🚲 How to ride the bus for free in Sioux Falls through Friday

One underrated thing about Sioux Falls this time of year is how easy it is to accidentally have a really good weekend. You go downtown for coffee and somehow end up at a market, a patio, and live music before the day is over.

This week’s lineup leans heavily into that energy. A little local pride, a little sunshine, and more than a few reasons to avoid cooking at home. 😎

🚲 Free rides for our local cyclists

The Gist: Sioux Area Metro is waiving all fares for riders with bicycles through Friday, May 15. In honor of National Bike Month, anyone using the bus bike racks can ride fixed routes for free just by mentioning the promotion to the driver. This follows a 21% ridership jump in 2025 as the city expands its on-demand and airport services.

Why It Matters: This is a great excuse to try out the redesigned routes without spending a dime. Pairing a bike with the bus makes it much easier to commute across town or avoid the headache of downtown parking.

What’s Next: The bike promotion ends tomorrow, Friday, but keep an eye out for the Summer Fridays free-fare program typically announced around Memorial Day weekend.

🖼️ Tea High sophomore's artwork heading to U.S. Capitol

The Gist: Cadence Micucci, a sophomore at Tea High School, has been named the 2026 Congressional Art Competition winner for South Dakota. Her mixed-media piece, The Original Soldier, was selected by U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson and will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the next year alongside winning entries from every other congressional district in the country.

Why It Matters: The Congressional Art Competition has been running since 1982 and is one of the few national programs that puts high school student artwork in actual federal hallways, a fast-growing south-metro district that doesn't always get the same press as Sioux Falls Public Schools. The piece's title, The Original Soldier, also lands appropriately ahead of Memorial Day.

🥩 The butcher shop that became a summer social club

Memorial Day prep starts and ends at Look's Marketplace. This family-owned operation traces its lineage back to 1883, though the modern space is a far more expansive beast. It functions as a culinary multitool: part craft brewery, part world-class butcher shop, and part airy bistro.

On a clear afternoon, the patio is the premier spot for a meat and cheese board paired with their signature strawberry IPA. If you’re hosting the long weekend, the move is a deliberate loop through the aisles.

Secure a brisket fresh off the smoker, a few South Dakota bison steaks, and a handful of raspberry yuzu tarts for a hit of springtime citrus!

🏁 Trading the backyard for the fast track

Sunlight and high vibes have officially arrived at Thunder Road Family Park. This sprawling campus serves as the local celebration station for the class of 2026 to soak up every second together after crossing the stage.

Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to grab your people and feel the May breeze on the go-kart track. Between the batting cages and the 7D theater, it is a fun destination for making the upcoming long weekend count.

💖 A Spot of Joy: Meet Chief

At eight months old, Chief is a striking, large-framed Dalmatian who balances athletic energy with a genuine love for quiet companionship. He is currently mastering his house training and already excels in his crate.

While he hasn't met any local cats yet, he is a social butterfly with other dogs and shows great patience with respectful children. This spirited fellow comes with an adoption fee of $525.

To learn more about this playful guy,

🐾 Yappy Hour On The Patio | Big Sioux Diner & Dive | Sioux Falls | 05/14 | More 
A spirited patio social: pup cups, local pet vendors, and seasonal drink specials.

🏃 Hometown Half Marathon, 10K, 5K & Kids Dash | Chris Larsen City Park | Sioux City | 5/16 | More 
Race start 7 a.m. Saturday. Custom medals, designer shirts, donuts at the finish line!

🏁 Sioux Falls Skedaddle Half Marathon | Family Park | Sioux Falls | 05/17 | More
A scenic and energetic distance run celebrating movement and local pride.

📚 Story Time | Child's Play Toys | Sioux Falls | 5/19 | More 
Tuesdays at the downtown location. Free, all ages, a different new book each week.

🍽️ $5 Community Dinner | SF Food Co+op | Sioux Falls | 5/20 | More 
Wednesdays while supplies last. A hot meal, no membership required, no questions!

🎈 Summer Kick-Off | Westside Recreation Center | Sioux Falls | 05/21 | More 
A community celebration featuring inflatables, classic carnival games, and a live DJ.

👑 A Night of Queen & Michael Jackson | Orpheum Theater Center | Sioux Falls | 05/15 | More 
Anthems and iconic dance routines honoring two legendary musical legacies!

🏎️ Adults Night Out: May Edition | Thunder Road | Sioux Falls | 05/15 | More
Playful late-night competition with unlimited go-karts, laser tag, and craft pub fare.

🎨 Adam Goodge Comedy & Art | Lucky's Club 224 | Sioux Falls | 05/15 | More 
An inventive fusion of stand-up storytelling and live visual art illustrations.

🎤 Kelechi Jaavaid Live Comedy | Icon Events | Sioux Falls | 05/16 | More 
Charismatic humor from a viral storyteller with effortless timing and wit.

🎸 Shinedown: Dance, Kid, Dance Act II | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center | Sioux Falls | 5/18 | More 
Coheed and Cambria & Black Stone Cherry on the bill: biggest rock show of spring!

🧀 Cheese and Wine Pairing | Plum’s Cooking Co. | Sioux Falls | 05/19 | More 
An interactive global tasting tour exploring curated cheese and wine flavor profiles.

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

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