Burning Beetle Event 12-20-2024 in Custer, South Dakota

The Burning Beetle is an annual Winter event located in Custer, South Dakota. The event is ALWAYS on the third Saturday of January.

The event was created in response to the Mountain Pine Beetle, and the massive landscape change and forest destruction caused by the tiny beetle. The event supports the Custer Area Arts and includes a community variety show, a torch-bearing march, a burning beetle effigy, and a Custer pub (bug) crawl supporting our local establishments. At the end of it all, we hope those who attend will walk away with more awareness of the mountain pine beetle, its destruction of our forests, and a better understanding of forest management and our beautiful home - The Black Hills.

Video courtesy of Sam Boettcher of Custer, SD.