Free events

Free things to do in Brookings this week, updated daily. Limited to events at the library, parks and community centers -- the only venues where "free" is a known fact, not a guess.

Free events

Events Sunday at 1pm

Party on the Porch

Live music and refreshments, free admission. Visitors may bring blankets or lawn chairs. The event runs rain or shine, moving indoors if weather turns severe. Also listed by sdstate.edu.

Events Tuesday at 1pm

Brookings: Book Nook Tins Craft Class

A Book Nook Tins craft class runs September 8 at the library, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Participants create a small bookshelf nook contained in a tin. The class is for ages 13 and up. Those who have already taken this craft session are asked not to register again.

Participants build a miniature bookshelf scene inside a tin, September 8 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at the library, ages 13 and up.

Events Thursday at 1pm

Laser Printer Certification Training

The Brookings Public Library's Maker Lab is offering laser printer certification training on September 10 from 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM. This hands-on session teaches you to operate the XTool laser printer and is required before using the equipment. Registration opens September 3 for ages 18 and up.

This September 10 session teaches hands-on operation of the Maker Lab's XTool laser printer and is required before you can use it.

Events Thursday at 6pm

Brookings: Pie and Puzzles Competition

A team puzzle competition takes place at the library on the evening of September 10. Teams of four or fewer compete to see who can finish their puzzle fastest while enjoying pie, with a prize going to the winning team. Registration opens September 3, and each team only needs to sign up once.

Teams of four or fewer race to finish a puzzle first while eating pie, with a prize for the winning team.

Events next Saturday

Insect Festival

Interactive insect activities run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., including games, crafts, edible insects, monarch tagging, cockroach races, an insect photo contest, a garden tour, and a pollinator costume parade. Admission is free.

Events next Sunday

Party on the Porch

Live music and refreshments on the grounds. Visitors may bring a blanket or lawn chair. The event runs rain or shine, moving indoors if weather requires it. Also listed by sdstate.edu.

Events next Monday

Brookings: Fall Music Makers

Fall Music Makers, a rhythm-and-movement class for caregivers and their children ages 5 and under, meets at Brookings Public Library starting September 14 from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. It's a multi-week class, and a music kit will be checked out to participants at the first session for use throughout the series.

A rhythm-and-movement class for caregivers and kids age 5 and under, meeting weekly at Brookings Public Library starting September 14, with a music kit checked out at the first session.

Events next Wednesday

Brookings: Tween the Pages Book Club - Group 2

Tween the Pages Book Club meets at the library on September 16 from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m., with a second session offered the same month for kids who can't make this date. The group is for students in grades 4 and 5, and this month's pick is "You and Me and The Land of Lost Things" by Andy Griffiths. Kids can pick up a copy of the book at the circulation desk ahead of the meeting, then discuss it over snacks. Sign up for one of the two sessions per month.

Kids in grades 4 and 5 discuss this month's book pick over snacks, with copies available at the circulation desk beforehand.

Events next Thursday

Brookings: Acorn House Workshop

Participants paint and assemble a 5-inch acorn house, laser-cut by the library, for fall decoration. Ages 13 and up. Register starting September 10.

Participants paint and assemble a laser-cut, 5-inch acorn house for fall decor; ages 13 and up, registration opens September 10.

Events September 21

Brookings: Kid's Tie Pillows

A Halloween tie-pillow craft workshop runs Monday, September 21 at 6:00 PM through Tuesday, September 22 at 7:00 PM at the Brookings Public Library. Elementary-aged kids can make their own pillows to take home. Registration is through the library's event calendar.

Elementary-aged kids make their own take-home pillow at this Halloween craft workshop at the Brookings Public Library.

Events September 23

Brookings: Teen Book Club

Brookings Public Library's Teen Book Club meets September 23 from 3 to 4 p.m. to discuss "Under the Same Stars" by Libba Bray. Registrants receive a free copy of the book. Sign up through the library's event page linked with this listing.

Registrants get a free copy of "Under the Same Stars" ahead of the September 23 discussion at the library.

Events September 23

Brookings: Teen Graphic Novel Club

Teen Graphic Novel Club meets September 23 at the library, discussing "Delicious in Dungeon" by Ryoko Kui. Registrants receive a free copy of the book.

Teens discussing "Delicious in Dungeon" by Ryoko Kui at the library on September 23 get a free copy of the book when they register.

Events September 24

Brookings: Pet Parade

The Brookings Library is hosting a Pet Parade on September 24 at 11 p.m., where pets can strut down a runway judged by librarians. Bring your own pet to participate—dress them up, show off a talent, or just let them walk—or come as a spectator. If you're entering more than one pet, register each one separately; registration closes 6 hours before the event.

