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The Evening Lighting Program is a ranger-led ceremony in the outdoor amphitheater below the Grand View Terrace. It runs nightly in the summer season and ends with the sculpture being lit.
This guide covers when it starts, what happens, where to sit, what to bring, what happens outside the season, and the story of the fireworks that returned for one night in July 2026.
The quick answer
The Evening Lighting Program runs nightly from late May to 30 September. It starts at 9 p.m. until about 9 August and at 8 p.m. from about 10 August, lasts about 45 minutes, and needs no ticket or reservation. Arrive about 15 minutes early for a seat. Outside the season the sculpture is still lit at night, without the program.
What time does Mount Rushmore light up?
From late May to about 9 August the program starts at 9 p.m.; from about 10 August to 30 September it starts at 8 p.m.
The NPS hours page splits the season into two bands (23 May to 9 August and 10 August to 30 September in the 2026 schedule), and the start time moves an hour earlier in the second as the evenings shorten. All times are Mountain Time. The program lasts about 45 minutes, so the lights come up near the end.
What happens at the lighting ceremony?
A ranger talk, the film Voices of America and then the lighting of the sculpture, in the outdoor amphitheater.
The ceremony is held in the amphitheater below the Grand View Terrace. The NPS program listing also mentions a ceremony honouring veterans. It is outdoors, so dress for a cool mountain evening.
Do you need tickets for the lighting ceremony?
No. The NPS states that no reservation is needed for any program at Mount Rushmore, including the Evening Lighting Program.
Entry to the memorial is free. If you drive, the parking ticket you bought earlier in the day covers the evening too, since it is valid for a year. Arrive about 15 minutes before the start for a seat in the amphitheater. More on fees in what a visit really costs.
Is Mount Rushmore worth seeing at night?
For most visitors yes: the program adds context to the carving, and seeing it lit against the dusk is a different experience from the daytime view.
It also changes the shape of your day. With the program at 8 or 9 p.m., you can spend the afternoon in Custer State Park or at Crazy Horse and come back to the memorial for the evening, or visit twice: once in the morning light, once at night. If you are on a guided day tour, check the return time: the day tours on this site are daytime tours and do not include the evening program.
See the Black Hills by day, then drive back for the lighting on your own parking ticket.
Book thisIs the sculpture lit outside the summer season?
Yes. From October to late May there is no program, but the sculpture is still illuminated each night.
The memorial is open all year, so an evening visit in autumn or winter still shows the faces lit, just without the ranger talk and film. Check the NPS hours page for current times, as they follow the season.
Were there fireworks at Mount Rushmore in 2026?
Yes, once: on 3 July 2026, for the nation's 250th anniversary, in a ticketed event open only to U.S. residents.
The State of South Dakota and the National Park Service held Independence Day fireworks on 3 July 2026, the first since 2020. Tickets were allocated by a Recreation.gov lottery in April, the memorial closed to everyone else from the evening of 2 July, and the Presidential Trail was closed for the event. Fireworks had been held from 1998 to 2009 and stopped over wildfire and water concerns. The NPS environmental review says similar events could be permitted in future years, but none has been announced for 2027.
Where should you sit, and what should you bring?
Any seat in the amphitheater faces the sculpture; bring a warm layer and a small torch for the walk back.
- Arrive early: about 15 minutes before the start for a seat, earlier in July.
- Warm layer: evenings in the Black Hills cool quickly after sunset.
- Light for the walk: a phone torch helps on the way back to the parking structure.
- Plan dinner: eat before the program, on site or in Keystone.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Mount Rushmore lighting ceremony?
About 45 minutes, including the ranger talk and film before the lighting.
When does the lighting ceremony season end?
On 30 September. From 1 October to late May there is no program, although the sculpture is still lit each night.
Is the lighting ceremony free?
Yes. Entry and the program are free; if you drive, the parking fee applies, and a ticket bought earlier covers the evening.
Will there be fireworks at Mount Rushmore in 2027?
Nothing has been announced. The 3 July 2026 fireworks were a one-off, ticketed event for U.S. residents.
Ready to book
Choose your tour
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on each of these tours. Entry to Mount Rushmore itself is free.
Black Hills & Monuments Small-Group Day
- Pickup and drop-off in Rapid City, Keystone, Hill City, Deadwood, Lead or Sturgis (per the listing)
- Admission to all attractions on the route, as stated on the listing
- A fully narrated tour in a small group of up to 14
Black Hills Day with Meals & Evening Show
Breakfast, lunch, the Black Hills loop and a chuckwagon supper show
Mount Rushmore Half-Day Tour from Rapid City
- Pickup at your hotel or Airbnb in Rapid City
- The Mount Rushmore parking fee
- Tour guide and cold bottled water
