Opening Reception
October 9 | 4-6pm

The Rapid City Arts Council (RCAC) is proud to announce an interactive art exhibition, Living Map: What Grows When We Gather, created by Rapid City artist Sophia Clarke in response to a “hopes for the hills” call for art sponsored by the Black Hills Area Community Foundation for its 20th Anniversary. The exhibition will be on display in the Denise Du Broy and Inez + Milton Shaver Gallery of the Dahl Arts Center from October 9 to December 26, 2026 with an interactive opening reception on October 9 from 4 to 6pm.
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The exhibition is a large-scale interactive installation that invites Black Hills community members to become co-authors within the artwork itself. While exploring a living landscape painted on silk panels, visitors will be invited to consider questions such as “What has created hope for you in this place?” “What will foster hope here for the next twenty years?” “What have you planted here?” and pin their responses to a topographic map of the Black Hills. Over 11 weeks, the map will accumulate with the community’s collective reflections. 

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Opening Reception
Sunday, October 11 | 1-3pm

The Dream Catchers Artist Guild was founded in 1983 to unite, elevate, and promote Indigenous artists in this region. This traveling exhibition will start at the Dahl and showcase the work of the 9 original guild members: Roger Broer, Donald F. Montileaux, R. G. Bowker, Arthur Amiotte, Richard Red Owl, Vic Runnels, Robert Freeman, Donald Ruleaux and Robert Penn. The Dream Catchers Artists Guild received the Governor’s Award in the arts for Outstanding Support of the Arts to Native Nations with Lands in South Dakota in 2025.

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SDDOT Public Meetings
​October 20 & 21 | 5:30-7pm

​The South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will hold two public meeting
open houses on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, and Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, at the Dahl Arts
Center to share information and gather public input for the Rapid City Major Investment
Study (RCMIS) of the Interstate 90 (I-90) and U.S. Highway 16B (Highway 16B) corridors.
Representatives from SDDOT will be available to answer questions, discuss the project,
and receive community input. Both open houses will feature the same information, and
participants are invited to attend the meeting that works best for their schedules. A short
presentation will be shared shortly after 5:30 p.m.

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NEA Grants Workshop
​October 21 | 3:15-4:30pm

Join staff from the National Endowment for the Arts to learn more about grant opportunities and the process for applying for federal grants to support arts projects. Staff from the South Dakota Arts Council will also share information on additional grant opportunities to support artists and arts organizations throughout the state.

free event - please rsvp

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Beehive Design Collective
October 21 | 5-8pm

​The world-renowned Beehive Collective is coming to the Dahl Arts Center, to present their intricate pen and ink murals. This interactive presentation will collectively decipher these metaphor-rich works, revealing the stories of frontline communities fighting for a better world.
Graphics on tour: Mesoamérica Resiste & The True Cost of Coal

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BHCFE Youth Halloween Party
October 24 | 6-9pm

Hosted by Black Hills Center for Equality and Gender Gear Collective. Come dressed up and ready for an evening of costumes, crafts, food, activities, and Halloween fun in an affirming space for LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse youth ages 13-18!

​Free Event!

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Minneluzahan Open Mic
October 26 | 2-4pm

Join us at a new time from 2-4pm for an afternoon of expression, creativity, and community at the Minneluzahan Senior Center. Whether you're a seasoned performer or trying something new, this open mic is your chance to take the stage. Sing a song, read a poem, tell a story, or share something all your own. All voices and styles are welcome.

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City Utility Assist Chili Cookoff
October 27 | 6-7:30pm

​Join the City of Rapid City for the 2nd Annual City Utility Assist Chili Cookoff on Tuesday, October 27, from 6–7:30 p.m. at the Dahl Fine Arts Center! Come hungry, sample some seriously good chili, vote for your favorites, and enjoy a fun evening while supporting your neighbors. City Utility Assist helps Rapid City residents who are struggling to keep up with their City utility bills. Through community support, the program provides a helping hand when it’s needed most, helping local families and individuals maintain essential utility services.
Every bowl, every vote, and every contribution helps. Come for the chili and help us take care of our community, one neighbor at a time.

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Poetry on the Road
October 28 | 6-8pm

Poetry on the Road is free and open to the public, featuring poetry readings from South Dakota State Poetry Society (SDSPS) member poets. There is also an open mic, where YOU can sign up to read your own original poems.

All are welcome—to participate or just to listen. 

