The Swinged Cat Aliment & Ale Fest is a festival of South Dakota and our neighbors! Come out and enjoy live original music, local food, local beer, and some fresh air at the first annual Swinged Cat.



WHY THE SWINGED CAT?

The Swinged Cat nickname originated from remarks made by South Dakota’s first governor, Arthur C. Mellette according to an article from the South Dakota State Historical Society.

In 1890, South Dakota was in the midst of a drought. Mellette was doing everything in his power to help settlers and keep them from leaving the state. On a trip to Chicago for aid, Mellette was met by Moses P. Handy, a friend and newspaperman. Handy asked Mellette, “Well, governor, how is South Dakota?”

Mellette replied, “Oh, South Dakota is a swinged cat, better than she looks.”

By swinged, Mellette meant “burnt” or “singed,” according to the article.





Live Music from

Ted & Alice Miller

Trap Kit

Mississippi Jake

J. Jeffrey Messerole





Participating Breweries

Crow Peak Brewing Company

Covert Artisan Ales

Ben's Brewing Co.

Take 16 Brewing Company

Lost Cabin Beer Co.

Woodgrain Brewing Co.



Dakota Territory Brewing Co.

Remedy Brewing Co.

Eponymous Brewing Co.

Dempsey's Brewery Pub & Restaurant