The Rapid City Council split 4–4 Monday on whether to approve an alcohol license for the revived Summer Nights concert series in 2026, prompting Mayor Jason Salamun to break the tie with a yes vote. His approval came with a condition that Summer Nights organizers work directly with nearby businesses to address concerns about access and competition.
Summer Nights was canceled for 2025 after complaints from business owners and commuters about weekly road closures downtown. The 2026 events are planned for the intersection of Kansas City Street and Sixth Street, but some businesses say the new location still creates challenges.
Jason Kingsbury, owner of Cohort Craft Brewery, said the street closures would affect several small businesses and put Hay Camp Brewery in direct competition with the concert series and its beer sales. Kingsbury and others spoke in support of Hay Camp owner Karl Koth, who told the council he was overseas when news broke about the event’s relocation.
Several business owners said they felt communication from Summer Nights organizers had been lacking and urged the city to ensure better coordination.
Councilor Callie Meyer, who voted in favor of the license, encouraged supporters of the concert series not to retaliate against downtown businesses that oppose it.
Summer Nights is scheduled to return Thursday, May 28.
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