🛑 Curious why your commute has been looking a little different?

Summer has officially started to feel real around here. The patios are filling up, the evenings are stretching longer, and suddenly there are more reasons than ever to leave the house after dinner.

This week’s Scoop has a little bit of everything, from Father’s Day celebrations and outdoor concerts to a reminder that even tough moments bring out the best in our communities. Sioux Falls has always been good at showing up, and this week proves it again.

🚗 Orange cones and a fresh detour

The Gist: A series of major road construction projects launched across Sioux Falls earlier this week, altering our daily commutes. City crews started crack sealing on West 57th Street from Ellis to Marion roads and repairing water valves at West 21st Street and South Minnesota Avenue on Tuesday. Concrete repairs also kicked off on the northbound lane of Veterans Parkway on Wednesday, which will affect traffic between Paddington and Maple streets for about a week.

Why It Matters: Dealing with sudden lane closures and sidewalk detours can certainly test our morning patience, but these repairs keep our city safe and running smoothly.

🎳 Rising from the ashes in Dell Rapids

The Gist: Last week, a devastating fire completely destroyed our local PINZ bowling alley, leaving the building a total loss. To help owner Casey McCoy cover immediate needs, lost income, and support his staff, friends set up a GoFundMe page with a goal of raising around $16,000. Thankfully, no one was injured in the blaze, and Casey has already shared that he plans to rebuild the alley.

Why It Matters: PINZ has been a beloved hub for joy, laughter, and friendship across the Sioux Empire. The incredible outpouring of love, prayers, and donations is already turning tragedy into hope, proving that we never have to face hard times alone.

🍖 A Backyard BBQ with Twins tickets on the line

Big Sioux Diner & Dive is throwing a Father's Day Backyard BBQ on Sunday, with grilled favorites, live music, yard games, cold drinks, and a giveaway for 2 tickets to a Minnesota Twins game. The patio looks out over the Big Sioux River and Falls Park!

Chef Nick O'Leary built the place around butter-rich smash burgers, with breakfast burritos and pancakes anchoring the other end of the menu. The rebrand from Big Sioux Burger to Diner & Dive earlier this year expanded the hours and added shareable plates: deviled eggs, tater tots, wings.

🥃 A warehouse full of slow-sipping discoveries

Since 1998, JJ's Wine, Spirits & Cigars, a 57th Street powerhouse has quietly climbed into the top tier of independent beverage spots nationwide.

Looking for a Father's Day weekend treat? The walk-in cigar humidor and allocated Scotch library make for easy browsing, while the lounge serves up exceptional brisket nachos and smooth 1915 Old Fashioneds. Between Whisk(e)y Wednesday tastings, axe throwing, and boozy bakery treats, the space keeps things comfortably unhurried.

✨ Pipsqueak is a charming two-year-old Domestic Shorthair

Weighing in at nine pounds, this talkative cat is constantly seeking engagement and loves to share her thoughts with anyone nearby. She is an extrovert who thrives on attention and enjoys the energy of children.

While she prefers to choose her own feline and canine companions, she fits well into an active household.

To learn more about this quirky girl,

🦒 Evenings at the Zoo | Great Plains Zoo | 06/19 | More 
A summer evening exploring habitats with extended hours and family games.

🎉 Juneteenth Sioux Falls 2026 | Fawick Park | 06/20 | More 
Celebrate freedom with local culture and family activities!

🍔 Father's Day Special | Sickies Garage | 06/21 | More 
Celebrate with a classic neighborhood burger outing and special dining perks!

🍖 Big Sioux Father's Day Backyard BBQ | Big Sioux Diner & Dive | 06/21 | More
Grilled favorites, live music, yard games, and a Twins tickets giveaway.

🎭 Storyland Children’s Theatre | McKennan Park | 06/23-06/25 | More 
Familiar fairy tales, colorful costumes, and audience participation.

🍕 Fridays on the Plaza | 12th Street Plaza | 06/26 | More 
Free relaxed midday gathering with delicious local food trucks and live acoustics.

🎸 Lee Rocker of the Stray Cats | Levitt Shell | 06/19 | More 
Father's Day weekend with rockabilly hits performed by an upright bass master.

🥩 Father's Day Five-Course Dinner | Harvester Kitchen by Bryan | 06/21 | More 
Steakhouse-inspired menu with American Wagyu Striploin, reservations required.

💗 Legally Blonde: Final Weekend | Orpheum Theater Center | 06/19–06/21 | More
Season 23 closer's last three performances. Fri 7pm, Sat 7pm, Sun 2pm.

🤠 South Dakota Cattlemen's Foundation Presents Dierks Bentley | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center | 06/20 | More 
Boot-stomping country anthems and driving rhythmic energy.

🍺 Father's Expo: All White Attire | The Red Eye Bar & Casino | 06/20 | More
Celebration featuring live hip-hop sets and half-price drinks

🎤 The Papas and Mamas Tribute | Orpheum Theater Center | 06/22 | More
Nostalgic 1960s vocal folk harmonies backed by a full live band.

😎 Joe Davis & The Poetic Diaspora | Levitt Shell | 06/25 | More 
Free. Soul and spoken word performance wrapped in a welcoming atmosphere.

🎈 Grand Opening Block Party | Gameday Social HQ | 06/26-06/27 | More 
Festive two-day celebration with local food trucks and games.

Thanks for reading Our Newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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