Good morning, Sioux Falls.

Twenty-six downtown restaurants are hosting the annual Pork Showdown that features unique dishes made with South Dakota pork.

Diners can taste these creations until Oct. 31 & vote via the Downtown Sioux Falls Passport App to boost local foot traffic.

A raffle is offering a restored 1969 Chevy truck donated by Auto Werks and former Schulte Subaru owners to benefit homeless shelters.

Tickets cost $20 and funds support the St. Francis House and Union Gospel Mission — the drawing is set for Monday, Oct. 5 at the Convention Center.

On Oct. 1, community gathered at the Quarry near Falls Park for the Dream Big event, voting on maps with stickers to share ideas for its future and enjoying music.

The event highlighted a grant (worth $15 million from the Bezos Earth Fund) with development planned to begin in 2028.

Jeff Poppenga—a disabled father nominated by his daughter—received a free Lennox heating and cooling system Saturday morning through the annual Lennox ‘Feel the Love’ campaign, with Howe Plumbing and Heating installing the unit in his home.

Officials warn local drivers to slow down at dawn and dusk as deer migration and mating raise collision risks (especially in October and November).

Experts advise drivers to avoid swerving, which can lead to more severe accidents.

The Sioux Falls Native American Day Parade (its ninth annual event) will take place on Oct.

12. Organizers face rising barricade costs (exceeding $8,000) and hold fundraisers to meet their goal amid new city safety requirements.

The 39th annual Festival of Bands ran Saturday morning in downtown Sioux Falls.

Bands from the area and out of state marched down Phillips Avenue before competing at Howard Wood Field (their performance featured a baseball theme) amid cheers from hundreds of local fans.

Siouxland Libraries will host Longmire author Craig Johnson as part of the Scary on the Prairie events this October (a series designed to spotlight local literary talent) for residents seeking a spooky experience.

After launching a new vital records system last month to enhance security and integrity, the Department of Health has faced technical glitches delaying death certificates statewide—in some cases, local families and funeral homes, such as one in Fort Pierre, are still waiting three weeks after a death to process estates.

Sanford and Avera are hosting events and fundraisers during Breast Cancer Awareness Month to support early detection and research.

Bloom the Boutique held a pop-up fundraiser on Thursday at 1309 W. 17th St. (open weekdays) while Avera's We Care Pink Hair events take place statewide this month.

The 14th annual Governor’s Cup Chess Tournament will be held at the Sioux Falls Convention Center from Friday, Oct.

16 to Sunday, Oct. 18. Presented by Chess Weekend, Inc. (South Dakota Chess Association), the tournament will feature about 125 players from across the world and free entry for spectators.

2026 Leadership & Culture Summit

The 2026 Leadership & Culture Summit is a full-day experience designed to give leaders practical strategies to strengthen their teams, workplace culture, and ability to navigate today’s workforce challenges. Through an energizing keynote, interactive sessions, and peer discussion, attendees will walk away with actionable tools for attracting and retaining talent, leading through change, and building workplaces where people want to stay and grow.

2026 Leadership & Culture Summit

The 2026 Leadership & Culture Summit is a full-day experience designed to give leaders practical strategies to strengthen their teams, workplace culture, and ability to navigate today’s workforce challenges. Through an energizing keynote, interactive sessions, and peer discussion, attendees will walk away with actionable tools for attracting and retaining talent, leading through change, and building workplaces where people want to stay and grow.