Craft Shows & Art Fairs in Custer, South Dakota
Custer is the gateway to Custer State Park and sits five miles from the Crazy Horse Memorial, giving this small city of 2,100 an outsized arts and events calendar driven by Black Hills tourism. Craft shows in Custer are anchored by the Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival, now in its 61st year, which brings 100+ artists and vendors to the grounds near the State Game Lodge each September. Gold Discovery Days includes an arts fair, car show, hot air balloon rally, and the largest parade in the Black Hills. Western heritage art and the natural landscape of the Black Hills define the character of Custer's craft events.
Custer's Craft Show Scene
The Custer State Park Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival runs three days near the State Game Lodge each September — September 25, 2026 marks the 61st annual event. Over 100 artists and vendors set up with Western heritage art, handmade jewelry, pottery, leather goods, woodwork, and paintings. Live entertainment and local food round out the festival. Tens of thousands of visitors attend, many combining the famous buffalo roundup (where 1,300+ bison are herded across the park) with art browsing and shopping.
Gold Discovery Days is Custer's community celebration, including an arts fair, classic car show, hot air balloon rally, and the largest parade in the Black Hills. The arts fair component features local and regional artisans in a downtown setting.
The combination of Custer State Park, the Crazy Horse Memorial (five miles north), and the Needles Highway scenic drive creates a tourism corridor that supports artisan shops, galleries, and seasonal vendor events throughout the summer months.
County Fairs & Regional Events
Custer County does not host a large standalone county fair. The Central States Fair in Rapid City (50 miles north) provides the nearest major fair programming. The South Dakota State Fair in Huron runs each September.
Hill City (15 miles north) is a gateway to Mount Rushmore with its own gallery and artisan shop scene. Keystone (20 miles northeast) sits at the entrance to Mount Rushmore. Hot Springs (25 miles south) hosts the Mammoth Site and community events.
Best Times to Visit Custer for Craft Events
Late September is the peak — the Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival at Custer State Park draws the largest crowds of the year. Gold Discovery Days runs in summer. The broader summer season (June-August) is the highest tourism period for the Black Hills, with artisan shops and galleries operating at full capacity. Fall colors in Custer State Park make September and October scenic for outdoor event visits.
Nearby Cities for Craft Shows
- Rapid City — ~50 miles north; Main Street Square seasonal markets; craft fair at The Monument (June); Native POP art show
- Deadwood — ~60 miles north; Wild Bill Days (June); Deadwood Jam (September); gallery strolls
- Sioux Falls — ~400 miles east; Sioux Empire Arts & Crafts Show (March and October, 199+ exhibitors)
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival?
The Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival runs in late September at Custer State Park near the State Game Lodge. The 2026 event is September 25. It features 100+ artists and vendors, live entertainment, local food, and the famous buffalo roundup where 1,300+ bison are herded across the park. The festival is in its 61st year.
What types of art are at Custer craft shows?
Western heritage art, handmade jewelry, pottery, leather goods, woodwork, and paintings are the primary categories. The Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival emphasizes Western and nature-inspired themes. Gold Discovery Days features local and regional artisans. The Black Hills' proximity to tribal communities means Native American art also appears at area events.
Are there craft events in Custer outside of September?
Gold Discovery Days runs in summer with an arts fair component. Artisan shops and galleries in downtown Custer operate through the summer tourism season (June-August). Hill City (15 miles north) has galleries and artisan shops open through the warmer months. The Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival in September is the signature event.
Find Events in Custer
CraftShow Events covers craft shows, art fairs, and event listings in Custer and across South Dakota. Search by date and event type to find the Buffalo Roundup & Arts Festival, Gold Discovery Days, and everything in between.