Andrew Lafrance

Summer residents of Brookings, rejoice. There are many exciting events happening in and around Brookings throughout the summer. Music festivals, comedians, shows and parades are just a sampling of the many activities with which to fill summer days and nights. There is something planned for everyone, no matter what your age or interests. Take a look below and find which summer events you need to mark on your calendar.

May 4:

Local band Welcome to the Cinema will perform with Murder by Death at Nutty’s North in Sioux Falls at 8 p.m. The show is a savvy deal because you get two great local bands for one cheap price.

Cost: $10

May 10:

Larry the Cable Guy will be performing at the Swiftel Center in Brookings at 7:30 p.m. He is known for his work with the Blue Collar Comedy Tour.

Cost: $44

June 12-13:

Winstock 2009, a country music festival, will be featuring LeAnn Rimes, Big & Rich and Brooks and Dunn this summer. The fun begins at 2 p.m. near Minneapolis, Minn.

Cost: $115

June 12-14:

The South Dakota State Polka and Music Festival, featuring Julie Lee, Barry Boyce, FreezeDried and Top Notchmen, will be a great way to experience new kinds of music because there is something for every age. The event begins at 11:30 a.m. in Sioux Falls.

Cost: $38

June 13:

The Second Saturday Art Walk in downtown Brookings will boast ten art galleries, free hors d’oeuvres and live music. It begins at 4 p.m.

Cost: Free

June 26-28:

The 29th Annual Black Hills Bluegrass Festival will offer enjoyment for the whole family at Mystery Mountain Resort in Rapid City. A children’s bluegrass workshop, a family picnic and a Saturday night main show are only some of the events offered.

Cost: Free

July 4:

Downtown Parade in Brookings

Cost: Free

July 11-12:

Photo Booth – Brookings Summer Arts Festival

Cost: Free

July 15-18:

Sonshine Music Festival in Willmar, Minn., will feature Switchfoot, Relient K and the Newsboys. This outdoor music festival lasts four days.

Cost: $70

July 17-18:

Downtown Crazy Days in Sioux Falls will offer “inside” sales with bargains galore. The craziness begins at 8 a.m. on Friday.

August 5:

The Buffalo Chip Festival in Custer will feature well-known musicians at this legendary gathering.

Cost: $85

August 13-16:

Brookings Community Theater will present Beauty and the Beast Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. The play will be shown at the Fishback Performing Arts Center on SDSU’s campus.

Cost: TBA