September 2 – 7, 2026
Huron, South Dakota
Tickets

Policies

Welcome to the South Dakota State Fair.  In order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all fair attendees, please observe the following policies.  Please also know that the policies will be enforced, as well as statutes and rules pertaining to the South Dakota State Fair.

  • Security Cameras
    To help maintain a safe and secure environment, video surveillance is in operation across the fairgrounds. Footage may be monitored and recorded for safety purposes.
  • Fairground Etiquette
    • Shirts and shoes must be worn in public places on the fairgrounds.
    • No loitering, blocking access points or walking in large groups that inconvenience others.
    • Guests will enjoy every event free from disruptive behavior, including foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.
    • Guests who engage in fighting, throwing objects or any other violent or offensive action will be immediately ejected from the grounds.
  • Bag Searches
    The South Dakota State Fair reserves the right to search all bags, backpacks, coolers, purses, containers, etc., upon entry to the Fair and upon request while on the Fairgrounds. Refusal to comply will result in denied entry or removal from the Fairgrounds. 
  • Severe Weather
    All fairgoers are responsible for their own safety.  When the National Weather Service issues a severe weather warning impacting the fairgrounds, an announcement will be made over the grounds-wide public address system alerting fairgoers to seek shelter. The announcement will be repeated frequently until the severe weather warning has expired. There are some areas on the main fairgrounds with limited service. Satellite campgrounds do not have public address system service.

    According to fair procedures, when lightning is detected within 8-10 miles of the fairgrounds, grandstand events, free stages, and carnival may pause operations for the safety of the Fairgoer.  Operations will resume 30 minutes after the last detected lightning strike or an all clear is given.  Depending on the situation and timing of the incident, State Fair management and/or artist management may determine to cease operations. 
  • Drones
    No unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones may be used on the fairgrounds.
  • Pets 
    Pets are welcome in the campground, but not allowed anywhere else on the fairgrounds except as part of an exhibit or if a service animal. Pets must be leashed and have all current vaccinations.
  • Service Animals
    The South Dakota State Fair follows ADA guidelines regarding service animals. A service animal is trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. ADA regulations state that the specific work or task an animal has been trained to perform must be directly related to a person’s disability. According to the ADA, dogs and other animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals. Emotional support or comfort animals are not permitted. Service animals must remain on a leash or in a harness and under the control of the owner at all times.
  • Tobacco
    The fairgrounds is a tobacco free property.
  • Alcohol
    Alcohol may only be consumed in designated areas.

  • Underage Drinking Policy
    The South Dakota State Fair is committed to providing a safe, family-friendly environment for all guests. In accordance with South Dakota Codified Law 35-9, the possession, consumption, or purchase of alcoholic beverages by individuals under the age of 21 is strictly prohibited on fairgrounds property.

    Policy Guidelines:

    • No person under the age of 21 may possess, consume, or attempt to purchase alcohol on the fairgrounds.
    • Alcoholic beverages may only be purchased and consumed in designated areas by individuals 21 years of age or older with valid government-issued identification.
    • Vendors and staff are required to verify age before serving alcohol. Use of false identification will result in confiscation of the false identification, immediate removal and possible legal action.

    Consequences for Violations:

    • Law Enforcement Referral: Violators may be cited or arrested by law enforcement. Under South Dakota law:
      • Possession or consumption by a minor is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.
      • Furnishing alcohol to a minor is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,000.
    • Immediate Ejection: Any individual found violating this policy will be immediately removed from the fairgrounds and may be banned from returning for the remainder of the fair.
    • Parental Notification: If the individual is a minor, parents or guardians may be contacted.

    Prevention Measures:

    • Staff, security and law enforcement will monitor alcohol consumption areas and conduct ID checks.
    • Bag checks may be conducted at locations where alcohol is served to prevent unauthorized alcohol from being brought into the area.
    • Signage will be posted at locations where alcohol is served to remind guests of the legal drinking age and consequences of violations.


  • Assault or Harassment Policy

    Purpose:
    To prevent, deter, and respond to assault or harassment, ensuring a safe environment for all persons at the State Fairgrounds and affiliated events. This policy establishes definitions, reporting mechanisms, response protocols, and consequences for violations.

    Scope:
    This policy applies:

    • On all State Fair property, leased or controlled spaces, and parking areas.
    • To all persons on premises, including minors.

