Events

May 1, 2008 to April 1, 2009

Sculpture Walk

Fifty-five original sculptures are displayed in downtown Sioux Falls for eleven months.

Admission: Free

www.sculpturewalksiouxfalls.com
605-339-8359 - Jim Clark
605-366-1265
Sculpture Walk
_____________________________________________

January 10, 2009

Christmas with the Animals

You may celebrate Christmas in December, but the Zoo animals celebrate in January. On their special day, Zoo animals are given special gifts by our friendly Zookeeper staff. These gifts provide special nourishment and fun for the animals. Families will have a blast watching animals tear into their gifts to find the surprises inside!

Admission: Yes
  Adults: $6.80
  Children: $3.80

www.greatzoo.org
605-367-7003
Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum
Special Events Coordinator
_____________________________________________

January 16, 2009 to January 18, 2009

Greater Sioux Falls Outdoor Show

An annual outdoor show featuring boats, campers, watercraft, RVs, ATVs, fishing, hunting and other outdoor sports. Held in the Expo Building at the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds.

Admission: Yes
  Adults: $5
  Children: Free (under 12)

605-336-6186 - Larry Johns
Greater Sioux Falls Outdoor Show
_____________________________________________

January 27, 2009 to January 31, 2009

Sioux Empire Farm Show

Major farm and livestock shows featuring purebred cattle shows and sales, commercial exhibits, market livestock shows featuring swine, sheep and cattle (steers and heifers) along with rabbit shows and a horse pully located in the Expo Building at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds, 4000 W. 12th St. The week is culminated on Friday with the Sale of Champions held at the Ramkota Exhibit Hall, where the top 26 market animals are sold at a premium auction.

Admission: Free

www.siouxfalls.com
605-373-2016 -  Cindy Christensen
Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce
_____________________________________________

January 30, 2009 to January 31, 2009

Media One Funski Winter Carnival

Funski is a community-wide annual fundraiser for the Children?s Inn. This is its 20th Anniversary Celebration! There are activities for all skills and interests. Events include a snow sculpture, 5K run, Downhill Cup, Snowboard Giant Slalom, snow tube races, cross-country races, Snowboard Half-pipe Competition, frozen turkey bowling and more. Held at Great Bear Ski Recreation Park.

Admission: Free

www.funski.org
605-339-0000
Media One, Greg Blomberg
_____________________________________________

January 30, 2009 to April 1, 2009

Mall Golf

Play 9 holes of miniature golf at the Empire Mall. Each hole is 30 feet long and 12 feet wide, all custom built, and designed by the home builders associations top construction companies. You can play as a group (20 or more), or you can organize a tournament (18 foursomes). 100% of the proceeds benefit three local charities.

Admission: Yes
  Adults: $5
www.sfstampede.com
605-336-6060 - Jim Loria
Sioux Falls Stampede
_____________________________________________

February 6, 2009

Fine Arts Trolley Tours

Bi-annual tour of downtown area artists studios and galleries. Live music and great food add to the experience. Held in conjunction with First Fridays downtown.

Admission: Free

www.fineartstrolleytour.com
605-977-2002 - Deb Klebcroff
Sioux Empire Arts Council
_____________________________________________

February 20, 2009 to February 22, 2009

Annual Artists of the Plains Art Show and Sale

This annual event is the longest running regional art show promoting artists from the area. The public has the opportunity to view and purchase art by the region's best artists. Twenty five regional artists are invited for the weekend and feature Western, Native American, and wildlife art, with an emphasis on quality and diversity of work and mediums. The show is free to the public and there is a silent auction that runs through the weekend. Awards for best of show for paintings and three-dimensional work are awarded. Held at the Holiday Inn City Centre.

Admission: Free

www.augie.edu/CWS/
605-274-4007 - Lori Bunjer
The Center for Western Studies
_____________________________________________

March 13, 2009

Sleeping Beauty

As part of Main Stage Ballet's 25th Anniversary celebration, this classic ballet fairytale will be presented in a lavish full production complete with amazing dancing talent from the Sioux Falls area along with breathtaking scenery and costuming.

