AGP Executive Report

Sturgis Rally Week: Rapid City kicked off the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with a free “Ride the Rush” veterans breakfast at Main Street Square, plus live music, veteran speakers, and even free haircuts. BKFC + Metal Night: Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship returns to Sturgis with a nine-fight card leading into a Megadeth concert, ending with undefeated cruiserweight contender Bryant Acheson defending against Mike Jones. Black Hills Harley Hub: Black Hills Harley-Davidson is serving as a rally base with vendors, custom bike showcases, and live music running through the event. Local Arts & Community: Sioux Falls hosts Chalk Sioux Falls on Aug. 8, turning Lyon Centennial Park sidewalks into a live art show with six artists. Native Culture Spotlight: Levitt at the Falls announces the Aug. 29 All My Relatives festival celebrating Native excellence with performances, fashion, speakers, vendors, and family activities. Pop Culture Event: Washington Pavilion’s Barbie Night (Aug. 13) pairs the Barbie: A Cultural Icon exhibit with a screening of the 2023 Barbie movie.

Sturgis Buzz: Early riders are already flooding Main Street and surrounding roads as the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally officially kicks off Friday, with local shops and tattoo artists seeing a steady boost and police urging drivers to share the road. Pierre Politics Meets Pop Culture: Kristi Noem’s Trail of Governors statue reveal in Pierre—bronze Noem beside her horse, Iceman—has gone viral for all the wrong reasons, sparking online confusion and debate. Mitchell Motor Mania: Klock Werks and Indian Motorcycle unveiled a one-of-a-kind custom Indian Challenger for country artist Redferrin at the Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party, spotlighting South Dakota craftsmanship. Sioux Falls Sports + Community: The Canaries hosted a packed fundraiser for pitcher Ryan Richardson after his cancer diagnosis, raising $18,000 through raffles and jersey auctions. Sioux Falls Arts: Chalk Sioux Falls returns to Lyon Centennial Park Saturday, turning blank sidewalks into live chalk masterpieces with six artists and a people’s choice vote. Vermillion Abroad: Community members from Vermillion visited sister city Ratingen, Germany, for a cultural exchange and joint classical concert tied to the city’s 750th birthday. Local Fair Win: The 2026 Plymouth County Fair drew 139,150 attendees, with new STEM and horse barrel racing additions helping keep families coming back.

Trail of Governors / Pierre Politics & Pop Culture: Kristi Noem’s life-size bronze statue and official portrait were unveiled in Pierre, and she told reporters she’s “not planning to run” for U.S. Senate in 2028, while leaving the door open to other political paths. Sturgis Buzz / Rapid City: Black Hills Harley-Davidson is acting as a rally hub as Sturgis Motorcycle Rally traffic rolls in, with vendors, custom bike shows, and live music running through the event. Pink-Powered Night / Sioux Falls: The Washington Pavilion is hosting a Barbie Night Aug. 13, pairing the Barbie: A Cultural Icon exhibit with a giant-screen screening of the 2023 movie. Arts Funding / Statewide: The South Dakota Arts Council announced $21.6M in FY2027 grants, including major support for Vermillion, Sioux Falls, and Pine Ridge-area arts programs. Chalk & Community / Sioux Falls: Chalk Sioux Falls returns Aug. 8 at Lyon Centennial Park with live chalk artists, free admission, and a people’s choice vote. Music & Local Radio / Iowa-South Dakota Region: KCCK jazz news director George Dorman will retire Sept. 11 after nearly 40 years, with a retirement party set for Aug. 27. Native Culture Festival / Levitt at the Falls: All My Relatives festival brings Native excellence back to Levitt at the Falls Aug. 29 with performances, fashion, art, vendors, and family activities.

Sturgis Rally Buzz: Early riders are already flooding the Black Hills as the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally heads toward its official Friday start, with Main Street packed and local businesses gearing up for the biggest waves of visitors. Arts Funding in South Dakota: The South Dakota Arts Council is handing out about $21.6 million in grants for FY2027, including major support for Vermillion (National Music Museum and more), Sioux Falls (SculptureWalk, Solace’s Healing Arts, and the Symphony), and projects across the state. Local Arts Grants: Vermillion and Yankton are among the Southeast communities receiving community grants, with Vermillion landing eight awards totaling more than $86,000. Theater & Community Events: AMP is bringing “Seussical KIDS” to the Pipestone Performing Arts Center for two performances (Aug. 8-9), and Chalk Sioux Falls returns to Lyon Centennial Park with live chalk artists and a people’s choice competition. Sports Entertainment: SDSU named its 2026 Distinguished Alumni, while High School On SI released its first 2026-27 boys national wrestling rankings update. Music & Nightlife: Sioux Falls DJ and radio host Mary Nisi is profiled for her work from local DJing to community radio advocacy.

