Patriotic bike parade, downtown open streets, watermelon games, free fishing, cat adoptions, and more. 
Happy Tuesday, Sioux Falls. You know the drill – grab your coffee (or whatever you sip in the morning), kick back, and let Sioux Falls Brief serve up everything you need to know for the week ahead:
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Bike parade 🚴
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Open Streets 🚶
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Watermelons 🍉
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Things to do 📆
Let’s get to it.
📰 In the news
$2.1M tax opt-out approved: The Sioux Falls school board voted to opt out of state tax limits, securing $2.1M in additional funds annually through 2035 without raising property taxes — get the full breakdown.
Pools packed to beat heat: Sioux Falls pools are overflowing as locals seek relief from record highs just before summer’s start — dive into the full story.
Weeklong 4th of July celebration: Sioux Falls kicked off a full week of free, family-friendly concerts, games, and community lunches on June 29th, running through July 5th. Highlights include the 4th of July Open Streets car-free festival and free swim at Terrace Park — get the full lineup.
The most underrated investment: While markets seesaws with the headlines, gold and silver are quietly holding value behind the scenes. Curious how it works? Snag this free investor kit to learn more.
Highlights this week
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Central SD parks receive Excellence Award
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Enjoy outdoor riverfront yoga with Freedom Flow
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Join the weekly pub raffle fundraiser against cancer
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Discuss small business cybersecurity at this forum
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Get 1/2 off your first TruGreen lawn treatment
🫶 We got your back
Brunch like a boss: When golden grids meet molten butter rivers and a chorus of “mmm’s” fills the air, Phillips Avenue Diner is the only place worthy of your waffle worship. Whether you’re team classic maple, rallying behind red-velvet rebellion, or diving headfirst into chicken-and-waffle fusion that defies breakfast physics, they’ve got the batter game on lock—and the syrup stash to prove it.
Pocket-sized perfection: If you’re craving dumplings that dance between delicate pleats and bold fillings, look no further than Fancy Bowl—they steam, they sear, they even deep-fry, but no matter the shape, each bite packs a flavor punch you won’t see coming.
See clearly, look cheeky: Ready to upgrade your eye game? The Eye Guys isn’t your grandma’s eyewear counter (unless grandma’s a style icon). From retro cat-eyes to modern minimalist frames that whisper “I’ve got this,” they’ll have you seeing—and being seen—in a whole new light.
Game-day glory days: When you need that signed rookie card or MVP autograph to complete your shrine, look no further than Triple Play Sports Cards. From graded gems to limited-edition collectibles, they’ve got the goods that make your living room feel like championship central—no referees required (just maybe a foam finger).
👀 Why just read it when you could be in it?
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.
This week
🤸 American Field Day @ Westside Recreation Center | Tuesday (7/1) at 3 pm – Lace up for sack races, ball tosses, and old-school challenges that celebrate community and summertime silliness. It’s an All-American throwback where friendly competition meets neighborhood hangout vibes.
🍪 Cookie Decorating Class – Sweet Land of Liberty @ Cellar 54 | Tuesday (7/1) at 6 pm – Roll up your sleeves for a red, white, and blue cookie extravaganza—think popsicle and ice-cream-cone treats with all tools provided (plus a complimentary glass of sangria!). Whether you’re a decorating newbie or a sugar-art pro, you’ll leave with a show-stopping platter ready for your 4th of July bash.
🧇 Food Truck Friday @ Paradigm Lumber | Thursday (7/3) at 11 am – Paradigm Lumber’s lot becomes a waffle wonderland with savory BLTs, ham & cheese, pepperoni pizza, and sweet strawberries & cream creations. Grab a bite, check out the showroom, and fuel your summer day with mobile mouthwatering magic.
🚴 Independence Day Patriotic Bike Parade @ Jacobson Plaza | Thursday (7/3) at 5:30 pm – Deck out your bike or scooter at our tie-dye and festive craft stations, then pedal the Plaza ribbon in full patriotic flair. It’s a hands-on ride fest where creativity meets community cheers. Registration is required, so snag your spot and kick off Independence Day early.