​Free & Open for the public!​

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A Screaming Mind by Cecilia Arbo Litchfield
October 29 | 5-7pm

This body of work retells the story of Cecilia's brother Raul, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder. His daily routine was disrupted during the Covid-19 lockdown. These changes resulted in his gradual mental instability. Her proximity to Raul at this time began to affect my mental health as well. A Screaming Mind recreates his behaviors, meltdowns and violent tendencies by physically manipulating and abusing the photographic paper and using objects that reinforce the narrative through the use of alternative photographic techniques.

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Spooky Spotlight
​October 30 | 6-8pm

Join us for an intimate Halloween eve of music and spoken word featuring local poets, musicians, and storytellers. Bring one of your stories or songs to share! Wear a costume, and you will be entered into a drawing to win prizes!
Don’t be scared… We are all friendly spirits here!

​This event is free and open to the public!

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Featuring:
Abbey Leach · Marcia Kenobbie · Sarah Carper - vocals, Alex Massa - trumpet, Casey Shelden - guitar, Eric Domkowski - pedal steel, Louis Umbarger - bass, Tom Frear - drums, Shawn Parker - saxophone, Danny Thornburg - trombone

DollyWeen - A Dolly Parton Tribute Concert
October 30 | 7pm

​DollyWeen is a big-hearted celebration of one of Planet Earth’s most prolific songwriters, performers, philanthropists, and beloved cultural icons: Dolly Parton. From beloved hits to deep cuts, heartbreakers, and gospel tunes. Her music has given voice to love, loss, poverty, resilience, faith, family, feminism, working people, and joy, while her remarkable philanthropy has touched generations far beyond the stage.

​Costumes encouraged but not required. Big hair also encouraged.
This event is brought to you by massanotmassa productions.

grab you tickets now!

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EPA Open Mic
November 6 | 6-8pm

​Step up, speak out, and share your voice! It's time to perform!
Join us for an evening of expression, creativity, and community. Whether you're a seasoned performer or trying something new, Open Mic Night is your chance to take the stage. Sing a song, read a poem, tell a story, or share something all your own. All voices and styles are welcome.
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​​​This Event is Free and Open to the Public!

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Steven Farmer Comedy Show
November 8 | 7-8:30pm

Steven Farmer is a comedian, filmmaker, actor, and author based in Austin, TX. After finally escaping Arkansas with a theatre degree from an agricultural school, he began his journey in stand-up comedy, where he’s headlined across the country, touring the U.S. and Europe. Steven’s comedy draws on his crazy experiences of growing up in a small town, his constant confusion with cultures while traveling, working jobs he had no business (or qualification) to be doing, and his unique ability to seamlessly switch between accents, impressions, and original characters. His stand-up comedy clips on social media have gone viral several times, gaining millions of views. His comedy sketches on his YouTube channel have won multiple film festival awards around the world and have been featured on channels such as Right This Minute. Steven also does voice-over work for large companies such as Pet Lab Co., as well as many companies and franchises he'd love to brag about, but they had him sign an NDA (yeah, they really do that). Steven was one of the few comedians selected to compete in the prestigious San Francisco Comedy Competition and Boston Comedy Festival (Semifinalist). His 1st comedy special, ‘Arkansas Refugee,' is now available on YouTube.

get your tickets

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Verb Storytelling
​November 12 | 6:30-8pm

​​Verb Storytelling is a Spoken Word event where you are invited to perform a live, personal narrative, tell a story, or share poetry based on a provided writing prompt.
Share a poem, tell a story or read a short essay or just come to support spoken word!

Our Studios are Open Every Weekend

Saturday Art Adventure
Saturdays | 1-2pm

Get creative at Saturday Art Adventure! Each month, families and young artists can explore a fun project using a variety of art supplies and techniques. From painting and collage to drawing, stamping, and sculpting, every session is a chance to experiment, make something unique, and discover the joy of creating together. No experience is needed, just bring your imagination and be ready to have fun!

Saturday Art Adventure at the Dahl Arts Center is free to attend, thanks to our donors and "Friends of the Dahl," whose annual membership donations support arts and cultural programs year-round.

free event - reserve your supplies

Drawing Group
Sundays | 1-3pm

Sessions are organized and facilitated by the volunteer instructor and take place in the Open Art Studio on Sundays from 1-3pm. The format is flexible: participants who prefer to work more independently are welcome to do so, while those seeking feedback or general guidance may receive support throughout the session. These sessions are not intended to function as one-on-one lessons, but rather as a collaborative studio environment with light instruction and shared learning.

​The RCAC provides basic drawing materials, including charcoal, pencils, erasers, newsprint, and a limited amount of drawing paper. Participants are encouraged to bring preferred personal supplies, especially sketchbooks, drawing pads, or tablets suitable for drawing practice.

host an event at the dahl