There’s no better place to strike Gold this summer than Custer.
Returning July 17-19, Gold Discovery Days is a three-day celebration honoring the discovery of Gold in the Black Hills while bringing together family-friendly festivities and traditions — parades, hot air balloons, live music, local vendors, and endless activities.
This year’s celebration carries extra significance as the nation commemorates America’s 250th anniversary. During Saturday’s Gold Discovery Days Parade, 50 horseback riders will proudly carry the flags of all 50 U.S. states. The patriotic display promises to be one of the parade’s most memorable moments and a fitting tribute to America’s milestone birthday.
A Weekend Packed with Family Fun
Whether you have toddlers, teens or grandparents tagging along, there’s something for every member of the family.
Friday, July 17
Kick off the weekend with:
- Arts & Crafts Festival
- Kids’ Gold Nugget Hunt
- Gold Panner’s Race
- Quilt Show & Vendor Market
- Caroline Hatton Judged Flower Show
- Flick & Float at the Custer City Pool
- Evening Live Music
Saturday, July 18
Saturday is the biggest day of the celebration, featuring:
- Hot Air Balloon Rally at Sunrise
- Gold Discovery Days Parade, featuring the 50 horseback riders carrying the flags of every U.S. state in celebration of America’s 250th
- Arts & Crafts Festival
- Kids Zone Bounce Houses & Activities
- Bob Plaisted Memorial Car Show
- Gold Discovery Days Pancake Breakfast
- Gold Prospecting Demonstrations with the Black Hills Gold Prospecting Club
- Quilt Show & Vendor Market
- Volleyball & Cornhole Tournaments
- Live Music throughout the Afternoon & Evening
Sunday, July 19
Round out the weekend with:
- Another Hot Air Balloon Rally at Sunrise
- Arts & Crafts Festival
- Gold Rush Fun Run
- Quilt Show & Vendor Market
- Community Church Service at Vineyard of the Black Hills & Crossroads Church
- Alumni Basketball Game
- Walt Thomas Memorial Golf Scramble
- R.I.S.E Gold Miner’s Bingo
Don’t Miss the Kids Zone
Families with young children will want to stop by the Kids Zone on Washington Street during Saturday’s activities, where bounce houses — including the giant Blue Crush Obstacle Course — will keep kiddos entertained for hours. Early bird wristbands are available before the event.
You can find early bird wristbands here
Make a Weekend of It
Between the food, crafts, music, classic cars, gold panning demonstrations and patriotic parade, Gold Discovery Days is the perfect excuse to spend a summer weekend in Custer. Come early for the hot air balloons, stay for the parade, and enjoy everything that makes this long-running Black Hills tradition so special.
For a full schedule of events, ticket details and parade information, visit the Custer Area Chamber of Commerce.