Admission: Yes
  Adults: 25.00
  Children: 15.00

www.mainstageballet.com
605-333-9816 - Michele Running
Main Stage Ballet & Dance Academy
_____________________________________________

May 1, 2009 to May 3, 2009

Chicago - the Musical

This drop-dead musical has it all: murder, greed, corruption and death row woman. Set to fast-paced music and dance. Recommended for mature audiences. Located at the Sioux Falls Orpheum.

Admission: Yes
  General: $17

www.mysect.org
605-360-4800
Sioux Empire Community Theatre
_____________________________________________

May 28, 2009 to May 31, 2009

Argus Leader Ribfest

South Dakota`s biggest backyard barbeque is held at the Sioux Falls Arena. Nationally-renowned vendors from across the United States showcase their specialties. There will also be live entertainment and a Kidz Fest.

Admission: Yes
  Adults: $4 @ gate
  Children: Free (12 and under)

www.sfarena.com
605-367-7288 - Abby Bischoff
Contact: Sioux Falls Arena
_____________________________________________

June 1, 2009 to August 31, 2009

Horse and Carriage Rides

Enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through historic downtown SIoux Falls on Friday nights in June, July and August!

Admission: Yes
  Adults: $5
  Children: $5

www.dtsf.com
605-338-4009 - Jacquelynn Skotvold
Downtown Sioux Falls
_____________________________________________

June 12, 2009 to June 13, 2009

Honoring Our Veterans

Come to this event as we pay tribute to our service men and women. Please bring a picture of a loved one so we may pay tribute to them.

Admission: Free

www.aissiouxfalls.org
605-334-4060 - Marilyn Lone Hill
American Indian Services, Inc
_____________________________________________

June 12, 2009 to June 14, 2009

Annual South Dakota State Polka Fest

Three day family fun dance fest with nine bands from around the Midwest with both traditional and contemporary sounds. Meet musicians and dancers from all over! Dance two step, waltz, polka, jitterbug, schottische and more. Two huge rooms each with a large dance floor. Dance contest, exhibitions and even lessons. Polka church service, ethnic food and beverage, free RV parking and hotel rooms on site.

Admission: Yes
  General: 3day, 1 day pass
  Children: free under 15

http://2008polkafest.com
605-376-8220 - Jay Davie
Sioux Empire Dance & Polkamotion
_____________________________________________

June 13, 2009

Zippity Zoo Day

Zippity Zoo Day is held the first Saturday in June and typically marks the kick-off to our summer visitor season. This fun special event features live music, large jumper inflatables, and live animal experiences. Zippity Zoo Day is all about fun for kids-jumping, playing, doing crafts, getting their faces painted or meeting each year?s baby animals. Activities are free with paid admission.

Admission: Yes
  Adults: $6.80
  Children: $3.30

www.greatzoo.org
605-367-7003
605-367-8313
Great Plains Zoo, Special Events Coordinator
_____________________________________________

June 13, 2009 to June 14, 2009

Great Plains Balloon Race

This annual balloon race is held at Kenny Anderson Park. Mass ascension balloon launches are scheduled for 6:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and 6:30 a.m. on Sunday (weather permitting). Cold air inflated balloon walk for children and parents.

Admission: Free

www.sfballooning.org
605-336-6470
Sioux Falls Ballooning Association,
_____________________________________________

June 17, 2009

Automania

Enjoy muscle and classic hot rods on Phillips Avenue as well as fabulous food and drink vendors, rock and roll and various activities. Free fun family event.

Admission: Free

www.dtsf.com
605-338-4009 - Jacquilynn Skotvold
Main Street Sioux Falls
_____________________________________________

June 20, 2009

Cecil's Day

Celebrate Cecil the Cecropia Caterpillar`s sixth birthday by enjoying caterpillar cupcakes, buggy games and crafts, Cecils reading room and book fair, and the beauty of the butterfly flight room.

