👟 Summer savings at 605 Running Co + McKennan Park pool opens

The first week of June has a certain energy to it. Kids are settling into summer break, patios are filling up, and everyone seems happier to be outside.

This Scoop is packed with ideas for making the most of it, whether you're looking for family activities, live music, or simply an excuse to get out of the house. Sioux Falls doesn't waste summer, and neither should we!

🏊 A new wading pool in McKennan Park

The Gist: The City of Sioux Falls officially reopened the McKennan Park wading pool on May 29 after a year of construction. The $4.4 million project completely rebuilt the 1971 structure, adding 500 square feet of space, zero-depth entry, and a two-person slide. A private donation of up to $2.5 million from long-time neighbors Pierce and Barbara McDowell helped fund the upgrades, which also include a new bathhouse with five extra restrooms.

Why It Matters: This neighborhood spot has been a favorite way for local families to cool off for over 50 years, and toddler parents are thrilled to have it back. Keeping the pool completely free to the public ensures that every family in our community has an accessible, affordable place to make summer memories together.

🍳 Free summer breakfast and lunch for kids is back

The Gist: The Summer Meal Program kicked off May 28 and runs through the summer. Free breakfast and lunch are served Monday through Friday to any child ages 1 to 18, no registration or paperwork required. Breakfast is from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at six elementary schools: Terry Redlin, JFK, Hayward, Rosa Parks, Susan B. Anthony, and Sonia Sotomayor. No meals are served July 3.

Why It Matters: Summer is the hardest stretch of the year for families relying on school meals during the school year, and the district has been steadily growing this program for years. Worth knowing about whether you need it yourself or want to spread the word.

🍷 Michelin-caliber dining with zero fuss

If you need the perfect remedy to get through the summer heat, Harvester Kitchen has just the thing. Chef Bryan Moscatello traded D.C. dignitaries for local roots, bringing three decades of elite experience to a historic, hand-crafted dining room.

Dinners begin with an intimate walk through the wine collection before diving into standout seasonal multi-course menus. Between the upcoming Inside the Circle wine series, a Blackfork Farms bourbon night, and a steakhouse-inspired Father’s Day dinner, the calendar is packed!

👟 Sidewalk-pounding sanctuary from the glare

Stepping inside 605 Running Company right now feels like a breath of fresh air. Between the upcoming Sioux Falls Skedaddle and the Zippy Mile partnership, the energy here is high, but the vibe remains completely grounded.

The staff guides you through a proper gait analysis rather than just guessing your size, which makes all the difference for afternoon walks. They currently have a 40% off rack available at both the downtown and Bridges locations.

Ember is a five-month-old who hasn't quite realized he is a large dog.

Underneath those distinctive liver spots, a true shadow, he follows his people from room to room before inevitably claiming a spot as a lap-sized snuggle bug on the couch.

This clever Dalmatian is already mastering "sit" and even finds himself fascinated by dogs on TV. He plays well with other dogs and respectful children, though he is still learning the ropes of leash walking and house manners.

Ember is available through B-Squad Dog Rescue for an adoption fee of $600.

To learn more about this handsome boy,

🍔 Co-op Patio Weekly Grillout | Sioux Falls Food Co-op | 06/05 | More
Freshly grilled outdoor lunch options with a rotating menu on the patio.

🍟 Friday on the Plaza | 12th Street Plaza | 06/05 | More 
Lively lunchtime gathering with popular local food trucks and festive music vibes.

🚲 DTSF Open Streets | Washington Pavilion | 06/05 | More 
Car-free community play with a custom mini golf course and local vendors.

🎶 MISTER G Family Concert | Levitt Shell Sioux Falls | 06/06 | More
Bilingual global rhythms and storytelling designed for children and their families.

🏃‍♂️ Human Race Fun Walk | Sertoma Park | 06/06 | More 
A scenic morning community walk supporting local non-profit organizations.

🏰 Siouxland Renaissance Festival | W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds | 06/06-06/07 | More
Immersive experience with Tudor-era performances and period-inspired activities.

🦣 The Great Mammoth Trap | Downtown Library Branch | 06/08 | More
Fascinating dive into prehistoric science and ancient regional fossils.

🍷 Stand Up for Life Gala | Washington Pavilion | 06/04 | More 
Elegant dinner evening with sand artistry and local wine pairings.

🎧 Vault Sessions | The Treasury | 06/05 | More 
Groovy record-spinning vinyl night paired with curated craft cocktails and light bites.

🎸 Slapbak | Levitt Shell Sioux Falls | 06/06 | More 
Funk, hip-hop grooves, and a serious horn section under the starry summer sky.

🐾 Paws & Pours 2026 | Remedy Brewing Company | 06/06 | More 
Pet-friendly gathering with adoptable pups, local vendors, and raffles.

🛍️ South Dakota Vintage Fest | 605 Antiques | 06/06 | More 
Regional vendors gathering with curated apparel, decor, music, and food trucks.

🧘 Flow Movement Festival | ICON Event Hall | 06/06 | More 
Dynamic wellness practices, mindful breathing sessions, and community connections.

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

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