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🦖 Why dinosaurs are taking over Sioux Falls libraries this summer

🦖 Why dinosaurs are taking over Sioux Falls libraries this summer

Also inside: M.B. Haskett's summer patio, Total Drag's listening party, and $72K in new local grants.

May 28, 2026

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A quick reminder this week that some of the best things happening in Sioux Falls are powered quietly in the background. Nonprofits, libraries, small venues, volunteers, all the people who keep this city connected when nobody’s really paying attention.

A lot of this week’s stories touch that spirit in one way or another. It makes you appreciate the community a little more.

🤝 Giving back: local nonprofits score big grants

The Gist The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation just announced over $72,000 in Community Fund grants to local nonprofits for the second quarter of 2026. This is part of more than $750,000 awarded over the fiscal year to groups like Augustana University’s Research Institute, the Center for Disabilities at USD, Downtown Sioux Falls, Foster 605, Levitt at the Falls, and the Teen Lead Foundation. The funds will back local projects ranging from emergency services outreach to cultural festivals.

Why It Matters: Funding things like emergency support for residents with cognitive challenges and local youth mentorship lift up the exact grassroots programs that keep our community safe, connected, and vibrant.

What's Next: The next grant application cycle closes on June 1. To learn more about how to apply:

🦕 A dinosaur-themed summer Reading Program

The Gist: Siouxland Libraries launched its 2026 Summer Reading Program across all 13 branches, featuring a fun dinosaur theme called "Unearth a Story." Library Director Alysia Boysen is looking to top last year's record-setting numbers, where 5,000 readers signed up and 3,000 finished. The free program serves all ages with reading logs, prizes, and events like live reptile encounters and art workshops. Reading logs must be turned in by June 16.

Why It Matters: This free program is the community's primary defense against that "summer slide," keeping local students sharp. By bringing families together for everything from kids' reptile shows to an adult spelling bee, it keeps our neighborhood connected all summer long.

What's Next: Eleven K-5 kickoff events are running across the metro from May 27 through June 6. Families can sign up online through ReadSquared or grab a paper log at any local branch.

🥞 M.B. Haskett Delicatessen: serious culinary pedigree

324 S Phillips Ave, Sioux Falls

Fourteen years in, chef Michael Haskett’s downtown staple still delivers scratch-cooked brilliance without the pretense. Weekends mean iced lattes paired with a rich, Gruyère-laced croque madame or vibrant breakfast specials.

Thursday through Saturday nights, the space shifts to a global, summer-inspired dinner menu featuring impeccably executed dishes. It is simply some of the best cooking served on the raddest patio in town.

🎶 Record store and all ages music venue hybrid

307 E 12th St, Sioux Falls

Dan and Liz Nissen opened Total Drag because the city was missing a real record store stocked with indie music and an all-ages venue. They built both into the same room, which hosted around 500 shows in its first five years.

This month of May marks their 12th birthday. Stop by tonight at 6:00 for the Boards of Canada Inferno listening party to grab the album early and score free gift packs!

Click here to be the business everyone hears about next week!

Meet Vivian, a 10-year-old Terrier mix weighing 57 pounds

Though she is a senior, this girl has plenty of high-energy spirit left for outdoor adventures, balanced beautifully by a sensitive, cuddly nature at home. She is already house-trained and does best with older children.

While she is selective about her canine friends and prefers a home with no cats, her loyal heart is entirely ready to bloom. Her adoption fee is $75.

To learn more about this beautiful girl,

🎈 6th Annual Summer Parking Lot Party | Allen Edge Real Estate | 05/28 | More
A festive gathering: inflatables, sweet treats, and lively outdoor activities!

🚗 Familyfest Fun Cruise | Locations across the Sioux Empire | 05/30 | More
Free. Drive the metro, hit local business stops, collect prizes for the family.

🍿 The Princess Diaries Screening | Sioux Falls State Theatre | 05/30-05/31 | More
Charming cinematic royalty fun, perfect for an afternoon theater outing.

⚾ Canaries Baseball Family Sunday | The Birdcage | 05/31 | More
Kids activities, mascot meetups, and a 4:05 first pitch.

🍳 Little Foodies! (Ages 6-8) | Plum's Cooking Co. | 06/01-06/04 | More
Young chefs explore culinary creativity: cookie decorating, pizza stretching, and more!

🎖️ Midwest Honor Flight Welcome Home | Sioux Falls Regional Airport | 06/02 | More
Join a powerful patriotic celebration welcoming returning military heroes back home.

⛳ Open Streets, June: Mini Golf | Downtown Main Ave | 06/05 | More
A pop-up putting course brings playful, car-free energy to the neighborhood streets.

🌌 Cosmos and Cocktails | Washington Pavilion | 05/28 | More
After-hours museum exploration, color-changing celestial drinks, and so much more.

🎒 Garage Sale - 2026 Spring Edition! | Great Outdoor Store | 05/29 | More
A sustainable market featuring quality, pre-loved outdoor apparel and camping gear!

⚾ Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks vs Sioux Falls Canaries | The Birdcage | 05/29 | More
Pre-game drink deals, a spectacular post-game fireworks display, and a real rivalry.

⛰️ Take Me Home – The Music of John Denver | DaDa Gastropub | 05/29 | More
Intimate acoustic folk and nostalgic sing-alongs paired with themed craft cocktails.

⛳ Hungry Hearts First Annual Golf Tournament | The Country Club of Sioux Falls | 06/01 | More
A four-person scramble fundraising event complete with music and gourmet dining.