Pets can strut, show a talent, or just walk a runway judged by librarians at the Brookings Library on September 24.

Events October 1

Brookings: Wood Ghost Workshop

Paint and assemble a wooden ghost using the library's laser cutter. Participants choose either a book or pumpkin design. Ages 13 and up.

Cut and painted wooden ghost pieces (book or pumpkin design) get assembled at the library; open to ages 13 and up.

Events October 8

Brookings: Cricut Certification Workshop

Adults learn to operate the Cricut Electronic Cutting Machine in the Library's Maker Lab. After completing the workshop, participants can reserve the machine for independent use. The class runs from October 8 at 5:30 PM through October 9 at 7:30 PM.

Adults get hands-on training on the library's Cricut cutting machine and, once certified, can reserve it for their own projects.

Always free

Libraries

Brookings Public Library

Brookings Public Library carries books, DVDs, audiobooks, board games, video games, and maker kits, plus a regular lineup of community programs. It's open Monday–Thursday 9:30am–9pm, Friday–Saturday 9:30am–5:30pm, and Sunday 1pm–5pm, at 515 3rd St. The library sits one block east of downtown, right next to the Children's Museum of South Dakota, making it easy to pair a visit to both in one trip. With no admission cost and a wide range of formats and programs on hand, it's a low-pressure stop for browsing, reading, or picking up a game.
Hilton M. Briggs Library

Hilton M. Briggs Library is South Dakota State University's main library, holding roughly 680,000 bound volumes, 1 million microforms, and over 600,000 government documents, along with electronic journal access. It's located at 1300 N Campus Dr in Brookings, and it's a separate building from the city's public library. No hours are listed here, so it's worth checking ahead before you visit. As a university library, it's better suited to browsing and quiet study than to an outing built around younger kids.

Parks

Arrowhead Park

Arrowhead Park is a city park in Brookings, offering residents an outdoor green space within town. No hours are listed, so visitors should plan around daylight. It's located in Brookings, SD 57006. As with any city park, it's worth a stop if you're looking for a simple, no-cost place to get outside for a while.
Bark Park

Bark Park is a fenced, off-leash area for dogs on 7th Ave in Brookings, sized at about 0.78 acres. On-site parking is available, and pets are allowed to run off leash within the park. No hours are listed, so check posted signage before visiting. It's a free spot for dog owners to let their pets stretch their legs rather than a general-purpose family park.
Camelot Park

Camelot Park is a city park located in Brookings, SD 57006. No hours are listed in available information, so visitors should plan accordingly. As with any city park, it offers a free option for spending time outdoors without a set agenda or admission cost.
Dakota Nature Park

Dakota Nature Park is a 135-acre site, once a landfill, now restored into trails, ponds, and wildlife habitat with the Larson Nature Center on the grounds. It's open daily from 6am to 11pm at 22nd Ave S and 32nd St S. Visitors can fish, canoe or kayak, hike, bike, or watch birds, with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing available in winter. With that much ground and variety of trails and water, it's an easy spot to spend a few free hours outdoors as a family.
Douglas Chittick Com. Gardens

Douglas Chittick Community Gardens is a 77.2-acre park located at Medary Ave & Hwy 14 Bypass in Brookings. The grounds include modern restrooms and on-site parking, and pets are welcome on a leash. No hours are listed, so it's worth checking signage on-site before you plan a visit. With parking and restrooms available, it's an easy, no-cost stop for a family walk or a stroll with the dog.
Dwiggins Medary Park

Dwiggins Medary Park is a 25.54-acre ballfields park at Medary Ave & 8th St S in Brookings, with baseball and softball diamonds, stadium seating, and concessions on site. Modern restrooms and on-site parking are available, and pets are welcome on a leash. It's a solid pick for a family afternoon watching a game without needing to plan much beyond showing up.
Fishback Soccer Park

Fishback Soccer Park is a 63.88-acre park in Brookings built around soccer fields. It's free to visit, with on-site parking, modern restrooms, and pets allowed on leash. You'll find it at 20th St S & Medary Ave. With parking and restrooms right on site, it's an easy stop whether you're there to watch a match or just let the kids run around a while.
HillCrest Park

HillCrest Park is a city park located in Brookings, SD 57006. No hours are listed, and specific amenities aren't detailed beyond its designation as a city park. As with any city park, it offers a free option for an outing at no cost. Check with the city if you're planning around specific features, since none are specified here.
Indian Hills Park

Indian Hills Park is a city park located in Brookings, at 57006. No hours are listed, so visitors can plan around daylight and typical park use. Being a public city park, it's free to stop by anytime for residents looking for an outdoor spot without a set schedule to work around.
Larson Park

Larson Park is a city park in Brookings, offering an open, no-cost spot to spend time outdoors. No hours are listed, so check posted signage on site for access times. It's located in Brookings, SD 57006. As with any city park, it's worth a look if you're nearby and want a free, low-key place to let kids run around or just get outside for a bit.
Lions Park

Lions Park is a 2.36-acre park at Medary Ave & 12th Ave, with a playground, baseball and softball fields, modern restrooms, and on-site parking. There's no listed hours, so it's likely open standard daylight park hours. With a playground on site plus parking and restrooms, it's a straightforward, low-hassle stop for families with young kids. Dogs are welcome too, as long as they're on a leash.
McClemans Park

McClemans Park is a city park located in Brookings, SD 57006. No specific hours are listed, and no particular amenities or programs are noted beyond its status as a park. As with any free outing here, it's worth checking current conditions before heading over since details on features aren't specified. It's a straightforward, no-cost option for residents looking to spend time outdoors close to home.
McCrory Gardens

McCrory Gardens is South Dakota State University's public garden and arboretum, part of the South Dakota Arboretum, located at 631 22nd Ave in Brookings. It's a place to walk through cultivated garden grounds and arboretum plantings at no cost. No hours are listed here, so it's worth confirming timing before you head over. As a garden and arboretum setting, it makes for an easy, low-key outing for visitors who enjoy being outdoors among plants and trees.
Moriarty Park

Moriarty Park is a 10-acre park at 17th Ave & Pebble Beach Dr, offering a playground, basketball court, baseball field, volleyball court, gazebo, and modern restrooms. No hours are listed, so check signage on site before planning a visit. With a playground on the grounds, it's an easy stop for families with young kids, and restrooms are on-site for longer visits. Leashed pets are welcome, so it works for a dog walk too.
Pioneer Park

Pioneer Park is a 16.63-acre park in Brookings offering a playground, basketball and volleyball space, a band shell, and modern restrooms. It's located at 6th St & 1st Ave, with on-site parking available. Pets are welcome on leash, so it works for a family outing or a walk with the dog. With a playground on site, it's a solid option for families with young kids looking for a free way to spend some time outdoors.
Prairie Park

Prairie Park is a 19.02-acre park in Brookings, located at W 44th St. & 470th Ave. No hours are listed for this park. Pets are welcome on a leash, so it's a spot dog owners can factor in when planning a free outing with the family. As with any park, it costs nothing to visit and makes for a simple, no-plans-needed stop.
Rotary Park

Rotary Park is a city park located in Brookings, SD 57006. No hours are listed in available information, so visitors should plan accordingly. Beyond its address, specific amenities aren't detailed, so it's worth a quick look before heading over if you're planning around particular features. As with any city park, it's a no-cost option for spending time outdoors in Brookings.
Sarah Renee Park

Sarah Renee Park is a city park located in Brookings, SD 57006. No specific hours are listed in city records, so visitors should check current signage before planning a trip. It's a straightforward option for families looking for an outdoor spot to visit without any cost, and being a city park, it offers an easy, low-key place to let kids stretch their legs.
Sexauer Park

Sexauer Park is a 19.42-acre park in Brookings offering camping along with a playground, volleyball, modern restrooms, and on-site parking. It's located at Western Ave & W 10th St. Pets are welcome on leash. With a playground and parking right on site, it's an easy, no-cost stop for families with young kids.
SouthBrook Park

SouthBrook Park is a 24.92-acre park on 22nd Ave in Brookings built around its ballfields, with baseball and softball as the main draw. On-site parking and modern restrooms are available, which makes it easier to settle in for a game without a lot of extra planning. Pets aren't allowed, so keep that in mind before you head over. It's a straightforward, no-cost option for families who want to watch or play a game rather than wander a general green space.
Southside Park

Southside Park is a city park in Brookings offering open outdoor space for residents to enjoy. No hours are listed for this location, so visitors can check locally before planning a visit. It's located in Brookings, SD 57006. As with any city park, it makes for a simple, no-cost stop if you're looking to get outside for a while.
Valley View Park

Valley View Park is a city park in Brookings, offering outdoor green space for residents to visit at no cost. It's located in Brookings, SD 57006. No hours are listed, so check with the city if you're planning a visit outside typical daylight hours. As with any city park, it's a simple, no-cost option for an outing whenever you have free time to fill.
Veterans Memorial Park

Veterans Memorial Park is a city park located in Brookings. No hours are listed, and it's free to visit any time. It's found at Brookings, SD 57006. As with any city park, it offers a simple, no-cost option for an outdoor break with the family.