Grants & Arts: The South Dakota Arts Council announced more than $2.16M in fiscal year 2027 grants, backing statewide projects and performances (including groups like Watertown Town Players and Black Hills Chamber Music Society). Tickets & Fundraisers: Dancing With the Sioux Falls Stars is set for Oct. 17 at the District, and the celebrity lineup is now posted with tickets live for Empire Mental Health Support. Music & Community Nights: Downtown at Sundown returns to Brookings for free Thursday-night block-party fun along Main Avenue throughout August. Theater for Kids: AMP brings “Seussical KIDS” to the Pipestone Performing Arts Center Aug. 8-9, with a 30-minute, imagination-forward cast of local students. Sports Entertainment: Sanford International’s “Greats of the Game” adds Vikings legend John Randle for Sept. 12 at Minnehaha Country Club. Local Culture Spotlight: Sioux Falls tattoo artist Zachariah Davis says AI helps clients visualize designs faster, but artists still do the real work to make it tattoo-ready. Big Summer Buzz: Sturgis Rally kickoff is underway with this year’s “America 250” theme as early arrivals roll into the Black Hills.

Tattoo Tech in Sioux Falls: Urban Ink Tattoos 605 owner Zachariah Davis says AI can speed up design ideas for clients, but the real work still happens in the shop—adjusting for fit, detail, and how a tattoo ages. Music Scene, Local Style: Toby Kane and Flood Romeo are bringing ’90s/2000s bar-stage energy back to Phil’s Pub in Sioux Falls with a Friday show, plus a look at how the local music scene has changed. Country Spotlight at the Sioux Empire Fair: Bon Homme County native Elizabeth Jo returns as the opening act for Rodney Atkins, marking a full-circle moment from fair fan to Nashville artist. Sports Meets Entertainment: Sanford International’s “EMC Greats of the Game” adds Vikings legend John Randle for a Sept. 12 golf exhibition at Minnehaha Country Club, joining Jordan Davis, Kyle Rudolph, and Andy North. Sturgis Countdown: The 86th Sturgis Rally is rolling into the Black Hills with “America 250” as the theme and early-arrival buzz already on Main Street. Disney on Ice in Sioux Falls: “Find Your Hero” lands at the Denny Sanford Premier Center this December, with ticket sales starting Aug. 11.

Sioux Empire Fair Spotlight: Bon Homme County native Elizabeth Jo is back at the Sioux Empire Fair as the opening act for country star Rodney Atkins on the Billion Auto Main Stage, a full-circle moment after her Nashville rise and nursing career. Sports + Entertainment: Sanford International’s EMC Greats of the Game lineup is finalized with Pro Football Hall of Famer John Randle joining Kyle Rudolph, Jordan Davis and host Andy North for a Sept. 12 event at Minnehaha Country Club. Sturgis Countdown: Early arrivals are already rolling into the Black Hills for the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, themed “America 250,” with traffic slowdowns, temporary signals and reduced speeds on I-90. Local Music Night: Levitt Sioux Falls brought blues power with Joanne Shaw Taylor and Kris Lager, pairing two artists under the blues banner for a big lawn-chair crowd. Holiday Ticket Buzz: Disney On Ice, “Find Your Hero,” lands in Sioux Falls this December with multiple shows at the Denny Sanford Premier Center and ticket sales starting Aug. 11. WWE Pop Culture: Brock Lesnar officially retired from professional wrestling after SummerSlam, ending his in-ring run with a loss to Oba Femi. Transit + Art: Sioux Falls’ Better Bus initiative adds digital-first bus upgrades and wraps featuring local artwork from “Art on the Move.”

Sturgis Rally Kickoff: The 86th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally starts today in South Dakota, running Aug. 7–16 with “America 250” as the theme and an estimated $800M economic boost; expect big-name concerts and nonstop rally-week energy across venues like the Buffalo Chip. WWE News: Brock Lesnar has officially retired from pro wrestling after his SummerSlam loss to Oba Femi, ending a legendary run that fans will be talking about for months. Sioux Falls Arts & Entertainment: Levitt Sioux Falls’ free concert series just spotlighted blues with Joanne Shaw Taylor and Kris Lager, bringing a full lawn-and-food-trucks vibe to downtown. Mitchell Pre-Sturgis Party: Palace City Pre-Sturgis Party returns Thursday, Aug. 6 (5–10 p.m.) with music, stunt shows, food trucks, and family-friendly fun on Main Street. Family Fun: Disney On Ice, “Find Your Hero,” lands in Sioux Falls this December with multiple showtimes at the Denny Sanford Premier Center. Movies for Free: The State Theater’s Free Monday Movie Night in Sioux Falls (Aug. 17) screens “Tin Cup,” with reservations required.

