🛩️ Look up: A massive weekend is returning to Joe Foss Field

We’re settling into a comfortable rhythm here in Sioux Falls. The mornings are perfect for wandering a farmers market, afternoons call for a stop somewhere with good pie or a shady patio, and by evening there's almost always live music filling the air.

This Scoop is packed with reasons to get out and enjoy it all, from exciting airshow news to community projects taking shape and plenty of events worth adding to your calendar. We hope it inspires you to explore somewhere familiar, or maybe discover a new favorite along the way.

🛫 Rising to the skies in Sioux Falls

The Gist The 2026 Sioux Falls Airshow is making its big return to Joe Foss Field and the South Dakota Air National Guard Base on July 18 and 19. Airshow Committee Chair Lisa Hirsch announced that this free event will feature base open houses, static aircraft displays, and military exhibits, all headlined by the spectacular U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The weekend pulls double duty by celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States alongside the 80th anniversary of our South Dakota Air National Guard.

Why It Matters: This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to step onto the base, meet our local Airmen, and honor those who serve right here in our backyard. Beyond the thrilling loops and stalls in the sky, it is a chance to inspire the next generation of local flyers and bring the whole neighborhood together to celebrate our shared history.

What's Next: You can catch Discover Aviation Day ahead of the main event on Thursday, July 16, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Maverick Air Center for hands-on activities and interactive career exhibits.

🏊 Kuehn Park breaks ground on a new aquatic center ++

The Gist: The City of Sioux Falls broke ground last quarter on a new aquatic center at Kuehn Park, planned for completion in summer 2027. Mayor Paul TenHaken, Councilor Jennifer Sigette, and staff from Parks and Recreation gathered for the ceremony. The new facility will replace and expand what is currently there, adding modern amenities to one of the city's most-used family parks.

Why It Matters: The city has been steadily investing in public swim options, from the recently reopened McKennan Park wading pool to new splash pads at Falls Park West. The Kuehn Park groundbreaking signals another year of steady summer-recreation upgrades on the schedule.

🥧 Retro diner nostalgia done exactly right

Operating on North Minnesota since 1974, Crack'd Pot Restaurant defines the classic community diner. Summer calls for their Friday afternoon hot dog lunches with a crisp trip through the legendary salad bar.

The atmosphere is welcoming, providing a midday escape from the desk routine or a soft landing for Friday night prime rib. Save room for the sour cream and raisin pie. That is the correct order. 😉

🍇 Pouring community spirit by the glassful

Sioux Falls native Mel Guse brought her expertise back home to open Gist Wine Shop, a cozy downtown room dedicated to naturally fermented wines. This award-winning spot treats exceptional pours as a wonderful community builder.

On Tuesday, July 14, their Bastille Day celebration features curated French flights alongside a guided language lesson at 5:30 PM. Regular monthly classes, events, and an evening civics series keep the calendar lively all summer long.

Dottie is a goofy 4-year-old American Staffordshire + Pit Bull Terrier.

Weighing 62 pounds, this clever dog is fully house-trained, crate-trained, and loves a good game of tug-o-war. She gets along well with cats and other balanced dogs, and she prefers a home without teenage boys.

Available for a virtual meet-and-greet from her foster home with future transport arranged by Heart of the Underdog, her adoption fee is $450.

To learn more about this friendly girl,

💦 Hydrant Party | Morningside Park | 07/09 | More 
Refreshing public water sprays, music, and interactive lawn games.

🎪 Jelly of the Month Club | Levitt at the Falls | 07/11 | More 
Funky rock and playful storytelling that gets every generation dancing together.

🎈 Summer Giveback Block Party | Vanessens Salon & Suites | 07/11 | More 
Yard games, live rock bands, food trucks, and a charitable diaper drive.

🎷 An American Roadtrip Concert | Terrace Park | 07/12 | More 
Orchestral arrangements and travel-inspired American music!

🍑 The Fruit Truck Market | Kiwanis Avenue | 07/13-07/17 | More 
Sweet, freshly harvested Colorado peaches and artisan foods.

🐕 Meet Sioux Falls’ Real-Life Superpower Dogs | Mary W. Sommervold Hall | 07/15 | More 
Live police K-9 unit demonstrations paired with a giant-screen documentary.

🎤 Lallycooler Music Festival | The Birdcage | 07/10-07/11 | More 
Massive open-air stadium country, pop, and rock anthems lighting up the night.

🎹 Matthew Whitaker Jazz | Levitt Shell Sioux Falls | 07/11 | More 
Innovative jazz improvisations and infectious piano funk grooves under the sky.

🕺 Off Campus Night | Icon Event Hall & Lounge | 07/11 | More 
Themed dance party featuring custom edits and collegiate soundtrack anthems.

🧥 Totally Rad Vintage Fest | Sioux Falls Convention Center | 07/11 | More
Marketplace offering retro fashion finds, vintage arcades, and nostalgic memories.

🍳 Celebrating Americana Cooking Class | Plum's Cooking Co. | 07/14 | More
Regional dishes prepared step-by-step in an interactive, chef-led setting.

🚗 Emily's Hope Cruise Night | Autoland | 07/15 | More 
Automobile showcases and vintage car displays supporting addiction prevention.

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

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