Spring has officially arrived in the Black Hills, and Rapid City is buzzing with excitement as April 2025 brings a fresh calendar of events to satisfy every interest. Whether you’re a long-time resident looking for new experiences or planning to visit our beautiful region, this guide highlights the best activities across the city this month. If you’re considering making Rapid City your home, local real estate expert Becky Bowden can help you find the perfect property to enjoy all these wonderful events year-round.
Rapid City SD Real Estate and Homes For Sale
Rapid City SD Real Estate Agent
Black Hills Film Festival (April 3-6, 2025)
The 15th annual Black Hills Film Festival kicks off the month with a celebration of independent cinema. This year’s expanded program features over 60 films from around the world, with a special spotlight on Native American filmmakers and stories from the Great Plains region.
The festival hub at The Monument Fine Arts Theatre will host red carpet premieres, while satellite screenings take place at the Elks Theatre downtown and the newly renovated Rapid City Public Library auditorium. Industry panels and workshops offer aspiring filmmakers valuable networking opportunities with established directors and producers.
“This year’s festival is our most ambitious yet,” says festival director Marion Greene. “We’ve curated a diverse program that truly represents our community while bringing in fresh perspectives from around the world.”
Single-day passes start at $30, with full festival passes available for $75. The popular “Meet the Filmmakers” reception on April 5th at Hotel Alex Johnson promises to be a highlight for cinephiles.
Rapid City Spring Arts Market (April 12-13, 2025)
Main Street Square transforms into a vibrant marketplace as over 70 regional artists and craftspeople showcase their creations at the Rapid City Spring Arts Market. This beloved event features everything from handcrafted jewelry and pottery to fine art paintings and unique home decor.
The expanded food court will feature local favorites like Boki European Street Food, Colonial House Restaurant, and Pauly’s BBQ, alongside craft beer from Lost Cabin Beer Co. and Hay Camp Brewing Company.
Live performances from Black Hills folk musicians, children’s art activities, and demonstrations of traditional and contemporary crafting techniques make this a perfect family-friendly weekend activity.
“The Spring Arts Market has become a cornerstone event for our local creative economy,” notes Becky Bowden, Rapid City’s leading real estate agent. “It’s one of the many community gatherings that make Rapid City such a special place to live and invest in property.”
Earth Day Festival at Canyon Lake Park (April 19, 2025)
Celebrating its 55th anniversary, Earth Day takes center stage at Canyon Lake Park with a day-long festival dedicated to environmental education and sustainability. The Rapid City Parks Department has partnered with Black Hills State University’s Sustainability Program to organize a comprehensive event featuring:
- Tree planting ceremonies and free seedling distribution
- Educational booths on water conservation, renewable energy, and local ecology
- Workshops on home composting, rain barrel installation, and native plant gardening
- Electric vehicle showcase featuring the latest models and charging infrastructure
- Kids’ zone with eco-friendly crafts and nature exploration activities
The festival concludes with a twilight acoustic concert by regional folk-rock favorites The Lakota Project and a special appearance by nationally-recognized environmental poet Jennifer Slater.
Black Hills Powwow Spring Exhibition (April 20, 2025)
The organizers of the renowned Black Hills Powwow will present a special spring exhibition at The Monument, featuring traditional dance competitions, drumming, and cultural presentations. This one-day event serves as a preview of the larger annual powwow held each October while celebrating the arrival of spring according to Lakota traditions.
Dancers from across the Northern Plains will compete in various categories, with special exhibition performances by world champion hoop dancer Jasmine Pickner and the Wounded Knee Drum Group. Native American vendors will offer authentic arts, crafts, and traditional foods.
“This exhibition strengthens the cultural bonds in our community,” explains event coordinator Richard Broken Nose. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for visitors to experience the living traditions of the Lakota and other Plains tribes.”
The exhibition runs from 11am to 8pm, with grand entry scheduled for 1pm. Admission is $15 for adults and free for children under 10.