Admission: Yes
  General:
  Adults: $6
  Children: $4.50 (4-18)

www.sertomabutterflyhouse.org
605-334-9466 -  Wendy Lewis
Sertoma Butterfly House
_____________________________________________

June 20, 2009

Sioux Falls Festival of Cultures

Travel the world without leaving South Dakota! The area`s best multi-cultural festival returns to Falls Park bigger and better than ever, and all the entertainment and activities are free. The 13th annual Festival of Cultures takes place on Saturday, June 20, 2009 at Falls Park in Sioux Falls, SD. Come celebrate the heritages past and present in the area and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the world at this day of family fun. The Festival of Culturers begins at 11am with the Mayor`s Parade of Flags. Colorful flags, fluid dancers and spirited music float through the air. Children of all ages will carry flags from nearly 200 countries and Native American nations. The Main Stage area will provide a steady stream of diverse sights and sounds and showcases local and nationally known performers. Enjoy cultural food at the Ethnic Eatery and stroll through over 60 cultural sales and display booths. Kids World and the Family Stage offers a place for children to learn about other cultures by listening, exploring and interacting. Diversity awards are also given to those who through sustained efforts have helped others to learn about diversity. Come celebrate your heritage at the Festival of Cultures!

Admission: Free

www.sfmcc.org
605-367-7400 - Qadir Aware
Multi-Cultural Center
_____________________________________________

June 27, 2009 to June 28, 2009

Art Falls

Fine arts festival in beautiful Falls Park. Visual arts booth, food and music highlight this two day festival.

Admission: Free

www.artfalls.com
605-361-6104
Art Falls, Suzanne Willadsen
_____________________________________________

July 10, 2009 to July 12, 2009

Hot Harley Nights

Motorcycle parade, bike show, live music, casino run, raffles, food, refreshments and more. This annual event is the hottest party in the region. Benefits the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Dakota. Held in downtown Sioux Falls and at J & L Harley-Davidson. This event has raised more than one million dollars for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of South Dakota.

Admission: Yes
  Adults: $40 (to participate)

www.hotharleynights.com
605-334-2721
J & L Harley-Davidson, Melanie Mitzel
_____________________________________________

July 15, 2009

Hot Summer Nites

An annual all-American night of celebration in the streets of downtown Sioux Falls with hot Corvettes, cool Harleys and classic rock-n-roll. More than 700 Corvettes are displayed along with a thundering Harley parade of more than 200 bikes. Food, beer, soda and several vendors are also available.

Admission: Free

www.dtsf.com
605-338-4009
Main Street Sioux Falls, Jacquelynn Skotvold
_____________________________________________

 

July 17, 2009 to July 18, 2009

JazzFest: Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Festival

Jazzfest is the largest free outdoor jazz and blues festival in the Midwest. Two stages and two days of great music and fun. There is a children`s area, rides, games, arts and crafts, fireworks, and more than 20 food vendors. Held at Yankton Trails Park. Shuttle buses available.

Admission: Free

www.jazzfestsiouxfalls.com
605-335-6101 - Robert Joyce
Sioux Falls Jazz and Blues Society
_____________________________________________

July 24, 2009 to July 25, 2009

Minn-Kota Festival for World Relief

This is the 23rd Annual Minn-Kota Festival. The Funds raised go to feed the hungry, provide health care, and community development around the world. It also helps provide assistance during natural disasters. This event includes an auction of handmade woodwork and quilts, Afghans, and wall hangings, booths of craft items, homemade candy, and children?s activities including a Kid?s Stuff Auction where kids do the bidding and a silent auction of themed baskets. A Farmer?s Market includes garden produce, baked goods, pies, noodles, dried fruit, jams and jellies, and kitchen time savers. Food Court for Friday evening and Saturday noon with meals consisting of ethnic and traditional foods, homemade ice cream. Located at the Sioux Falls Arena.

Admission: Free

www.minnkotasale.org
605-648-3254 - Peter & Lynette Preheim
Minn-kota Festival
_____________________________________________

July 25, 2009 to July 26, 2009

Sioux Falls Airshow

Two-day free air show featuring the US Navy Blue Angels, other aerobatic displays and formation flying. Approximate attendance 100,000. Held at the Sioux Falls Airport.

