Summer Kickoff in the Square

When the fountains erupt back to life at 512 Main Street in downtown Rapid City, summer has officially arrived in the Black Hills.

Main Street Square, founded in 2011 by the late Ray Hillenbrand of Prairie Edge Trading Co., hosts its annual Summer Kickoff Celebration in late May, typically around Memorial Day weekend. The mayor proclaims Kickoff to Summer Day as city officials cut the ribbon on the interactive splash pad, and kids immediately race through the jets while parents grab complimentary hot dogs and ice cream from Silver Lining Creamery.

Inflatables, face painting, yard games, and a visit from Nugget, the Rapid City Rush hockey mascot, round out the festivities. Everything is free of charge and spread across a broad grassy plaza framed by stone sculptures created by artist Masayuki Nagase.

The square’s weekly summer programming makes this kickoff even more appealing. Every Wednesday from June through early August, Live On The Lawn brings free concerts from 6:00 to 8:00 PM with rotating acts such as Black Hills Soul, Tanner Johns, and the U.S. Air Force Academy Band.

Food trucks like Eddie’s Tacos and KZ’s Backyard BBQ line the edges of the lawn, while a beer garden serves adults aged 21 and over with valid ID. Movies Under the Stars screens family friendly films every Monday at dusk, and Thursdays on the Square adds additional evening entertainment.

Surrounding shops including Mitzi’s Books, Who’s Toys, and the outdoor outfitter Roam’n Around remain open for browsing. Downtown parking is free after 5:00 PM, including the parking ramp adjacent to the square. Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets, towels for fountain play, and chairs to claim prime spots on the lawn.

Families staying for the weekend often book downtown at the historic Hotel Alex Johnson, built in 1927 and now part of Hilton’s Curio Collection, or the modern Hyatt Place Rapid City Downtown.

If the square becomes too crowded, Canyon Lake Park sits just 10 minutes west on Jackson Boulevard. The park offers fishing docks, paddle boat rentals for $15 per hour through Canyon Lake Resort, playgrounds, and shaded picnic areas along Rapid Creek.

Pactola Reservoir, the source of that creek, lies 18 miles farther west and features a sandy swimming beach, a full service marina, and an 88 site campground. The combination of downtown plaza fun and Black Hills lakefront relaxation makes Rapid City an ideal base for a long weekend.