🛍️ Downtown’s spring glow-up starts now

A lot is happening right now, and not all of it is obvious at first glance. There are the fun things, concerts, events, places to explore.

Then there are the quieter updates that will shape the city over the next few years, especially when it comes to schools and growth. We try to bring you both, so you can stay in the loop and still enjoy your weekend.

The Graduation Gift They Will Replay Forever: A Custom Song Written for Your Senior

Graduation only happens once, and it deserves something more than a gift card. Songs for Your Story takes your senior's name, memories, and inside jokes and crafts them into a fully custom, professionally produced song. Play it at the party, drop it behind the slideshow, or just send it to them on the big day. Give them something nobody else will think to give.

Country, pop, hip-hop, ballads. You pick the style. They handle everything else.

Before you decide, go to songsforyourstory.com/graduation and hit play on any song. Just 30 seconds. You will be blown away.

Starting at $49. Graduation season only.

Thank you to our sponsors who help keep this newsletter free for the community. 🙏

🗳️ Ballots Ready: Absentee Voting Starts This Friday

The Gist Absentee voting for the June 2 city, school district, and primary elections officially kicks off this Friday, April 17. Minnehaha County residents can head to the third floor at 415 North Dakota Avenue, while Lincoln County neighbors will vote at 104 North Main Street in Canton. These offices are open weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm through June 1.

Why It Matters Local elections shape our schools and streets, so getting your vote in early is a great way to skip the June crowds. It ensures everyone in our community, from busy parents to our military neighbors, has a fair and easy chance to have their say. Don't forget that the registration deadline is May 18 at 5:00 pm. You can verify your status or download forms at siouxfalls.gov/election before the polls close on June 2.

🏫 School District Launches Facilities Task Force

The Gist: The Sioux Falls School District has announced the members of a new 2026 Facilities Task Force, a community-appointed group charged with guiding long-term facility planning and laying the groundwork for a potential future bond election. The task force includes educators, business leaders, and community members, and will begin meeting this week. Their work builds on the 2018 Facilities Task Force that produced the $190 million bond referendum passed by voters with 85% support, which funded Jefferson High School, Ben Reifel Middle School, and Marcella LeBeau Elementary, among other improvements.

Why It Matters: Recommendations are expected to go before the School Board in August, with a potential bond election as soon as April 2027. For families in Sioux Falls, this is the beginning of a conversation that will shape where kids go to school for the next decade.

🥘 Hand-held traditions and deep berbere spices

Lalibela has long been a fixture on the west side, offering a dining experience that feels genuinely communal. The meal revolves around injera, the tangy fermented flatbread that serves as both plate and utensil.

It is the perfect vessel for the Ybet Wot lamb stew or the varied textures of the vegetarian combination platter. Order the crispy beef sambusa to start; the room is warm, art-filled, and perfect for an unhurried evening.

🌱 Digging into history at the barn

The 19th-century horse barn near the falls is home to Stockyards Ag Experience, a unique local landmark where history meets the harvest. You can explore the city’s economic roots through vintage photos before heading downstairs for hands-on activities.

This Saturday, April 18, from noon to 4 p.m., the Spring Planting Fest brings the plaza to life with "make and take" planters, gardening stories, and the chance to see baby chicks hatching.

Meet Lightning, a gentle nine-month-old Domestic Shorthair mix

At just seven pounds, this petite girl is the perfect balance of laid back and neighborly, often seeking out a soft lap or a sunny spot by the window. She is remarkably patient with children of all ages and enjoys the company of other feline friends.

Her spontaneous playful streaks and cuddly nature make her a lovely fit for a Sioux Falls home. You can visit her at the East Benson Road shelter where her adoption fee is currently posted at the front desk.

To learn more about this beautiful girl,

🛍️ DTSF Retailer Spring Fling Weekend | Downtown Stores & Pop-ups | Sioux Falls | 04/17–04/19 | More 
Specials, promotions, and festive energy throughout the Phillips Avenue corridor.

🏠 2026 Home Expo | Sioux Falls Arena | Sioux Falls | 04/17–04/19 | More 
Home improvement show: vendors offer deals on renovation, landscaping, and more.

🐶 Dog Adoption Event | Duluth Trading Company | Sioux Falls | 04/19 | More
Almost Home Canine Rescue brings adoptable pups; free to attend!

🏗️ Arch Week for Kids | Washington Pavilion | Sioux Falls | 04/18 | More 
Interactive building and design activities led by architects and industry professionals.

👟 Mini + Me Workout | SCHEELS | Sioux Falls | 04/19 | More 
Circuit-style class focusing on movement, confidence, and athletic games.

🌍 Earth Day Celebration | Washington Pavilion | Sioux Falls | 04/19 | More 
Discovery, recycled material design challenges, and planetarium space journeys.

🏎️ 5th Mom & Son Night Out | Chick-fil-A Empire Place | Sioux Falls | 04/20 | More
Pit crew fun with themed dinner service and special racing surprises.

📖 Story Time Tuesday | Child's Play Toys | Sioux Falls | 04/21 | More 
New book each week. All ages welcome and no registration needed.

🍔 4 Days of Flavor Reopening | The Tavern Grill | Sioux Falls | 04/15-04/18 | More
Grand celebration featuring wine tastings, pizza sampling, and live local music.

🛋️ Friends - Themed Night | The Social | Sioux Falls | 04/17 | More 
Nostalgic 90s vibes with Central Perk atmosphere, multicourse dinner, and piano hits.

🎭 Hairspray: The Musical | Orpheum Theater | Sioux Falls | 04/17-04/26 | More
Tony Award-winning: follow Tracy as she dances her way onto TV and into history.

🎸 Bailey Zimmerman: Different Night Same Rodeo Tour | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center | Sioux Falls | 04/18 | More 
One of country music's fastest-rising stars plays with openers Westbrook and Whiten.

🎵 Grieg in Dialogue: Chamber Music Recital | First Lutheran Church | Sioux Falls | 04/18 | More 
Oda Voltersvik joins Dakota String Quartet and the Rawlins Piano Trio!

❄️ COLD: Goodbye Cruel World Tour | ICON Events + DaDa Gastropub | Sioux Falls | 04/20 | More 
Rock band COLD plays their landmark RED album in its entirety.

🎬 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour | State Theatre | Sioux Falls | 04/21-04/22 | More 
Expect inspiring adventure, environmental, and films from around the globe.

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

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