Good morning, Sioux Falls.

Hobby Lobby will open its 55,000 sqft store in Foss Fields next fall, marking the first major east-side retail development in nearly 20 years and adding 30 to 50 jobs while attracting national retailers — a sign of growing retail activity.

A recent study (from Restaurant Furniture) using nearly nine million Google reviews found that two 24-hour McDonald’s outlets in Aberdeen rank among the nation’s best with a 3.9 score, and South Dakota’s overall 3.51 average for 24 locations placed the state 11th nationally.

Today, summer sunsets brighten the open skies over Sioux Falls as longer days let the horizon burst into vibrant oranges and pinks (a gentle reminder for residents to pause and appreciate nature).

Alton Brown will headline a live culinary show at the Washington Pavilion on November 4.

Tickets for the general public go on sale July 31 at 10:00 a.m. (donors and members access tickets earlier).

Sioux Falls School District cut the ribbon on the Lucas P.

Wintrode Learning Lab at Community Campus on July 27; the new facility features a practical assessment system with simulated job stations (cashiering, kitchen work, and apartment living) to support career readiness.

On July 27, 2026, more than 200 middle school students attended the Your Future STEM camp at Augustana University to explore STEM career paths.

Sponsored by the Sioux Falls Development Foundation and Forward Sioux Falls, the camp featured aerospace experiments by Aerostar International (using helium balloons and paper clips).

Residents in Sioux Falls are noticing smoky air from wildfires burning far away in western Canada (including Alberta and British Columbia) and parts of the US, as strong winds carry haze that could affect outdoor activities for those with health concerns.

Gov. Larry Rhoden — a rancher from Union Center — and businessman Toby Doeden face a runoff election today after no candidate reached 35% in the June 2 primary.

Voters cast ballots from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. statewide, and the winner will challenge Dan Ahlers in November.

A Fargo-based developer will break ground on Aug.

5 southeast of Six Mile Road & Arrowhead Parkway for an active adult community for residents 55 and older. The project offers 95 floor plans with balconies & amenities like a yoga studio, golf simulator and trails, with completion expected in 2028.

Sioux Empire Fair

Daily from 8 a.m. — Sioux Empire Fair — Adults: $10, Children: $5, Free for kids under 5 — Experience a classic fair with rides, food, and fun for the whole family.

Katie Fee Live at the Sioux Empire Fair

2-6 p.m. — Sioux Empire Fair — Free entry — Celebrate the sounds of Katie Fee's musical journey influenced by '90s country legends.

James Dean Acoustic

11 a.m.–6 p.m. — Sioux Empire Fair — Ticket prices vary — Experience the musical journey of Katie Fee influenced by iconic '90s country artists.

Frozen Jr.

Various times — Orpheum Theater Center — Cost varies — Experience the magical tale of sisterhood and adventure with Princesses Anna and Elsa.