Celebrate Summer at Custer’s 103rd Annual Gold Discovery Days
Date Published
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, see our event page
