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- 🍔 50 burgers. 1 crown. Let the battle begin!
🍔 50 burgers. 1 crown. Let the battle begin!
Plus a few final winter break wins: crafts, causes, and cozy picks
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Snowy sidewalks, twinkling lights, and a brand new year almost here. As 2025 wraps up, we’re feeling extra thankful: for this city, the stories we get to tell, and every one of you who reads and shares along the way.
Thanks for being part of it. We’ll keep finding the good stuff if you keep opening the emails.
Here’s to a bright, cozy, joyful 2026. See you next year. ❤️
In today’s Scoop:
🍔 Grills On, Gloves Off
🩸 Rolling Up for Good
✨ Cozy Stops, Winter Pace
🥂 Countdowns, Crafts & Cocktails
🥂 End-of-Year, Done Burger-Best
Ranch & Roost is where many are landing as the calendar winds down. The lakefront setting, cozy patio heaters, and come-as-you-are atmosphere make it an easy pick for last lunches of the year or low-key celebrations.
Expect smash burgers made from fresh-ground beef, golden hand-cut fries, and standout chicken sandwiches: fast, filling, and satisfying. Hosting a get-together?
Their catering options keep things simple, with Big Lost Meadery next door for an easy toast to what’s ahead.
🎆 Paint Away the Holiday Blur
Color Me Mine is stocked with snowmen, mugs, ornaments, and cozy keepsakes, and the studio still feels calm even on busy days.
If you’re staring down the last stretch of winter break and need one more thing to do as the New Year hits, this spot delivers. College Day, Adults Night Out, and open studio hours make it easy to pop in.
The staff is warm, patient, and great at nudging your project from “maybe” to display worthy.
🍔 Burger Battle Is Back With a Record Lineup
The Gist: Downtown Sioux Falls just dropped the lineup for the 13th annual Burger Battle, and it is the biggest yet. From Jan. 1–31, 50 downtown restaurants will serve up one-of-a-kind burgers, including 13 newcomers to the competition. Last year alone, diners bought more than 84,000 burgers, pumping over $3.2 million into the local economy.
Why It Matters: This month-long food fest is a delicious way to support downtown businesses while trying something new.
What’s Next: Burgers go on sale Jan. 1, and voting runs all month long.
🩸 Heroes Behind the Badges Blood Drive Rolls On
The Gist: Sioux Falls’ 30th annual Heroes Behind the Badges blood drive is underway through January 3, with Fire Rescue currently leading Police in donations. Residents can give blood at dozens of pop-up locations around town or at local hospital donor rooms. Donors receive “Heroes Perks,” including a commemorative T-shirt, restaurant treats, a Papa Murphy’s pizza, and Skyforce tickets, while supplies last.
Why It Matters: Holiday demand is high, and every local donation helps save lives right here at home. Events continue daily into early January, with sign-ups available online.
Glinda is a soft tabby, a gentle spirit with a quietly confident charm.
This 1 year 8 month old Domestic Shorthair enjoys peaceful lounging, keeping watch from the steps, and slowly building trust with her people. She is spayed, vaccinated, and does well with other cats. Glinda would thrive in a calm home, especially alongside a feline friend. Adoption fee is $90.
To learn more about this beautiful girl...
🛼 New Year’s Family Balloon Drop Party | Skate City SD | Sioux Falls | 12/31 | More
A lively New Year’s Eve party featuring skating, prizes, and a balloon drop with surprises.
🎉 Noon Year’s Eve Party | Wings Gymnastics Academy | Sioux Falls | 12/31 | More
Open gym fun, crafts, pizza, and a balloon drop countdown made just for kids.
🌲 Last Day Hike | Outdoor Campus, Sertoma Park | Sioux Falls | 12/31 | More
A guided hike full of playful stops, fresh air, and end-of-year outdoor fun.
🎉 NYE All-Nighter | Galaxy Gaming | Sioux Falls | 12/31–1/1 | More
Ring in 2026 with an all-night gamer experience built for competition and community!
🍔 13th Downtown Burger Battle | Downtown Restaurants | Sioux Falls | 1/1–1/31 | More
Dozens of spots sling signature burgers in a competition celebrating flavor & pride!
❄️ Frosty Frolics Fun Run/Walk 5K & 10K | Spencer Park | Sioux Falls | 1/3 | More
A crisp winter run along the Big Sioux River with options for runners and walkers.
🥂 NYE Golf Party | Great Shots | Sioux Falls | 12/31 | More
A New Year’s Eve featuring golf, drinks, dessert bar, party favors, and fireworks!
🥂 New Year’s Eve Party | Dahlia Kitchen + Bar | Sioux Falls | 12/31 | More
Ring in the New Year with crafted cocktails, music, and a festive midnight balloon drop.
🎩 Top Hats & Tiaras: Premier | Harvester Kitchen by Bryan | Sioux Falls | 12/31 | More
Dress to impress at this elevated pre-party with exclusive bites, & wine pairings.
🎉 NYE Countdown Bash | The Social | Sioux Falls | 12/31 | More
Dress up and party with live music from Todd Casilli, Mike Marquette, & Undercover.
🎶 Friday Salsa Dance Social | ICON Events + DaDa Gastropub | Sioux Falls | 1/2 | More
A lively tradition featuring guided salsa instruction, open dance floor, and great food!
🎤 Adult Bingo LIVE: Comedy Game Show | Lucky’s Downtown – Club 224 | Sioux Falls | 1/6 | More
Jon Kondelik hosts a laugh-out-loud, adults-only bingo night packed with edgy humor.
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