Schedule of Events

The Channel Seed Brand welcomes you to the opening day of the fair! We're thrilled to have you join us for a day filled with carnival rides, livestock shows, exhibits, delicious food, fantastic entertainment, and so much more.

As you enjoy the festivities, we also want to highlight our enhanced Channel Seed Brand. Our commitment to our customers to bring Leading-Edge Solutions that are Connected to You and your communities through a Next-Level Experience is what sets Channel apart from other seed brands. With a dedicated, local Channel SeedPro by your side assessing your conditions, diagnosing your challenges, then recommending the best solutions specific to your needs, Channel delivers on our commitment to help farmers maximize their profitability throughout the season. Discover how the new and enhanced Channel Seed brand is rising to the challenges in your fields by visiting Channel.com. Enjoy Opening Day!

It’s Value Added Ag Center Day at the South Dakota State Fair! We’re happy to partner with the State Fair to be the day sponsor, and we invite you to stop by to see us at the Day Sponsor Tent. Come meet the farmers, ranchers and specialty producers who turn our crops and livestock into the products you use every day. You can also connect with agency reps and associations that help our ag community grow. Throughout the day, we’ll have spotlight talks, local food demos and our annual ice cream social.

The Value Added Ag Development Center (VAADC) is your go-to for guidance on creating and growing value added ventures. Our work is made possible by the support of East River Electric Cooperative, Farm Credit Services of America, SD Association of Cooperatives, SD Bankers Association, SD Farmers Union, SD Rural Electric Association, SD Soybean Research & Promotion Council, SD Wheat Commission, and Agtegra Cooperative.

We look forward to seeing you at the Day Sponsor Tent!

Olympic Motors Day is Friday, September 4.  Before heading to the fair, stop by Olympic Motors on E Hwy 14 to pick up a $2 off daily gate admission coupon for the day!

At the fair, stop by Olympic Motors Building (formerly Prostrollo Motors Building) to see the newest vehicles from Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC including a great selection of 2026 and 2027 Chevy and GMC pickups with model year-end discounts.  And we always try to throw in something different for you to view each year if you like older and interesting vehicles.  In addition, there will be special door prize drawings from Olympic Motors during the Fair as well as free ice water on Friday, Olympic Motors Day. 

Also, sign up for a chance to win the “Best Seats in the House” at the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday shows in the Grandstand. Don’t miss it!

Join us for Farmers Union Day at the South Dakota State Fair Saturday, September 5. South Dakota Farmers Union (SDFU) will host events throughout the day celebrating the family farmers, ranchers and rural communities from across the great state of South Dakota that they so proudly represent. 

Highlighting the day of activities will be the annual Farmer’s Share Luncheon (limited number of meals available) located in the tent near the Freedom stage from 11:30am to 12:30pm.  In comparison to the retail price of the meal, $16.00 attendees will pay just $0.47 for a meal that showcases the farmer’s share on retail food dollars.

Events at the Freedom Stage kick off at 1pm to 2pm. Join us for an informative panel discussion on the current Farm Bill and the future of agricultural policy. This session will bring together local producers, agricultural leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to explore how the Farm Bill impacts rural communities, farming operations, and the broader food system.

Panelists will break down key components of the current legislation—including crop insurance, conservation programs, nutrition assistance, and rural development—and discuss what these mean for farmers and ranchers today. Just as importantly, the conversation will look ahead: What changes are needed to better support modern agriculture? Where are the gaps? And how can producers’ voices help shape the next version of the Farm Bill?

At the 2pm Farm Safety FFA Quiz Bowl Championship, four FFA Quiz Bowl teams will compete for the championship title. The Farm Safety Quiz bowl is designed as a fun way to teach high school students about safety on the farm or ranch. 

Farmers Union will also be displaying their interactive Farm Safety Trailer on Third Street in front of the Heritage Museum. The trailer will give visitors the opportunity to learn farm safety with power take offs, grain bins, down power lines and will host ATV simulator demonstrations 3 times a day at 11am, 2pm and 4pm.

We are excited for you to join in the fun of Farmers Union Day at the 2026 South Dakota State Fair! 

Join South Dakota Soybean at the South Dakota State Fair on Sunday, September 6, as we proudly serve as the Day Sponsor for the first time! Stop by the Day Sponsor Tent from 9am to 4pm for a full day of learning, networking, and family-friendly fun. Hear from industry experts during two engaging educational sessions focused on protecting your farm legacy and planning for future generations. At noon, meet South Dakota State University Men’s and Women’s Basketball players for autographs and photos.

Whether you're interested in estate planning, supporting the next generation of agriculture, or simply looking for a great way to spend the day at the fair, South Dakota Soybean has something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you there!

Celebrate America’s 250th in Star-Spangled style! Join us on the final day of the fair for Red, White, & You Day at the South Dakota State Fair—where patriotic pride takes center stage!

Wear your boldest red, brightest white, and bluest blue to help us celebrate America250 and honor our nation’s past, present, and future.

Show your spirit and get rewarded! Everyone who dresses for the theme will be entered into a special prize drawing—you could walk away with something great just for showing your patriotic pride!

On this final day of the fair, also check off all the items on your fair bucket list before it’s over – indulge in your favorite fair food, buy that item on your wish list, take one last ride on the Ferris wheel, and take in our entertainment.

Bring the entire family out to catch the Thunder at the Fair Truck and Tractor Pull sponsored by American Bank & Trust in the Grandstand at 1 pm!

Special offers include:

* Fairgoers can help to ‘stock the shelves’! Bring a non-perishable food item for the ‘Stock the Shelves’ food drive between the hours of 7 am and 11 am and receive $2 off gate admission. (one food item per admission)

* We’ll also Pay it Forward! Businesses have generously banded together to sponsor gate admission passes for those in need and to randomly hand out at the gate admission entrances! You could be the lucky recipient of a ‘Pay it Forward’ pass as you enter the gates on Monday!

* Enjoy the fair for FREE after 3 pm!