    Definitions:

    • Assault: Any intentional act or threat that causes a person to reasonably fear imminent harmful or offensive contact (includes physical strikes, attempts, menacing, intimidation, or credible threats).
    • Sexual Assault: Any non-consensual sexual contact or penetration, including attempts, coercion, or incapacitation.
    • Sexual Harassment: Any unwelcome verbal, nonverbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that does not rise to the level of sexual assault.
    • Harassment/Intimidation: Conduct, whether verbal, nonverbal, or physical, that is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile environment or reasonably cause another to fear for their personal safety.
    • Retaliation: Any adverse action against a person for reporting or assisting with a report.
    • Weapons: Firearms, knives (beyond permitted dimensions), chemical agents, blunt-force objects, or any item used or intended to be used to cause harm (see separate Weapons Policy).

    Note: South Dakota statute terms may vary. In all cases, law enforcement definitions control the criminal categorization.

    Policy Statement:
    The State Fair prohibits assault in any form. Violations may result in ejection, revocation of credentials, contract termination, and/or criminal referral. The Fair maintains a zero-tolerance posture for assault in any form.

    Prohibited Conduct Includes (non-exhaustive):

    • Physical assault of any kind.
    • Threats of physical harm, stalking, or menacing behavior.
    • Sexual assault or sexual harassment.
    • Other non-sexual harassment or Intimidation of any kind.
    • Using a weapon or object to threaten or cause harm to another.
    • Encouraging or aiding assault (including group attacks), harassment, or intimidation.
    • Retaliation against anyone reporting or participating in an investigation.


    Reporting Options:

    Immediate: Call 911 for active or imminent danger.
    Non-Emergency: Non-Fair time, call Huron Police Department at (605) 353-8550. During the Fair, call the Security Office at (605) 353-353-6644.

  • Illegal Drugs Policy

    Purpose:
    To maintain a safe, family-friendly, and lawful environment by prohibiting illegal drug use, possession, distribution, and impairment on State Fair property and during State Fair and on-fair time events.

    Scope

    This policy applies:

    • On all State Fair property, leased or controlled spaces, and parking areas.
    • To all persons on premises, including minors.


    Definitions:

    • Illegal Drugs: Any controlled substance whose possession, use, sale, or distribution is unlawful under federal or state law.
    • Controlled Substances: Substances regulated by law. Includes misuse of prescription medications.
    • Impairment: Being under the influence of any substance (including illegal drugs or misused prescriptions) such that safety, judgment, job performance, guest experience, or conduct is adversely affected.
    • Paraphernalia: Items used for consuming, manufacturing, or distributing controlled substances.
    • Cannabis/Marijuana: Governed by applicable state law. Consumption on Fair property is prohibited; possession and use remain subject to applicable state law and this policy.
    • Distribution: Selling, sharing, or providing illegal drugs or misused prescriptions to others.


    Policy Statement:

    The State Fair prohibits:

    1. Use, possession, sale, distribution, or manufacture of illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia on Fair property.
    2. Impairment from any substance while on duty, participating in Fair and non-fair activities, or on Fairgrounds.
    3. Misuse of prescription medications, including sharing prescriptions, using without a valid prescription, or using in a manner inconsistent with medical directions.
    4. Cannabis consumption (smoking, vaping, edibles, oils, or any form) on Fair property. Possessing or distributing cannabis in violation of state law. 
    5. Operating vehicles, heavy equipment, or animals while impaired.

    Violations may result in ejection, revocation of credentials, contract termination, disciplinary action up to termination, and/or referral to law enforcement.

    Prohibited Conduct:

    • Possessing or using illegal drugs or paraphernalia.
    • Being impaired or manifesting signs of impairment such as:
    • Physical: Odor, bloodshot eyes, pinpoint/dilated pupils, unsteady gait, tremors
    • Behavioral: Confusion, aggression, lethargy, poor coordination, risk-taking
    • Performance: Slurred speech, inability to follow instructions, unsafe operation
    • Possession/Use: Paraphernalia, visible consumption, admission of use
    • Selling, sharing, distributing, or attempting to distribute controlled substances.
    • Consuming cannabis in the midway, grandstand or exhibition areas regardless of medical status. Consumption of medical cannabis in any camping area is permitted as long as done in accordance with state law.
    • Possessing or distributing cannabis in violation of state law.
    • Misusing prescription drugs; failing to secure personal medications; or failing to report accidental exposure if it poses a safety risk.
    • Bringing illegal drugs onto Fairgrounds or parking areas.


    Prescription & Over-the-Counter Medications (Employees/Volunteers/Contractors):

    • Individuals may use prescribed or OTC medications as directed by a licensed provider.
    • If a prescribed/OTC medication may impair performance or safety, the individual must notify their supervisor/HR to explore accommodations or reassignment.
    • Sharing or distributing any medication is strictly prohibited.


