The Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash returns again to the South Dakota State Fair. Fans can experience two thrilling nights of bucking bulls on Wednesday, September 2, and Thursday, September 3. Both nights are scheduled to begin at 8 P.M. CT.
Tuff Hedeman, a four-time world champion bull rider, Pro Rodeo Hall of Famer, and one of the most recognizable cowboys in the world, is coming back to the State Fair with 24 of the top cowboys for his annual Tuff Hedeman Bull Riding Tour. Each evening features two hours of adrenaline-pumping action played out in a sudden-death-style tournament. The bull riding starts with Tuff’s “Bounty Bull” night on Wednesday and continues Thursday night in a tournament-style event and “Shoot Out” round where the bulk of the prize money, championship title, and custom prizes are awarded.
The Red Wilk Construction American Hero Award will also be presented during the event. Since 2013, Red and his family have honored more than 100 Veterans across South Dakota.
“We’re excited to once again host the Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash in the State Fair grandstand,” said Peggy Besch, South Dakota State Fairgrounds Manager. “This event consistently delivers high-energy, edge-of-your-seat action and continues to be one of our most anticipated grandstand experiences. We’re grateful to Tuff Hedeman and the Wilk family for their continued partnership and for bringing such an incredible event back to the fair. It’s a must-see for longtime fans and first-time attendees alike.”
Ticket presale for backrest signage holders and Friends of the Fair begins Monday, May 11, through Thursday, May 14. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 8:00 A.M. CT on Tuesday, May 19. Pricing and ticket information can be found at www.sdstatefair.com.
The backrest signage program is an advertising program allowing businesses or individuals to put signage on a backrest in the grandstand. Backrest holders can purchase State Fair grandstand tickets for their corresponding signage area before general ticket sales. Additional information and pricing can be found at sdstatefair.com.
Friends of the Fair is a program through the State Fair Foundation offering a variety of benefits, including early bird access to State Fair VIP table sales, presale access to grandstand reserved seating and standing room tickets for the State Fair, complimentary daily gate admission passes, and recognition on the State Fair website.
The Red Wilk Construction Tuff Hedeman Bull Bash joins previously announced Nate Smith for the grandstand line-up.
The 2026 South Dakota State Fair kicks off on Channel Seeds Opening Day, Wednesday, September 2, and runs through Monday, September 7. For more information, contact the State Fair office at 800-529-0900, visit www.sdstatefair.com or check it out on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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