🍺 Spicy pepperoni downstairs, pinball and sour beer upstairs?

We're officially in that strange stretch of August where summer is still going strong, but back-to-school lists are starting to appear everywhere.

So before the calendars get completely taken over by practices, meetings, and homework, there's still time to enjoy the city. Grab dinner on a patio, catch a show, explore downtown, or just find somewhere new to try. We rounded up a few good options for the weekend ahead.

🚌 New artist-designed buses rolling through

The Gist Sioux Area Metro and Via have officially launched the Better Bus initiative, wrapping four SAM buses with winning designs from local artists Kenzie Shubert, Tom Bates, Yuharelly Comparan, and Scott Parsons. Inside, riders will see upgraded lighting and digital screens as part of a citywide push to modernize public transit.

Why It Matters: For a city growing this fast, a bus system that feels like it belongs to the community (and not just to the people who have to ride it) matters. Turning the buses into rolling art is a small but genuine way of saying so. The new buses debuted at Downtown Open Streets on Aug. 7 and are now in regular circulation.

🍎 Class is almost in session in Sioux Falls

The Gist: The Sioux Falls School District has nearly completed its teacher hiring for the fall, bringing on 145 new teachers out of 1,216 applicants. Becky Dorman, senior director of human resources, reported that 85 percent of job offers were accepted, though 106 support staff positions remain open as the new school year approaches.

Why It Matters: Having classrooms fully staffed with eager educators means our kids will get off to a great start this fall. It takes a full team to keep our neighborhood schools thriving, so filling those remaining support roles will ensure every student gets the care and help they need every single day.

🍕 Craft pies, arcade nostalgia, and patio hangs

The Fernson Brewing team transformed the Harvester Building into Totally Rad Pizza: where artisanal craft meets pure fun.

Upstairs serves Neapolitan-tavern hybrids built with Bianco DiNapoli sauce and Ezzo pepperoni. Downstairs houses pinball, darts, and a nostalgia-packed photo booth. Pair a spicy Riptide pie with their crushable Dakota Dreamsicle sour, then snag soft serve on the sunlit courtyard patio near the Levitt.

🔨 Where local lumber become forever tables

Sawdust & Splinters expanded from a two-car garage into a commercial workshop off Ellis Road, where Joe and Kelly Piacentino handcraft custom dining sets built to pass down. Four kids pitch in, hand-sanding every step and carving metallic-inlaid knots or custom game boards.

Time to submit room measurements for a custom table width or thickness, giving your home a substantial centerpiece before the autumn rush.

Meet Jolene, a spirited Siberian Husky mix

With a coat as striking as a winter sky, this 4-year-old weighs 44 pounds. She is an independent soul who approaches life with careful curiosity. While she prefers the company of older children and is selective about her canine friends, her high energy makes her an excellent companion for long, brisk walks along the Big Sioux River.

She is currently waiting at the Benson Road facility, with an adoption fee of $150.

To learn more about this beautiful girl,

🪐 Starlab Inflatable Planetarium | Old Courthouse Museum | 08/13 | More 
Explore constellations and the night sky inside a portable, immersive dome.

🎀 Barbie: From Exhibition to Big Screen | Washington Pavilion | 08/13 | More Pink-carpet gallery walk celebrating fashion history followed by a movie screening.

🎸 Deep Blue Something | Levitt at the Falls | 08/14 | More 
Melodic 90s alternative rock filled with nostalgia and infectious pop hooks.

🛍️ Customer Appreciation Day | Oh My Cupcakes! | 08/15 | More 
Sweet gathering featuring complimentary grilled bites, treats, and so much fun.

🏃 605 Trail Fest | Good Earth State Park | 08/15 | More 
Scenic trail races with distance options designed for all age groups.

🏮 Sioux Falls Water Lantern Festival | Covell Lake | 08/15 | More 
Reflective evening releasing glowing customized lanterns onto peaceful waters.

🏛️ Historic Walking Tour of Phillips Ave | Old Courthouse Museum | 08/20 | More Discover local heritage on a guided evening through landmark downtown streets.

🤘 The Crane Wives Live | The District | 08/14 | More 
Harmonic indie-folk with soaring vocal hooks and driving acoustic rhythms.

🌭 Fridays on the Plaza | East 12th Street | 08/14 | More 
Neo Johnsons Unplugged performs acoustic classics alongside food trucks.

🍎 Mom's Back to School Brunch | The Bluffs at Willow Run | 08/16 | More 
A brunch and info-sheet workshop for moms of kids on IEPs and the spectrum.

❤️‍🔥 Red Clay Strays: Grateful Tour | Denny Sanford PREMIER Center | 08/16 | More Gritty southern rock infused with soulful country twang and raw arena power.

🍷 Tour de France Wine Dinner | Parker's Bistro | 08/19 | More 
A five-course culinary journey celebrating regional vintages and pairing tradition.

🎸 Four Winds Music Fest | Icon Events & Dada Gastropub | 08/21-08/22 | More 
2-day festival featuring heavy rock riffs, punk anthems, and indie energy.

🍹 Tiki Night at the Zoo | Great Plains Zoo | 08/22 | More 
Island-inspired evening with tropical bites, island cocktails, and live lawn music.

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

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