Sturgis Buffalo Chip: The 45th anniversary of the Sturgis Buffalo Chip kicks off this week with 27 concerts through Aug. 15, including headliners Lynyrd Skynyrd and Lainey Wilson, plus Megadeth and YUNGBLUD. Sioux Falls Live Music: Gary Allan is set for Aug. 27 at the Washington Pavilion, with Dell Rapids singer-songwriter Julie Eddy opening. Movie Night (Sioux Falls): Free Monday Movie Night returns Aug. 17 at the State Theater with Kevin Costner’s “Tin Cup,” tickets reserved in advance. Local Art & Community: Brookings’ Dakota Nature Park sculpture project got final city approval, while “INTO LIGHT” launches in Brookings to collect family stories and art tied to addiction. Family Fun: Great Plains Zoo’s Kids Day is Aug. 8, and Sioux Falls outdoor pools stay open one extra week, now through Aug. 16. Fair Updates: The 87th Sioux Empire Fair continues with a 9 p.m. curfew for attendees 17 and under.

Free Film Night (Sioux Falls): The State Theater’s next Free Monday Movie is Aug. 17 with Tin Cup (1996) starring Kevin Costner. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance, and the event runs through AARP South Dakota. Community Arts & Healing (Brookings): The INTO LIGHT project, created with Sioux Falls nonprofit Emily’s Hope, is collecting family stories for an addiction-focused exhibit opening next February at the South Dakota Art Museum—organizers want 30 submissions by Nov. 1. Family Fun (Sioux Falls): Sioux Falls residents pushed back on early pool closures, and the city will now keep outdoor pools open an extra week through Aug. 16. Kids Outing (Sioux Falls): Great Plains Zoo Kids Day is Aug. 8 with games and a toy swap. Fair News (Sioux Falls): The Sioux Empire Fair is underway with a curfew for attendees under 17 to keep things family-friendly. Local Culture (Rapid City): Great Plains Tribal Health Program hosted a Healthy Families Carnival with activities, resources, and giveaways.

Cybersecurity & City Services: Rapid City says a wastewater facility was hit by a denial-of-service style cyber incident, the second such attack in a month, with IT director Jim Gilbert saying existing measures helped keep water safe. Family Fun in Sioux Falls: Sioux Falls outdoor pools will stay open an extra week, now through Aug. 16, after residents pushed back on an earlier Aug. 9 closing date. Kids & Community Events: Great Plains Zoo’s Kids Day returns Aug. 8 with games and a toy swap; and Rapid City’s Great Plains Tribal Health Program hosts a free Healthy Families Carnival with activities, giveaways, and community resources. Sioux Empire Fair Buzz: The 87th Sioux Empire Fair is underway with big-name entertainment and a new 9 p.m. curfew for fairgoers 17 and under not with a parent/guardian. Local Arts & Learning: Mitchell Public Library launches a Toy Lending Library for kids birth–5 (and older), with monthly toy checkouts. Sports Media Move: Riverfront Broadcasting is acquiring Fox Sports Rapid City and launching the Riverfront Sports Network for more local high school and regional coverage. Sturgis Countdown: Rapid City’s “Ride the Rush” kicks off Aug. 7 with a free downtown breakfast and a Harley sweepstakes ahead of Sturgis Aug. 7–16.

Sturgis Countdown: Rapid City is kicking off Sturgis week with “Ride the Rush,” including a free Veterans Breakfast downtown (Aug. 7) and a Harley-Davidson sweepstakes for a 2025 Street Bob. Community & Culture: The 46th Sioux River Folk Festival honored co-founder Gaynor Johnson at Newton Hills State Park, celebrating decades of traditional music and school outreach. Family Fun: Canistota’s first celebrity donkey races raised money for a new, safer playground at City Park, targeting about $200,000 in replacement costs. Local Entertainment & Arts: SculptureWalk Sioux Falls crowned its 2026 Best of Show winner, “Exquisite Trio,” adding another year of downtown public art. Sports Media: Riverfront Broadcasting acquired Fox Sports Rapid City and plans to launch the Riverfront Sports Network starting Aug. 1 with more local high school and collegiate coverage. Kids & Learning: Mitchell Public Library launched a Toy Lending Library for families, with 20 rotating toys each month for checkout.

