💼 Sioux Falls just hit 1.7% unemployment. Here’s what that means....

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It’s feeling like fall and Sioux Falls is leaning all the way in.

We’re talking s’mores, handmade goods, spooky mini gardens, and brews on brews. And if you haven’t been downtown in a while, it’s time for a sweet little stroll: retro diners, cotton candy burritos, and a whole lot of comfort food are waiting.

Big energy, small-town charm. That’s the vibe this week.

🥤 Shakin’ Up Downtown Nostalgia

In the heart of downtown Sioux Falls, Phillips Avenue Diner is where retro charm meets serious comfort food.

Slide into a booth, order a hand-spun shake (they’ll even split the extra into a second goblet), and don’t skip the biscuits and gravy: rich, sage-kissed perfection.

Locals love the peanut butter fluff with toast, while out-of-towners rave about the juicy burgers and crispy fries. It’s a little slice of Americana that keeps this city smiling. Learn more here.

🍭 Candy Dreams Spun to Life

Candy Cloud Factory in downtown Sioux Falls feels like stepping inside a sugar wonderland. Kids light up choosing from dozens of cotton candy flavors, and the “cotton candy burritos” stuffed with SDSU ice cream, sprinkles, and cereal are pure fun.

The shop also stocks nostalgic sweets and over 100 candies, plus baked treats that regulars swear by. Friendly staff and a playful atmosphere make it as sweet as the treats themselves. Learn more here.

📉 Sioux Falls Tops Nation for Lowest Jobless Rate

The Gist: We’re leading across the country with the lowest unemployment, dropping to just 1.7 percent in July. That’s far below the national average of 4.2 percent. With more than 11,000 job openings across the metro, businesses are still competing to fill roles even as the labor force grows.

Why It Matters: A strong job market signals stability for families and opportunity for newcomers, but it also means local employers are working harder to recruit and retain talent. Read more here.

🍴 Taste of Sioux Falls Returns Oct. 2

The Gist: Downtown’s Canopy by Hilton will host the 11th annual Taste of Sioux Falls on Thursday, Oct. 2, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The one-night fundraiser for SculptureWalk brings together 15 local restaurants offering signature bites, plus raffles for prize packages valued up to $2,500. Tickets are $175, with raffle entries at $25.

Why It Matters: This beloved event blends food, art, and community while supporting the sculptures that brighten downtown Sioux Falls. Tickets are available now at SculptureWalkSiouxFalls.com.

Hazel may be small, but she’s got big plans! 

This 3-year-old, 21 lb tricolor Shih Tzu is crate trained, making strides with house manners, and leaning on her foster sister to show her the ropes. She’ll need a fenced yard for safety and a confident dog companion to help her shine. Adoption fee is $400.

To learn more about this sweet girl, click HERE.

🏆 Governor’s Cup Rodeo | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center | Sioux Falls | 09/26–09/28 | More
Catch the Cinch Playoffs: the ultimate rodeo showdown with the nation’s best cowboys.

🐶 Bark in the Park Fun Run | Pasley Park | Sioux Falls | 09/27 | More
Family-friendly 3K/5K with contests, prizes, and pup bandanas for the first 150 dogs!

🐢 Reptile Expo | Convention Center | Sioux Falls | 09/28 | More
Educational displays, kids’ activities, and live reptiles for curious minds of all ages.

🐷 Pork Showdown | Various Downtown Spots | Sioux Falls | 10/01–10/30 | More
A month-long foodie competition featuring BBQ, chops, tacos, and more pork perfection.

👣 Tracks & Traces Hike with The Littles | Sertoma Park | Sioux Falls | 10/02 | More
Little explorers discover wildlife signs while learning about local frogs and toads.

🥨 Oktoberfest | Fernson Courtyard | Sioux Falls | 09/27 | More
Grab friends and celebrate with brews, bites, and festive games all day long.

🍺 Stacks & Steins 2025 | Holiday Inn City Centre | Sioux Falls | 09/27 | More
Celebrate with steins, snacks, Whiskey Rich live, and Oktoberfest vibes downtown.

🎶 Taylor Swift Dance Party | Sioux Falls Stadium | Sioux Falls | 09/27 | More
Experience a high-energy Swiftie celebration filled with hits, remixes, and surprises.

🎃 Haunted Dish Garden | Landscape Garden Centers | Sioux Falls | 10/02 & 10/04 | More
Craft your own spooky mini garden with figurines, soil, rocks, and more!

💲💲 Taste of Sioux Falls | Canopy by Hilton Downtown | Sioux Falls | 10/02 | More
Where culinary artistry meets public art: an elegant night to support SculptureWalk.

If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.