Admission: Free

605-336-53890 - Comet Haraldson
Wood's Law Firm
_____________________________________________

September 4, 2009 to September 6, 2009

LifeLight Outdoor Music Festival

Nation's largest free outdoor Christian music festival. Held annually Labor Day weekend. All styles of music, exhibition sports, children's activities, seminars, extreme games, merchandise vendors, on site camping (fee), water park and adventure land activities, paintball, batting cage, and more.

Admission: Free

www.lifelightfest.com
605-338-2847 - Carol Seymour / Hayzlett
LifeLight Communications
_____________________________________________

September 18, 2009 to September 20, 2009

Spirit of the West Festival

Witness the Fur Trade Era, Western and Cowboy Entertainment, Western Singers/Poets/Bands, Old West Shootouts, Cavalry Re-enactments, Cowboy Mounted Shooting. Fastdraw events. Gunspinning, Chuckwagon/Dutch Oven Cooking competitions. Period and Modern Vendors selling art, jewelry, clothing, leather goods, hunting and fishing items, camping items, food and much more. Held at 6200 N Kiwanis Avenue.
 
Admission: Yes
  Adults: $8
  Children: 12 & under free

www.spiritofthewestfestival.com
605-334-9202 - Jeanne Pattison
Spirit of the West Festival
_____________________________________________

September 19, 2009

Sioux Falls German Fest

This is an annual celebration of German heritage. You`ll find tantalizing German cuisine and drink along with the toe-tapping and nostalgic music of Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Held in downtown Sioux Falls.

Admission: Free

www.sfsistercities.com
605-274-2423 - Tiffany
Sister Cities Association
_____________________________________________

September 25, 2009 to September 27, 2009

Annual South Dakota Festival of Books

The South Dakota Festival of Books is an annual gathering of readers and writers. Over 50 of the top national, regional and South Dakota authors will meet readers over the course of a weekend at locations throughout downtown Sioux Falls. The event is family-friendly and open to the public.

Admission: Free

www.sdhumanities.org
605-688-6113 - Michelle Madsen
South Dakota Humanities Council
_____________________________________________

September 26, 2009

Sioux Falls Downtown Harvest Festival

You are invited to downtown Sioux Falls for this fun fall festival. There is a scarecrow contest, downtown eatery bakeoff, pumpkin hunt, free hayrides, balloon artist, children's carnival, apple-dropping, exhibitors and food vendors. This event is an annual fundraiser for the Food Pantry.

Admission: Free

www.dtsf.com
605-338-4009 - Jacquelynn Skotvold
Main Street Sioux Falls
_____________________________________________

October 9, 2009 to October 11, 2009

Autumn Festival, An Arts & Crafts Affair

Hundreds of exhibitors from all across the country display and sell their wares. Hourly stage entertainment, hourly Gift Certificate drawings, food and drink. Held at the Sioux Falls Arena and Convention Center.

Admission: Yes
  Adults: $6, Seniors $5
  Children: Free (10 and under)

www.hpifestivals.com
402-331-2889
Huffman Productions, Inc., Jim Huffman
_____________________________________________

October 29, 2009 to October 31, 2009

Zoo Boo

Zoo Boo is the regions premier Halloween event. More than 10,000 people attend Zoo Boo over the three nights of the event. Zoo Boo features Treat Tents scattered throughout the Zoo?s grounds and a path lit by over 300 hand-carved jack-o-lanterns. Other Zoo Boo attractions include the Hall of Flames and the Spooky Carrousel. This is a must-see Halloween event for families in our region.

Admission: Yes
  General: $5(members: $4)

www.greatzoo.org
605-367-7003
605-367-8313
Great Plains Zoo & Delbridge Museum,
Special Events Coordinator
_____________________________________________

December 31, 2009

First Night Sioux Falls

First Night is a city-wide, non-alcoholic New Year's Eve celebration that features visual and performing arts in numerous venues across the city. Includes a childrens' festival of music, theatre, books and puppet shows. Includes a downtown parade and a grand finale with midnight fireworks. Celebrate the arts while you ring in the New Year with family and friends.
Admission: Yes
  Adults: $6
  Children: $6

www.firstnightsiouxfalls.org
605-521-9406 - Shannon Barnes

First Night Sioux Falls