Pheasant hunting photos courtesy of Aberdeen Area CVB
If you’re ready to get out and explore the community and region this fall, there are plenty of fun activities in Aberdeen and the surrounding area. From hiking to hockey to a haunted forest, northeast South Dakota has something for everyone!
Check out our schedule of events below, put together with help from the Aberdeen Area Convention and Visitors Bureau:
Pheasant Hunting
Want to try South Dakota’s popular pastime? Pheasant hunting is fun for everyone! Best of all, students who have resided in South Dakota for at least 30 days qualify for a resident hunting license, no matter where their permanent residence is. Learn more about how to get a hunting license here.
Farmer’s Market
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16
Malchow Plaza
Check out the Farmer’s Market, with locally grown and crafted products, at the new Malchow Plaza in downtown Aberdeen. Stroll along Aberdeen’s Main Street and check out the shops along the way. Learn more.
Aberdeen Wings Hockey
7:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 22-23, 29-30
7:05 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4
Get a group of friends together and cheer on Aberdeen’s very own hometown hockey team at Odde Ice Center! Learn more.
Hiking
S.D. Tourism photo by Byron Banasiak
The crisp fall weather is the perfect time of year to explore Richmond Lake Recreation Area and Mina Lake Recreation Area, which are each $8 for a day pass or $36 for an annual vehicle pass. Another wonderful option to visit is Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge, where you can explore the outdoors and see various South Dakota wildlife! Learn more here.
Aberdeen Octoberfest
1-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23
Aberdeen Civic Arena
Aberdeen Oktoberfest celebrates our region's German/Russian heritage with Bavarian culture, music, dancing, food, beer, wine and activities. Learn more.
Haunted Forest
1-3 p.m. Oct. 23
6:30-10:30 p.m. Oct. 22 and 23
Looking for something super creepy this Halloween? Check out the Haunted Forest at Wylie Park and Storybook Land! This is a thrilling, chilling Halloween event for kids and adults of all ages, with trick or treating throughout the park. And don’t worry: There’s a matinee for kids (and adults) who want to skip the scariness of the evening performances!) Learn more.
Fort Sisseton Lantern Tour
9 p.m. Oct. 29-30
Want a little history with your spooky Halloween activity? Check out the Lantern Tour at Fort Sisseton Historic State Park! Wonder what a military Fort looks like in lantern light? This night tour blends the history and ghost stories of the Fort. (A state park entrance license is required on all vehicles entering the park; cost is $8/day or $36/annual.) Learn more.
Live Music
Whether you’re looking for a cozy coffee shop venue, such as Red Rooster Coffee House in downtown Aberdeen, or a country music concert, such as Little Texas at the Dakota Event Center on Nov. 5, there are plenty of live music options in Aberdeen!
Live Theater
Nov. 12-15
If you’re into live theater, there are multiple options! On campus, check out the upcoming NSU Theatre production, "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Jewett Theater! Performances will run at 7:30 p.m. nightly Oct. 21-23 and at 3 p.m. Oct. 24. Learn more here.
Also, off campus, you can check out the historic Capitol Theatre in downtown Aberdeen! Next up at the Capitol is “All Together Now,” a musical showcase celebrating local theater, Nov. 12-15. Learn more here!