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🎮 Curious how SD just reached a multi-million dollar deal with Roblox?

🎮 Curious how SD just reached a multi-million dollar deal with Roblox?

Also inside: The Sioux Falls Airshow weekend, accessible upgrades for parks, and a discount at Wayne & Mary’s.

July 16, 2026

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Summer is flying by, but there is still plenty of time to make the most of it. The nights stay warm a little longer, the parks are busy, and this weekend is packed with reasons to get outside.

From the Thunderbirds soaring overhead to live music at Levitt, farmers markets, and plenty of free events, there is something for everyone. Skip the chores for a few hours, grab your sunglasses, and enjoy one of the best weekends of the season.

⚖️ South Dakota settles with Roblox over online safety

The Gist Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that South Dakota has secured a 15 million dollar settlement with the gaming platform Roblox to address children's online safety. Over the next four years, the funds will support local programs, including 2.6 million dollars for the state's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and 5 million dollars for the Department of Education's after-school initiatives.

Why It Matters This settlement puts significant resources directly into our schools and local law enforcement to protect our kids where they spend so much of their free time. It is a reassuring step forward for parents navigating the digital world, ensuring our community has the tools to keep children safe online.

🛝 Sioux Falls park upgrades bring play for everyone

The Gist The City of Sioux Falls is transforming Lyon Park on Phillips Avenue and Prairie Trail Park on Tomar Road this summer by replacing 25-year-old playgrounds with accessible BCI Burke structures. Both locations will receive smooth rubber surfacing instead of wood mulch, while Prairie Trail Park will also get a new picnic shelter and drinking fountain.

Why It Matters By focusing on true accessibility, these neighborhood spots are becoming more welcoming spaces where every family feels included. Construction is underway, and the city expects both updated parks to be ready for the neighborhood to enjoy by late summer or early autumn.

🥘 Comfort food with a high-end, laid-back twist

Located in the Country Inn & Suites Hotel, 200 E 8th St, Sioux Falls

Ten years in, the Ode to Food and Drinks still masters “gourmet in blue jeans.” Now set along the East 8th Street riverfront, it pairs a relaxed, sunny patio with remarkably attentive hospitality, where the chef might even craft an off-menu dish to match your dietary needs.

Unwind with a creative cocktail from their mixologist, or pair the legendary ghost pepper cheese burger with their highly addictive, house-made sweet potato chips!

🏖️ Sunshine essentials that give right back

3700 South Kiwanis Avenue & 1518 South Sycamore Avenue, Sioux Falls

July means packing the lake bag with clean, chemical-free SPF formulas and more. While stocking up at Wayne & Mary’s Nutrition Center (the region’s trusted, third-generation family health resource since 1970) bringing in school supplies for their annual Project SOS drive gets you 10% off regular purchases through July 31st.

Stop by their Kiwanis Ave or Sycamore Ave location to consult their expert nutrition team, shop essentials for summer, and help students head back to school prepared.

Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!

Looking for a pint-sized companion? You have to meet Little Dude!

A small, chocolate-brown Domestic Short Hair, he brings a big personality in a compact package. This talkative fellow spends his afternoons chasing toy springs and flopping over for well-deserved belly rubs.

He is wonderful with kids and other cats. He is fully house-trained and ready to join your home through the Sioux Empire TNR Coalition for a $150 adoption fee.

To learn more about this quirky boy,

🛍️ Summer Crazy Days | The Bridges at 57th Street | 07/17-07/19 | More
Outdoor shopping with deep seasonal discounts and sidewalk promotions.

🐠 Kid's Day at BHA | Butterfly House & Aquarium | 07/18 | More
Aquatic crafts, scavenger hunts, & educational biologist talks with animal feedings.

🧘 Yoga in the Park | Lloyd Landing | 07/18 | More
A scenic outdoor session focused on flexibility and mindful movement in nature.

🎈 IZZISCON | Sioux Falls Convention Center | 07/18 | More
A free festival with colorful inflatables, creative crafts, and children's games.

✈️ Sioux Falls Airshow | Joe Foss Field | 07/18-07/19 | More
Watch the USAF Thunderbirds and diverse aerial performers in this showcase.

🐝 Honeybee Festival | Laurel Ridge Barn | 07/19 | More
Sweet honey tastings, pollinator-friendly crafts, and live demonstrations.

🏍️ Soo Foo MotoFest | J&L Harley-Davidson | 07/17-07/19 | More
Bike shows, demo rides, and local food trucks gather for motorcycle enthusiasts.

🎸 Oh He Dead | Levitt Shell Sioux Falls | 07/17 | More
Infectious, upbeat indie rock with soulful vocals and dancing rhythms.

🎭 The Unteachables Comedy Tour | Lucky's | 07/17 | More
Authentic stand-up routines inspired by the chaos of modern public classrooms.

🎶 Municipal Band Summer Concert | Terrace Park | 07/19 | More
Italian-inspired arrangements performed live in a beautiful, shaded lakeside park.

💍 Sioux Empire Wedding Showcase | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center | 07/19 | More
An extensive regional bridal showcase connecting planners with industry experts.

🎤 Concert Series: Alexis Lorene | Good Earth State Park | 07/19 | More
Easygoing, soulful folk tunes echoing through scenic, ancient river cliffs.