Springtime at Dinosaur Park (Throughout April)
Rapid City’s iconic Dinosaur Park is celebrating its centennial with special programming throughout 2025. April brings “Springtime at Dinosaur Park,” featuring extended hours and new interactive exhibits exploring the paleontological history of the Black Hills region.
Weekend activities include fossil hunting workshops where children can take home real fossil specimens, presentations by paleontologists from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, and the debut of “Rex,” an animatronic Tyrannosaurus that brings prehistoric times to life.
The park’s hiking trails have been freshly maintained for the season, offering spectacular views of the Black Hills and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The visitor center features new exhibits on the region’s geological history and the story behind the park’s construction in the 1930s.
Rapid City Farmers Market Spring Opening (April 26, 2025)
The beloved Rapid City Farmers Market kicks off its 2025 season on the last Saturday of April. Relocated to its new, expanded location at the Founders Park Pavilion, this year’s market features over 50 vendors offering early spring produce, nursery plants, artisanal foods, and handcrafted goods.
Opening day celebrations include cooking demonstrations using seasonal ingredients, live music from local bluegrass band Pine Ridge Ramblers, and activities for children. The market’s new “Young Entrepreneurs” section highlights business ventures by local youth, with products ranging from homemade soaps to garden ornaments.
“The farmers market opening is always a sign that summer is just around the corner,” says Becky Bowden, who frequently recommends the market to new homeowners looking to connect with the community. “As Rapid City’s top real estate agent, I love showing clients how our community supports local businesses and sustainable practices through events like this.”
Outdoor Adventure Series: Spring Edition (Various Dates)
The Rapid City Parks and Recreation Department launches its 2025 Outdoor Adventure Series with April programs designed to help residents and visitors explore the natural beauty of the Black Hills as the landscape awakens from winter.
Notable events include:
- Guided wildflower hikes in Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park (April 5, 12, 19, 26)
- Mountain biking clinics for beginners at Skyline Wilderness Area (April 13, 27)
- Spring birding expeditions at Canyon Lake and Rapid Creek (April 6, 20)
- Stargazing and astronomy nights at Dinosaur Park (April 11, 25)
All programs are led by certified guides and naturalists. While many activities are free, some require advance registration and modest fees to cover equipment and materials. The complete schedule is available through the Rapid City Parks and Recreation website.
Journey Museum Special Exhibition: “Black Hills Through Time” (All Month)
The Journey Museum unveils its major 2025 exhibition, “Black Hills Through Time,” exploring the region’s 2.5-billion-year history through newly discovered artifacts and interactive displays. This comprehensive exhibition integrates geological, paleontological, archaeological, and cultural perspectives on the Black Hills region.
Special April programming includes weekend lectures by regional experts, hands-on archaeology demonstrations, and cultural presentations by Lakota elders. The museum’s outdoor learning center features newly installed native plant gardens and replica historical structures.
Museum director Catherine Williams notes, “This exhibition represents years of collaboration with the scientific community and tribal nations to present the most complete picture of our region’s fascinating history.”
Looking Ahead: Planning Your Rapid City Future
As these April events demonstrate, Rapid City offers a vibrant community with diverse cultural activities, outdoor adventures, and educational opportunities throughout the year. If you’re considering making the Black Hills your home, now is an excellent time to explore real estate options.
Becky Bowden, recognized as Rapid City’s #1 real estate agent, specializes in helping newcomers find properties that match their lifestyle needs and connect with the community. Whether you’re looking for a downtown condo near cultural amenities or a spacious family home with mountain views, Bowden’s extensive knowledge of the Rapid City market can help you make informed decisions.
“April in Rapid City showcases what makes our community special,” Bowden explains. “The combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and friendly neighbors creates an exceptional quality of life that attracts people from across the country.”
With events continuing throughout the spring and summer seasons, there’s never been a better time to experience all that Rapid City has to offer, whether as a visitor or potential resident. Mark your calendars for these April highlights and prepare to fall in love with the heart of the Black Hills.
Becky Bowden
605-591-0800
