Riverfest Returns to Celebrate the Big Sioux River

A River Celebration with a Purpose

The official start of fall is just days away, but if you want to start the celebration a bit early with an awesome Sioux Falls event, you've got to get downtown this Saturday for the 13th Annual Riverfest at Cherapa Place Plaza!

Riverfest 2026 is the annual celebration of our Big Sioux River, and it's more than a festival. It's our opportunity to learn about the importance of conservation, sustainability, and protecting local wildlife and water quality.

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You're going to find interactive activities, educational experiences, as well as live music, vendors, great food, craft beers, and lots of family-friendly fun.

Join the Community Cleanup Effort

If you're up for some real community spirit-building activity, join the River Cleanup from 10 AM to 12 PM. You can check in at the CNH parking lot near the Arc of Dreams, where you'll receive trash bags and gloves before you get started.

The rest of the day's activities get underway at 3 PM and go through 8 PM.

The Brass Holes kick off the musical entertainment from 3 to 4 PM. Mogen's Heroes take the stage from 4:30 to 6 PM, and finally, from 6:30 to 8 PM, it's the classic oldies band The 1270's

From 4 to 5 PM, you'll want to catch the First Annual Paws on the Plaza Dog Fashion Show, near the Dakota Building on North Cherapa Place Road. There's no fee or registration; just show up 15 minutes early to join in.

Discover Even More Riverfest Fun

During the celebration, you can also take a guided kayak experience led by Boundless Adventures 605, play some mini-golf, check out the Kids' Zone, and even sit in with your kids for a storytime from 3:30 to 5 PM with "Pomegramma" from Pomegranate Market.

You can get more information and see the event Day Map at Downtown Sioux Falls Riverfest 2026.

South Dakota's Biggest Free Playground Is Open And Awesome!

Gallery Credit: Jacobson Plaza Sioux Falls-Ben Davis

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own.

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Riverfest Is Bringing Big Fun to Downtown Sioux Falls

A River Celebration with a Purpose

Join the Community Cleanup Effort

Discover Even More Riverfest Fun

South Dakota's Biggest Free Playground Is Open And Awesome!

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota