related stops. Sioux Falls Zoo Date Night: Great Plains Zoo’s Tiki Night (Aug. 22) brings tropical food, splash-pad fun, and a Jimmy Buffett-style tribute band.

Sturgis Spotlight: Miranda Lambert turned up the heat at the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, bringing out Gretchen Wilson and Lainey Wilson for a surprise “Redneck Woman” moment plus “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” and “Good Horses.” Black Hills Arts: Homestake Opera House is now featured on KOTA’s “Good Morning KOTA Territory,” highlighting its role in bringing arts and entertainment to the region. Sioux Falls Culture: A new airport art installation, “Magic Hours,” is landing at Sioux Falls Regional Airport ahead of the new concourse. Native Arts Festival: Levitt at the Falls in Sioux Falls is hosting its All My Relatives festival on Aug. 29, with performances, fashion, speakers, vendors, and family activities. Community Fun: McCrossan Boys Ranch’s Xtreme Event Challenge hits Aug. 22 with barrel racing, mutton busting, and bull riding. Local Flavor: A New York Times feature spotlights South Dakota’s “state nosh” chislic and why it’s a big deal around Freeman and beyond.

Sturgis Rally Culture: Rain rolled through Sturgis Wednesday, but riders kept the momentum—local shops and bars stayed busy as people ducked indoors for food, drinks, and rain gear while organizers said rides and concerts would continue if conditions stayed safe. Native Arts Spotlight: Levitt at the Falls in Sioux Falls is bringing back its All My Relatives festival on Aug. 29, with live music, fashion, speakers, cultural presentations, artisan vendors, and a visual arts stop at Rehfeld’s Art & Framing. Black Hills Heritage: A new look at the Crazy Horse Memorial traces how the Lakota warrior’s mountain canvas has been taking shape for nearly 80 years, with the current focus on the horse’s head. Local Arts & Community: Brookings Arts Council’s Fine Arts Exhibition opens Aug. 13 with a record number of submissions, including lots of newer artists and 3D work. Music on the Move: Rapid City’s Black Hills Vinyl marks International Vinyl Record Day with a steady vinyl comeback, citing growing demand for physical albums. On-Screen Buzz: Sydney Sweeney’s streaming hit “The Housemaid” is getting renewed attention, with a South Dakota-set modern western thriller angle drawing viewers. Sports & Entertainment Calendar: The Manhattan Beach Open kicks off Aug. 13 with its Walk of Fame red carpet ceremony honoring volleyball champions.

Native Culture Spotlight: Levitt at the Falls brings back the All My Relatives festival on Aug. 29 with live music, fashion, speakers, artisan vendors, food trucks, and a visual arts stop at Rehfeld’s Art & Framing in Sioux Falls. Public Art in Motion: Sioux Falls Regional Airport unveiled a new entrance installation, “Magic Hours,” by Tulsa artist Rachel Hayes, timed with major concourse growth planned for 2027. Local Arts Calendar: Brookings Arts Council opens its 51st Annual Fine Arts Exhibition tonight, with a big mix of newer artists and 3D work plus awards. Vinyl Keeps Winning: Rapid City marks National Vinyl Record Day’s 25th year, highlighting how local shops say demand keeps climbing. Horror on Tour: David Arquette’s “Behind the Scream” tour lands in Rapid City (Oct. 14) and Sioux Falls (Oct. 15) for Q&As tied to the slasher’s 30th anniversary. Sturgis Energy: Sturgis Rally week continues with the all-female Harley stunt team Della Crew turning up the spectacle at Buffalo Chip. Sports & Community: Sioux Falls Area Humane Society celebrates a long-shelter adoption story for Alex, a 2-year-old Lab mix finally going home after 147 days.

Sioux Falls Airport Growth: FSD unveiled a new art installation at the main entrance of the Sioux Falls Regional Airport as work ramps up on a second terminal, with Tulsa artist Rachel Hayes’ hand-sewn piece “Magic Hours” designed to reflect South Dakota’s landscape and the project’s momentum. Local Arts & Culture: Rapid City’s Black Hills Vinyl marked National Vinyl Record Day’s 25th year, highlighting how vinyl sales keep climbing and why the store’s shelves are now packed. Horror on the Big Screen: “Scream” fans in South Dakota get a treat this fall—David Arquette joins Q&As on the “Behind the Scream” tour, with stops in Rapid City and Sioux Falls in October. Music Tour News: Sugarland announced its “Ride or Die Tour” celebrating 20 years of Enjoy the Ride, with a major stop at F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville. Sturgis Spotlight: The Buffalo Chip’s Rally week continues to lean into spectacle, including the all-female Harley stunt team Della Crew’s competition run. Community Spotlight: The Freeman Academy enters a transitional chapter as it won’t enroll this fall, with a new executive director tasked with charting next steps.