Community Carnival: Great Plains Tribal Health Program brought families together at its free Healthy Families Carnival in Rapid City with inflatables, face painting, tipi teachings, lunch, and giveaways (including bikes and bowling passes). Sports Media Expansion: Riverfront Broadcasting is acquiring Fox Sports Rapid City and launching the Riverfront Sports Network, aiming to boost local high school and collegiate coverage across western South Dakota. Local Arts Win: SculptureWalk Sioux Falls crowned “Exquisite Trio” as its 2026 Best of Show, adding another reason to stroll downtown and catch public art in motion. Fundraiser Spotlight: Madison’s Dairy Queen raised $85,886.68 for Sanford Children’s Miracle Network during Miracle Treat Day—matching the community’s big-hearted push for families. Fair Season: The 87th annual Sioux Empire Fair kicked off in Sioux Falls with rides, exhibits, and main-stage entertainment including Carly Pearce. Family-Friendly Library: Mitchell Public Library launched a Toy Lending Library starting Aug. 3, with 20 rotating toys monthly for kids birth through age 5+. Sturgis Countdown: Rapid City is kicking off Sturgis week with a free “Ride the Rush” downtown breakfast and a Harley-Davidson giveaway.

World War II Memorial Drive: HOME members in Massac County are close to finishing a life-sized Pvt. John Marvin Steele statue/WWII memorial, but still need funding and the names of Massac Countians who died in WWII. Sioux Falls Outdoor Art: SculptureWalk Sioux Falls crowned “Exquisite Trio” by Alicia Jones as its 2026 Best of Show; the bronze piece is on display downtown and will move to a permanent spot. Community Fundraiser: The Adoration Sisters’ Fall Fiesta Fundraiser returns with Hispanic food, music, and dancing—built to raise money and connect with the community. Family Fun at the Fair: The 87th annual Sioux Empire Fair is underway in Sioux Falls with rides, exhibits, and big-stage entertainment including Carly Pearce. Sports Media Expansion: Riverfront Broadcasting is acquiring Fox Sports Rapid City and launching the Riverfront Sports Network for local high school, college, and community sports coverage. Sturgis Countdown: Rapid City is kicking off Sturgis week with “Ride the Rush,” including a free Veterans Breakfast and a Harley-Davidson giveaway. Kids’ Learning Boost: Mitchell Public Library launches a Toy Lending Library for families, with 20 rotating toys for checkout to prep children for kindergarten. Music Spotlight: Riley Green shares “Imagine That,” a new acoustic single from his upcoming album “That’s Just Me,” plus more tour dates including Sioux Falls Aug. 21.

Local Music & Community: Riley Green keeps the momentum going with “Imagine That,” a new acoustic ballad previewing his upcoming album That’s Just Me (Sept. 18), and he’s bringing his Cowboy As It Gets tour through Sioux Falls on Aug. 21 at Denny Sanford Premier Center. Public Art: SculptureWalk Sioux Falls crowned “Exquisite Trio” by Alicia Jones as its 2026 Best of Show; the bronze piece is on display downtown near Marie & Marie Bridal through spring 2027. Sports Media: Riverfront Broadcasting acquired Fox Sports Rapid City and will launch the Riverfront Sports Network starting Aug. 1, expanding local high school, college, and regional sports coverage. Family Fun at the Library: Mitchell Public Library is launching a Toy Lending Library Aug. 3, with 20 rotating toys for checkout to help kids prep for kindergarten. Historic Storytelling: Onida’s Oscar Hedman shared his Titanic survivor account in a 1947 interview, bringing a local connection to one of history’s biggest tragedies. Big Summer Events: Rapid City is kicking off Sturgis rally season with “Ride the Rush,” including a free Veterans Breakfast and a Harley-Davidson giveaway starting Aug. 7.

Sports Media: Riverfront Broadcasting is buying Fox Sports Rapid City and rolling it into a new Riverfront Sports Network launching Aug. 1, with high school, college, and local play-by-play across radio, streaming, and digital. Miracle Treat Day: Madison’s Dairy Queen raised $85,886.68 for Sanford Children’s Hospital through Miracle Treat Day—surpassing its $85,000 goal tied to a premature-baby care device. Sturgis Countdown: Rapid City kicks off Sturgis week Aug. 7 with a free Veterans Breakfast downtown plus a Harley-Davidson sweepstakes giveaway. Public Art Buzz: SculptureWalk Sioux Falls crowned “Exquisite Trio” by Alicia Jones as its 2026 Best of Show, with the bronze sculpture on display downtown through spring 2027. Community Night Out: Sioux Falls is gearing up for National Night Out on Aug. 4, with police and fire teams hosting neighborhood events to build real connections. Music Spotlight: Riley Green teases new acoustic single “Imagine That” ahead of his September album, and Wyatt Flores expands his sound on sophomore release “Drive All Night.”