🕹️ Game on: casseroles, craft beer, and 80s flashbacks

🎪 Downtown Sandwich Cravings for Good Reason

If you're going around asking locals where to grab a sandwich downtown, Bread & Circus Sandwich Kitchen instantly gets mentioned quick. From crowd favorites like the Vietnamese chicken to classic burgers paired with freshly-made crinkle-cut fries, it's comfort food with a great personality.

Whether you're eating inside or catching a sunny day on the patio, it's the kind of place where lunch changes into a tradition instead of a one-off stop, perfect for a weekday lunch or casual hangouts.

🎮 Retro Machines, Flashing Lights, and Cold Beers

If you grew up feeding quarters into arcade cabinets or just love retro-machines with personality, EightyOne Arcade Bar feels like home. It’s packed with classic 80s and 90s games, alongside newer favorites and great pinball lineup. Regulars love their fair pricing, and the no-token simplicity.

Games are priced reasonably, so you can bounce around for hours. Staffs are friendly and laid-back. Add some cold beer, and you’ve got one of downtown Sioux Falls’ most fun, low-pressure hangouts.

The Gist: As 2026 begins, the America 250th South Dakota Commission is inviting neighbors statewide to kick off the year with purpose through the “America Gives” initiative. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, leaders like Dr. Ben Jones and Sioux Falls Commissioner Tyler Tordsen are encouraging acts of service, from meal packing and cleanups to mentoring and civic involvement.

Why It Matters: This is a fresh chance to show what South Dakota does best, pitching in and lifting each other up. To find ways to volunteer and log your hours:

The Gist: Fresh off burger season, Sioux Falls is turning the page to pure comfort food. WoodGrain Brewing downtown is hosting a month-long Hot Dish Showdown, inviting local cooks to bring their best casseroles to the table. Starting February 7, four dishes will square off each Saturday, leading to a final cook-off on March 7. It’s friendly competition, cold beer, and classic Midwest flavor.

Why It Matters: This is community pride in a pan, celebrating local cooks and the dishes we grew up on. Sign up in person at the WoodGrain Taproom to enter.

A new year is full of fresh starts, and Maple is ready to begin hers!

This 10-week-old mixed breed puppy is growing up in a foster home, learning the ropes alongside dogs and a cat. Sweet, slightly reserved, and wonderfully smart, Maple is crate trained, treat motivated, and working on house training. She does well with kids, dogs, and cats. Adoption fee is $400.