Good morning, Sioux Falls.

Sioux Falls Great Plains Zoo invites visitors to help name its new snow leopard cub by choosing among three Nepalese names—Asha, Isha, and Maiya—and visitors can see the cub and her mother in the outdoor habitat.

Votes cost $5 each or $20 for five and close on October 18, with every dollar supporting the care of the endangered cats.

Casey's acquired the remaining four Kum & Go stations in Sioux Falls at 412 N.

Sycamore, 1400 N. Cliff, 1400 N. Minnesota and 1005 W 11th—bringing its total to 14 stores in the city. The deal follows the conversion of three other outlets to Mega Saver nearly two weeks ago as Maverik continues to rebrand its Kum & Go locations.

Over Easy, a nationally recognized breakfast and brunch chain from Arizona, is set to open three restaurants in Sioux Falls with the first at Dawley Farms scheduled to open in 2026 after a groundbreaking on Oct.

1. The new restaurant will seat about 170 guests — designed by local architect Lanny Auringer, it brings the brand's modern twist to the local dining scene.

The 38th Annual Festival of Bands will take place on October 4 in downtown Sioux Falls with a free parade starting at 8:30 a.m. on Phillips Avenue and a field competition beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Howard Wood Field—expecting 40 school bands, over 3,000 students, and nearly 20,000 visitors.

A recent analysis found that Pukwana in Brule County is the hardest city name to pronounce in South Dakota—its correct pronunciation is PUCK-wan-nah and the name honors its Native American roots.

The small town, featured in the study alongside other state names, offers a glimpse into the region's rich heritage.

Haunted Farm near Worthing will open on Friday, October 3, offering a Haunted Barn, Haunted Woods, and Haunted Hayrides for $25 per ticket—visitors can also enjoy warm snacks at the heated Snack Shack after their spooky adventure.

Sioux Falls building permits exceeded $1 billion by September, boosted by a $44.1 million airport terminal expansion — the largest permit — that helped the city reach the milestone two months earlier than past years.

Commercial permits climbed to $516.2 million as the market rebounded after a slow August.

Farmers in western South Dakota face tough, dry soil and harsh weather to harvest wheat, sunflowers, Milo, and cattle, while eastern farmers benefit from kinder rains that boost yields of corn and soybeans — showing two distinct ways to work the land.

Both regions share long hours in the fields and the pride of bringing in another crop.

At Dakota State University, students have enrolled in the new Cisco Networking Academy program that offers hands-on training to prepare for the CCNA exam—helping them build skills for future technology careers.

The program launched this fall after DSU certified its instructors and has already seen more student participation than expected, giving graduates like Luke Constantino a head start in cybersecurity.

October is National Community Planning Month and Sioux Falls is hosting its annual Citizens Planning Academy to help residents learn about the city planning process – residents can also offer final feedback on the Shape Sioux Falls 2050 Comprehensive Plan at an open house Monday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Downtown Library.

The federal government shut down after midnight Oct 1 and may lead to furloughs for 8,940 South Dakota federal workers, as nonessential agencies pause operations.

Essential workers like military and law enforcement continue to work but will not receive pay until funding is restored — federal negotiations remain stalled.

Flyers at the Sioux Falls airport noticed construction on the south side of the terminal as crews removed concrete and gravel to install drainage for a new concourse that will increase seating and flights.

During the demolition phase one gate was lost—officials plan to manage traffic smoothly—while the $70 million project is set to finish in March 2027.

Sioux Falls homeowners transformed a basic concrete pad into a modern outdoor living space with old world pavers, modern walls and improved landscaping—Ray Landberg from Hardscapes Outlet said the project by Oakridge Nurseries will be featured in the Showcase of Remodeled Homes on Oct. 4 and 5.

Herb Alpert Concert Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — Mary W. Sommervold Hall — $51.64 – $85.89 — Celebrate Herb Alpert's 90th birthday with an evening of timeless hits and iconic milestones.

Discover Clear Vision Through Laser Correction or Implant Surgery

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Discover Clear Vision Through Laser Correction or Implant Surgery

Frustrated with your vision? Our FREE vision correction seminar will clear up any confusion. Whether you’re dependent on glasses or contacts, need reading glasses or bifocals, or it’s time to consider options for cataract surgery, this educational seminar with FREE mini-screenings is for you or your loved one.

South Dakota Rock and Rollers Hall of Fame Celebration

6-10:30 p.m. — The District — $35.00 – $3,000.00 — Celebrate the local music scene with a Battle of the Bands and an Inductee Gala.

Wolfpack Trials: A HYROX Simulation

8 a.m. – 4 p.m. — CrossFit Kota — Check the website for entry details — Test your endurance and strength in this challenging HYROX-inspired fitness event.

Back to the Future: The Musical

Oct 14-19 — Mary W. Sommervold Hall — $48.53 – $151.29 — Experience the beloved story of time travel brought to life on stage with original music and classic hits.

Jon Pardi: Honkytonk Hollywood Tour 2025

7-8:30 p.m. — Denny Sanford PREMIER Center — Ticket prices range from $69 to $477 — Catch country star Jon Pardi live in Sioux Falls for a night of honkytonk fun.

Back To The Future - The Musical

2-4 p.m. — Washington Pavilion — Check out the Broadway adaptation of the classic film that won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical.

Spotlight Theatre Company Presents: Beetlejuice JR.

Oct 23-26 — Orpheum Theater Center — $20.23 — Enjoy the frightfully funny musical adaptation of the beloved film featuring a young girl and a mischievous ghost.

Liam St. John Live Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Bigs Bar — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying night as Liam St. John brings his soulful music to the stage.

18th Annual Trick or Treat Run 5K & 10K

9:30 a.m. — Pasley Park — Registration required — Enjoy a festive run along the bike path decorated for Halloween.