Comedy on the Lakeside: John Mulaney is set for his first outdoor comedy stop at Arnolds Park, performing Aug. 14 at Preservation Plaza. Horror Tour Stop: David Arquette brings “Behind the Scream” to Rapid City (Oct. 14) and Sioux Falls (Oct. 15) for Scream’s 30th anniversary big-screen run plus Q&A. Country Music Buzz: Sugarland announces the “Ride or Die Tour” celebrating 20 years of Enjoy the Ride, with a stop at Santander Arena Nov. 14. Local Spotlight (TV): Rapid City firefighter Captain Tyler Powell and restaurateur Justin Warner compete on Food Network’s “Guy’s Grocery Games.” Arts & Community: Dahl Emerging Performing Artists keeps the open-mic momentum rolling in Rapid City, while Dakotafest adds drone demos and more to its Aug. 18-19 lineup. Skywatching Fun: The Perseid meteor shower peaks tonight, with a new-moon sky promising prime viewing. Education/Local Culture: Freeman Academy enters a transitional period as it plans for its next chapter amid low enrollment.

Sugarland Tour News: GRAMMY duo Sugarland just announced the “Ride or Die Tour,” a 26-city run celebrating the 20th anniversary of Enjoy the Ride, with a stop at Santander Arena on Nov. 14 as part of the venue’s 25-year live entertainment celebration. Local Arts & Music: Rapid City’s Dahl Arts Center is spotlighting emerging talent through its Dahl Emerging Performing Artists open mic, giving local musicians a supportive stage to grow. TV Spotlight (Rapid City): Rapid City Fire Department Captain Tyler Powell and restaurateur Justin Warner are set to appear on Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games, competing in a firehouse-style breakfast challenge. Community Events (South Dakota): Dakotafest 2026 is adding drone demos and a “Profit Roadmap” session, plus live music and an ice cream social on Aug. 18–19. Education Recognition (Yankton): Dr. Wayne Kindle, longtime Yankton School District superintendent, earned the 2026 Outstanding Superintendent Award. Family-Friendly Library Fun (Mitchell): Mitchell Public Library launched a Toy Lending Library for kids ages 0–5, with early checkouts already underway. Live Music (Sioux Falls): Etta and the Vendetta headlines at Levitt at the Falls on Aug. 15, opening for Dustbowl Revival. Weather & Safety (Sturgis): A First Alert Weather Day is in effect for severe storms that could affect Sturgis-area rides and events.

Country Music Tour Buzz: Sugarland just announced the “Ride or Die Tour,” a 26-city run celebrating 20 years of Enjoy the Ride, kicking off Oct. 1 and bringing longtime hits back on the road. Sioux Falls Concert Spotlight: Riley Green’s Cowboy As It Gets Tour lands at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center Aug. 21 with Adam Hood, Mackenzie Carpenter, and Justin Moore on the lineup. Local Arts & Community: Watertown’s Community Hall of Fame announced its 2026 inductees, while Mitchell Public Library launched a Toy Lending Library for kids birth–age 5. Nightlife-Adjacent Fun: Pierre’s Trader Days brought back turkey races, mud wrestling, and live music, and Pierre Chamber’s Glow Golf Tournament lit up the Dunes Golf Course. Public Art: Rock Springs unveiled a downtown quilt-block installation inspired by local quilters and the Mickelson Trail. Pop Culture/Entertainment Notes: Doom Scroll set an Oct. 6 release for Exhausted Dialogue and shared “The Ravine,” and Miranda Lambert teased “Sunset Marquis” ahead of her upcoming album Crisco. Sports & Safety: Sturgis Rally reporting notes six fatalities leading up to the event, with severe storms possible during rally week.

Sturgis Rally Update: The 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is underway in western South Dakota, with concerts and events drawing huge crowds—and officials report six fatalities in the pre-rally period leading up to the event. Severe Weather Watch: A First Alert Weather Day is in effect for Wednesday, with a slight risk of severe thunderstorms that could affect rides and Buffalo Chip concert plans. Music Drops: Country singer Dylan Gossett announces his sophomore album Ramblin’ for Sept. 25, and Colorado folk-punk band Doom Scroll previews new album Exhausted Dialogue with “The Ravine” (out Oct. 6). Local Arts & School Spotlight: South Dakota students won top honors in a national student art contest, and Rapid City Area Schools welcomed 122 new hires for the first day of school. Community Events: Fort Pierre’s Trader Days brought food, contests, and live music, while Chalk Sioux Falls returned with live chalk art. Culture in the Hills: The Sturgis Buffalo Chip lays out a packed lineup including Lainey Wilson and Lynyrd Skynyrd, plus free public areas for rally-goers.