What Dakotafest Is
Dakotafest is a three-day outdoor farm show in Mitchell, South Dakota, built for farmers and ranchers of the Northern Plains and their families. Its stated aim is to help producers grow their family business through education, networking with agribusinesses and live product demonstrations, and to celebrate farming and the rural lifestyle. The show covers about 50 acres and lists nearly 500 agriculture exhibits.
The most recent show ran Tuesday, August 18 through Thursday, August 20, 2026. The next one is set for August 17 to 19, 2027.
What You Can Do There
- Exhibits and demonstrations: seed plot demonstrations, technical product demonstrations, drone demonstrations and a used equipment showcase.
- Livestock Tent: cattle chute demonstrations and company presentations at 10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. each day, plus a livestock education series starting at 11:15 a.m.
- Education Building: sessions on farm succession, estate planning, market outlooks and ag policy.
- Family events: a kids' and adult pedal pull at 1:00 p.m. daily, an Antique Tractor Museum, live music and an SDSU Extension ice cream social at 1:30 p.m.
- Prizes: a register-to-win drawing and food vendors on the grounds.
How It Works: The 2026 Schedule
| Day | Hours | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Aug. 18 | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Beef Quality Assurance training and certification in the Livestock Tent (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.); estate planning and succession sessions; Crop Talk at 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. |
| Wednesday, Aug. 19 | 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. | South Dakota Congressional Update (10 to 11:15 a.m.); livestock education on pregnancy checking and preserving calf value; USDA Listening Session at 1:15 p.m.; Women's Brunch and Vendor Fair at the Highland Conference Center, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
| Thursday, Aug. 20 | 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. | FFA mock competition presentations (9:30 a.m.); Women in Ag Event and the Dakotafest Woman Farmer/Rancher of the Year Award (10:30 to 11:30 a.m.); livestock education on managing open beef females and limit feeding cows in drylot |
Skid Steer Rodeo
The Skid Steer Rodeo runs daily at 11:30 a.m. Visit a sponsoring company's booth to add your name, then be at the demo area 10 minutes before the start. Contestants are drawn to a loader, the sponsor gives a quick rundown of the controls, and each driver has a maximum of five minutes to complete the course. The fastest time each day wins prizes and bragging rights.
Who It Is For and What It Costs
Dakotafest is open to the public; it is aimed at producers, but families come too. Admission for 2026 was $10 at the gate or $8 bought online in advance, and kids 17 and under were free. Parking is free, and a complimentary shuttle circles the grounds and runs between the parking lots and the entrances. Pets are not allowed, though ADA service dogs are. Golf carts can be rented on a first-come basis at the east entrance.
Where
The show site is at 2300 E Spruce Street, Mitchell, SD 57301, just off Interstate 90. From I-90 take exit 332 and follow the signs to the show site. The show office sits at the corner of Main and 4th Streets, under a large American flag. Attendee parking lots are on the east and west sides of the grounds, and handicapped parking is in the first row of each.
Questions
Do I need a ticket to bring my kids?
Kids 17 and under were admitted free in 2026, so only adults needed a ticket.
Can I earn Beef Quality Assurance certification on site?
Yes. In 2026 SDSU Extension presented Beef Quality Assurance training and certification in the Livestock Tent on Tuesday morning.
Where do I go if a child gets lost?
Check in at the show office, where staff can make a PA announcement. First aid is at the south end near the service entrance.
How do I get a large purchase to my truck?
Pull up to the Material Handling Loading Area near the southeast corner, by booth 152.
Official Links
- Dakotafest
- Schedule of events
- Hours and pricing
- Location and directions
- Show site information
- Skid Steer Rodeo
- Livestock Tent
- Why attend
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- Corn Palace Stampede Rodeo
A four-day PRCA rodeo at Stampede Park in Mitchell, July 15-18, 2027, with nightly 8 PM performances. Mitchell has hosted it since 1971.
- Corn Palace Stampede Extreme Bulls
Bull riding opens the Stampede weekend on Thursday, July 15, 2027, at 8 PM at Stampede Park in Mitchell, before three PRCA rodeo performances.
6320 North Ohlman Street, Mitchell, SD | Organizer: Corn Palace Stampede Official event details - Corn Palace Stampede Parade
The rodeo parade travels down Mitchell's Main Street on the Saturday of Stampede weekend, July 17, 2027.
Mitchell, SD | Organizer: Corn Palace Stampede Official event details - Corn Palace Stampede Chili Cook-off and Family Fun Day
Sunday of Stampede weekend, July 18, 2027, brings a chili cook-off contest and Family Fun Day in Mitchell alongside the final PRCA rodeo performance.
Mitchell, SD | Organizer: Corn Palace Stampede Official event details - Corn Palace Festival
Corn Palace Festival in Mitchell ran August 26 to 30, 2026, taking over several blocks of Main Street around the Corn Palace. Held each year in late August.
Mitchell, SD Official event details
All South Dakota events by date
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.