First Friday downtown art walk returns

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) - Downtown Rapid City is about to get artsy again this summer by returning with the downtown art walk.

Last year, 17 different businesses in downtown Rapid City were featured as part of the self-guided tour.

However, this summer is looking a bit bigger. 20 businesses will be featured in this year's art walk, and the Rapid City Arts Council is teaming up with Main Street Square.

"Main Street Square is going to have a big concert from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Bert Malcom and the Tidal Waves are going to kick it off. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. is open mic so anybody can come and go," Josh Miranda, Rapid City Arts Council community and events manager, said.

This experience is free and self-guided, and families can enjoy poetry readings, painting activities, and live music.

There is a downloadable map to find what businesses are participating. You can use this for your own route, or you can choose a curated path.

"Art Walks is a great community driver to get people downtown, to get them into the businesses, and to also see that art is healing and art is love, so we would love to see you out there," Miranda said.

The event starts on Friday, July 5, and runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will run every first Friday until September. For more information, you can.