    Cannabis Policy (Attendees, Vendors, Staff, Performers):

    • Recreational cannabis consumption is prohibited on Fair property.
    • Registered medical cannabis patients may possess cannabis as allowed by South Dakota law; however, consumption and impairment on the Fairgrounds are not permitted.
    • Individuals may not operate vehicles, heavy equipment, or animals while impaired.
    • Vendors, performers, and staff must ensure all personnel are fit for duty; impairment is grounds for immediate removal or contract termination.
    • Fair reserves the right to deny entry or remove any person suspected of cannabis-related impairment.

    Note: This does not supersede applicable law regarding possession; however, consumption and impairment are not permitted on premises.

    Reporting & Assistance:

    Immediate: Call 911 for medical emergencies or suspected overdose.
    Non-Emergency: Non-Fair time, call Huron Police Department at (605) 353-8550. During the Fair, call the Security Office at (605) 353-353-6644.
    Good-Faith Medical Aid: Individuals seeking help for potential overdose or medical emergencies will receive medical assistance first, without retaliation for reporting. Criminal enforcement remains at law enforcement’s discretion.

  • Motorized vehicles
    No motorized vehicles are allowed on the fairgrounds without prior approval. This includes: golf carts, ATVs, 4-wheelers, lawn mowers, hoverboards, and scooters. When using a motorized vehicle on the fairgrounds, please know that pedestrians and livestock have the right of way. Courtesy carts and shuttles are available at all of the gates and throughout the fairgrounds.
  • Non-motorized vehicles
    Certain non-motorized vehicles are also prohibited on the fairgrounds. These include: bicycles, scooters, roller blades, roller skates, hoverboards, and skate boards. Strollers are permitted on the fairgrounds.
  • Parking
    Parking is available on the fairgrounds in designated areas; permits are required. Contact the State Fair office for permit information. Parking in a designated area without the proper pass or parking in non-designated areas may result in your vehicle being towed at the owner’s expense.
  • Livestock Safety and Animal Welfare
    As an agricultural institution, we are proud to share our rich heritage through livestock education, entertainment, and competition. The South Dakota State Fair does not condone animal abuse of any kind. The animal welfare guide can be found here.
    Animals and people spread germs. For the safety of both,  we strongly encourage people to wash their hands often, especially after interacting with animals or in livestock facilities, and keep food and drink out of animal areas.
  • Stalling
    Woodchips must be used when stalling horses on the fairgrounds.
  • Feed and Forage
    Feed and forage is available for sale on the fairgrounds.  For operating hours, check with the event or the livestock exhibitor handbooks.
  • Service Delivery
    Deliveries may be made prior to 10 AM or after 7 PM.
  • Feeding and unloading
    A pass is available to allow access to the fairgrounds during designated times to bring in feed for livestock and unload livestock. Passes may be purchased at the State Fair office.
  • Grandstand
    Items not allowed in the grandstand include:
    • Umbrellas
    • Laser pointers
    • Large banners
    • Go Pros
    • Selfie sticks
    • Professional photography equipment 
    • Items deemed inapporpriate, harmful, or unsafe.
    • Bags and other security measures will be taken at the discretion of the artist and band management if requested.
  • Photography/Videography 
    When you attend the fair, you enter an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. By entering the fairgrounds, you consent to such recording media and its release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction.
  • Fires/Fire pits
    Due to safety concerns, NO campfires or open fires are allowed on the fairgrounds. Propane fire pits are not allowed.
  • Propane Safety Requirements
    As of April 1, 2002, an Overfilling Prevent Device (OPDs) are required on all propane cylinders between 4 and 40 pounds propane capacity, per the 1998 edition of NFPA 58, Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code. Cylinders of this size manufactured after September 30, 1998, are required to have an OPD. For reference, a typical gas grill cylinder holds about 20 pounds of propane.
    After April 1, 2002, propane cylinders not equipped with an OPD must either be retrofitted with the device or properly disposed of and replaced with an OPDequipped cylinder. For safety reasons, the Huron Fire Department does periodically drive through the campgrounds. Any camper that has an illegal propane tank will be required to remove it from the fairgrounds immediately. It will be the owner or occupant of the camper’s responsibility to remove and properly dispose of the propane tank(s).
  • Refund Policy
    Gate admission, grandstand tickets, and beverage tickets are non-refundable.
  • Lost Children or Adults
    Lost children or adults should be taken to the security office located at the west side of the Grandstand.  if you have a lost child or adult, please go to the security office to report the lost person.
  • Vendor
    For a list of specific policies related to commercial exhibitors and vendors, please go to the vending page.
  • Distribution of Materials
    The distribution of materials outside of assigned booth spaces is prohibited. This applies to vendors, sponsors, volunteers and regular fairgoers.  Business or organizations wishing to hang signs or distribute fliers must get pre-authorization from State Fair management and pay a fee.

All questions and concerns may be addressed to the State Fair office located in the Nordby Exhibit Hall at 1060 3rd Street Southwest, Huron, SD 57350.