🚶 Downtown Sioux Falls Open Streets @ Levitt at the Falls | Friday (7/4) at 5 pm – Trade your car keys for community vibes this Fourth of July—Phillips Avenue turns into a walkable wonderland with live art activations, curated vendors, and all the downtown energy you can handle. It’s the perfect free pre-show warm-up for Levitt at the Falls or a laid-back holiday hangout under the summer sky.
🎤 Andrea Ross and Her Orchestra @ Levitt Sioux Falls | Friday (7/4) at 7 pm – Grab your lawn chair and settle in for Broadway powerhouse Andrea Ross live at Levitt at the Falls, where her soaring vocals meet a sunset backdrop. With opening act Hegg Brothers, foodie favorites from Rudy’s Tex Mex and Backyard BBQ, plus wine and spirits on tap, this free concert is barbecue meets showbiz under the stars.
This weekend
🎣 Free Family Park Fishing @ Family Park | Saturday (7/5) at 9 am – Grab a pole, soak up the morning sun, and let the stress drift away with every cast. Poles and bait are first-come, first-served, so get there early for guaranteed fun. No sign-ups, no fees—just you, nature, and maybe a few slippery surprises. Perfect for families looking to reel in quality time without the hassle.
🍉 Watermelon Roll @ Tuthill Park | Saturday (7/5) at 1:30 pm – It’s time to show off your heaviest melon and your rolling skills in this juicy contest. Farthest and shortest rollers both snag prizes, so grandma’s prize-winning heirloom might just take home the crown—or the booby prize. Bring a blanket for sunny spectating, grab a free slice, and watch the watermelon madness unfold. Let the good times—and melons—roll!
🪕 Humbletown @ Levitt Sioux Falls | Saturday (7/5) at 7 pm – Formed in Vermillion, Humbletown channels the quiet beauty of Black Hills pine forests into a bluegrass-inspired extravaganza. Expect clawhammer banjo, flatpick guitar, and upright bass weaving original songs that span old-time, hot club swing, Americana, and classic country. Opening with Bobcat Opossum, this FREE outdoor concert is summer’s soundtrack—just bring a lawn chair, snacks, and your favorite people to Levitt Plaza. Food trucks and JJ’s Wine and Spirits keep the good vibes rolling under the open sky.
🐱 PetSmart East Adoption Meet & Greet @ PetSmart at Dawley Farms | Sunday (7/6) at 11 am – Looking for purr-fect companionship? Swing by between 11 am and 4 pm to meet adorable kittens and wise adult cats ready to steal your heart. Expect whiskers, playful antics, and maybe a few surprise cuddles. It’s free to attend—just bring your love (and maybe a pocketful of treats).
🎶 Live music & entertainment
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7/1 Trever Knutson @ Golf Addiction – 5 pm
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7/1 Comedy Open Mic-on @ Icon Event Hall – 7 pm
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7/1 The Heinous @ DaDa Gastropub – 8 pm
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7/2 Raine and Big Daddy @ Tinners Public House – 7 pm
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7/3 Too Drunk to Fish @ Wileys Bar – 7 pm
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7/3 Open Mic Night @ Lucky’s Bar – 8 pm
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7/4 Gabriel Michael @ BB’s Pub – 2 pm
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7/5 Whiskey Truth & Flannel @ BB’s Pub – 7 pm
🏠️ This house is wild
*This️ 👇️ could be your listing. Hit us up if you’ve got a home (or 12) to sell.
Teresa J Geiken & Amy M Stockberger (Amy Stockberger Real Estate) – 6 bedrooms | 7 bathrooms | Built in 2021 | 7465 sqft
Four acres of pure, unadulterated peace—plus a house that could moonlight as a boutique hotel, if it weren’t so busy showing off. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the great room in sunlight, while the kitchen is ready for secret midnight snacks or culinary showdowns, complete with a walk-in pantry so big it might just have its own zip code. The primary suite? Think five-star spa meets walk-in closet envy, with dual offices nearby for “working from home” (or hiding from chores).
Out back, the pool and hot tub are flanked by an outdoor kitchen and a dedicated bathroom—because wet footprints through the house are so last season. Downstairs, the wet bar, wine cellar, gym, sauna, and rec room are basically a playground for grown-ups (and their offspring). Add in a detached garage for car collectors, a soundtrack courtesy of the whole-home audio system, and direct access to the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum, and this estate is basically showing off.
Window shopping is free — take a peek inside →
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