Night Blasts at Crazy Horse Memorial

June 26th & Sept 6th

Among the most popular events at Crazy Horse Memorial are the two night blasts traditionally held each year. The spectacular ceremonial blasts light up the mountain with incredible fireballs and specially designed pyrotechnical features.

The first night blast of the year is June 26. It celebrates the birthday of Mrs. Korczak (Ruth) Ziolkowski, wife of the late Crazy Horse sculptor. Since her husband's death in 1982, she has directed all operations at the nonprofit Memorial.

The June 26 blast also commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of the Little Big Horn in 1876. The battle was June 25, 1876. Crazy Horse was a main strategist in the defeat of Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and his troops.

The second traditional night blast of the year is on September 6th. The blast celebrates the dual anniversaries of the 1877 death of Crazy Horse and of the 1908 birth of sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski.

The public is welcome at the night blasts. After 6 p.m. on the days of the night blasts the Memorial gratefully accepts three cans of food per person for the KOTA Care and Share Food Drive in lieu of the regular admission fee. Because the night blasts are among the Memorial's most popular events, the public is advised to arrive early. The restaurant at Crazy Horse closes on the evenings of the night blasts but the Snack Shop remains open.

Important note: Night blasts are conducted on a "weather permitting" basis.