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Presented by Improvise Arts, the Black Hills Jazz Festival encourages listeners to move through downtown Rapid City while discovering music in unexpected places April 22-25, 2026.
Inspired by global festivals recognizing International Jazz Day and Jazz Appreciation Month, the Black Hills Jazz Fest highlights exceptional South Dakota based musicians performing alongside nationally and internationally touring artists.
Last year’s inaugural festival welcomed approximately 3,000 people downtown for a one day celebration, showing the community’s hunger for live jazz and community-driven events.
This year, in response to growing demand, the 2026 Black Hills Jazz Fest expands to include three special ticketed performances leading up to Saturday’s free events:
Special Ticketed Performances:
Wednesday, April 22
The Catalyst Theatre
Trumpeter Alex Massa hosts a one-of-a-kind evening with Black Hills Jazz Fest’s featured national artists: Chicago bassist Emma Taylor, Bulgarian guitarist Georgi Petrov, and New Orleans percussionist Brendan Bull. You’ll witness a musical conversation unfold in a small black box theatre that entices deep listening.
>> Link for tickets coming soon <<
Thursday, April 23
The Blind Lion Speakeasy
Celebrate New Orleans — the city where American music was shaped. This “Big Easy” inspired evening takes place in a prohibition era speakeasy, featuring traditional swing, handcrafted cocktails, and a limited food menu designed to pair with the music.
>> Link for tickets coming soon <<
Friday, April 24
The Journey Museum
The 18-piece South Dakota Jazz Orchestra, led by trombonist Danny Thornburg, performs a program spanning the 20th century — from Duke Ellington and Stan Kenton to original compositions by local and national composers.
>> Link for tickets coming soon <<
10 Free Live Music Performances:
Saturday, April 25 – Downtown Rapid City
Enjoy a free, multi-venue downtown celebration of music and community. You are invited to walk, crawl, roll, and stroll from space to space, experiencing live jazz and making new friends along the way.
>> Link for Jazz Fest map coming soon <<