Stay up to date with our listing of events happening across the state. From festivals and concerts to theater performances, local sports and community gatherings, we bring you the latest updates on entertainment and activities for all interests. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, cultural experiences or vibrant nightlife, you’ll find plenty of exciting events to explore.

Dec. 26 – Jan. 1

Friday, Dec. 26 & Saturday, Dec. 27
Trio Jazz Club, Sioux Falls

A soulful blend of jazz, blues, and contemporary influences shapes this engaging live performance. Expressive vocals and polished musicianship bring original material and carefully selected covers to life. The setting creates an intimate listening experience for both devoted jazz fans and casual audiences.

Friday, Dec. 26 & Saturday, Dec. 27
Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls

A cherished holiday tale is presented through music, humor, and colorful stage production. The story follows a familiar character on a journey toward understanding the meaning of Christmas. Audiences can enjoy a theatrical experience that blends heart and holiday tradition.

Saturday, Dec. 27 • 7 p.m.
ICON, Sioux Falls

A cherished holiday tradition returns with crushing riffs and festive cheer for its milestone tenth year. The night blends heavy music with seasonal spirit, creating an atmosphere that welcomes longtime fans and newcomers alike. Attendees can expect powerful performances, celebratory surprises, and a community-driven vibe that captures the joy of the season.

Saturday, Dec. 27 • 8 p.m.
Club David, Sioux Falls

High-energy alternative rock and experimental sounds define this immersive live show. Driving rhythms and layered textures create a balance of intensity and melody throughout the set. The performance invites listeners into a bold and atmospheric musical experience.

Tuesday, Dec. 30 • 6:30 p.m.
Trio Jazz Club, Sioux Falls

Stripped-down arrangements and rich musical interplay anchor this duo’s performance, drawing from jazz, folk, and Americana influences. Storytelling and expressive musicianship take center stage in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. The evening is well suited for attentive listening and connection through music.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 • 10 a.m.
Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Brookings

A festive, family-friendly celebration offers children and caregivers a creative way to welcome the end of the year. Interactive exhibits and hands-on activities encourage imagination, play, and learning. The atmosphere is designed to be joyful, engaging, and accessible for younger audiences.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 • 4 p.m.
Grey Goose Store & Social Club, Pierre

Community and connection are at the heart of this potluck-style gathering. Sharing food and conversation creates a relaxed environment where guests can reflect on the year together. The event emphasizes togetherness and simple celebration.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 • 5:30 p.m.
El Riad Shrine, Sioux Falls

An evening of live music and camaraderie sets the tone for a memorable celebration as the year comes to a close. The performance delivers heartfelt sound and high-energy moments that invite the crowd to sing along and connect. It is an ideal way to gather with friends and welcome what comes next through music and shared experience.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 • 6 p.m.
Country Road Barn, Watertown

An immersive themed experience sets the tone for an evening of music, movement, and visual atmosphere. Entertainment and creative elements combine to mark the turning of the year in a memorable way. Guests are invited to step into a shared celebration filled with energy and style.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 • 6:30 & 8:15 p.m.
Trio Jazz Club, Sioux Falls

Collaborative musicianship drives this jazz ensemble performance, bringing together skilled players in a dynamic group setting. Improvisation and expressive interplay highlight a range of jazz styles throughout the evening. The result is an engaging experience rooted in both tradition and creative exploration.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 • 8 p.m.
The District, Sioux Falls

A dynamic musical experience brings together two performers trading songs, styles, and playful competition throughout the night. The interactive format keeps the audience engaged with familiar favorites and spontaneous moments. It creates a lively setting that blends entertainment and participation for a memorable year-end celebration.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 • 8 p.m.
DaDa Gastropub, Sioux Falls

Step into a time-travel inspired celebration that blends past eras, future visions, and the excitement of welcoming the New Year. Music and dancing guide the journey as guests are encouraged to embrace creative costumes and immersive themes. The evening offers a festive atmosphere filled with energy, style, and celebratory touches designed to make the transition into the New Year memorable.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 • 8:30 p.m.
The Social, Sioux Falls

A lively atmosphere takes shape with music, dancing, and a crowd ready to celebrate together. The event offers an upbeat setting designed for socializing and enjoying the final moments of the year. Guests can look forward to a festive environment that encourages connection and a joyful transition into what lies ahead.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 • 11 p.m.
Murphy’s Pub & Grill, Rapid City

Lively music and social energy shape this late-night gathering as the year comes to a close. A spirited atmosphere encourages dancing, conversation, and celebration. The event offers an upbeat way to welcome the new year.

Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell made a notable change to his coaching staff this week, hiring Robert Steeples as the new cornerbacks coach and moving Paul Haynes to secondary coach.

Steeples spent the last two seasons as a defensive analyst at Iowa State. He’s been in the coaching ranks since 2016. After a brief NFL career, the former Memphis cornerback took the head coaching role at De Smet Jesuit High School (2016-20). He then jumped to the NFL level in 2021, joining the Minnesota Vikings as an assistant special teams coach. Steeples finally coached cornerbacks at LSU from 2022-23, before the latest move to Iowa State.

The new assistant will look to help improve a Wisconsin secondary corps that ranked No. 63 nationally in pass defense in 2025, allowing 218.3 yards per game. He will likely usher in turnover at his cornerback position, with Geimere Latimer set to enter the transfer portal and Ricardo Hallman likely off to the NFL.

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As he aims to not only defend but expand the GOP’s 53-47 Senate majority in next year’s midterm elections, Sen. Tim Scott has a message for MAGA voters who don’t always go to the polls when President Donald Trump’s name isn’t on the ballot.

“Donald Trump is on the ballot, and that’s why he’s been so active around the country,” Scott, the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) said this week in a Fox News Digital interview.

Scott, a Republican from South Carolina and Trump ally, said, “I look forward to seeing the president on the campaign trail across this country.”

And the president appears to be delivering.

WHATLEY: ‘THE PRESIDENT AND HIS LEGACY’ ON 2026 BALLOT

Trump on Friday night held the second leg of his affordability tour during a stop in battleground North Carolina, home to what is shaping up to be one of the most crucial, combustible, and expensive Senate battles next year.

“We’re certainly going to need him to be on the ballot,” former Republican National Committee Chair Michael Whatley told Fox News Digital, as he pointed to Trump.

THE GOP’S TAKE ON HIGH-PROFILE SENATE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES: ‘THEY’RE IN SHAMBLES’

Whatley, the Trump-backed clear frontrunner for the GOP Senate nomination in the 2026 race to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, joined Trump at Friday night’s event.

“When you think about what happens if we lose the House, if we lose the Senate, if the Democrats take over, and they go right back to investigations and hoaxes and impeachments, that is really, truly the president and his legacy are going to be on the ballot,” Whatley emphasized.

Trump and Republicans spotlighted rising prices as they swept to major victories in 2024, retaking the White House and Senate and holding their majority in the House.

But with inflation remaining persistent, Democrats have been laser focused this year on the issue of affordability, which fueled their decisive victories in last month’s 2025 elections and their overperformances this year in a slew of special elections.

But Scott predicts the tide will turn.

“I’ve said 2026 is a year of affordability, and the great news is President Trump has been producing time and time again,” he touted.

Pointing to the tax cut provisions in the GOP’s sweeping domestic policy measure signed into law this past summer by Trump, Scott said “2026 is shaping up to be the year where Donald Trump’s activities, his actions, the legislation we’ve passed, shows up for the American voter. And consumers all across the country will see a more affordable economy because of President Trump and the Senate majority and the House majority in the hands of the Republican Party.”

GOP SENATE CAMPAIGN CHIEF AIMS TO EXPAND 2026 MAP IN THIS BLUE-LEANING STATE

Lauren French, communications director at Senate Majority PAC, the top Senate Democrat-aligned outside group, told Fox News Digital that “even Tim Scott is occasionally right — 2026 will be the year of affordability.”

But taking aim at the GOP narrative, French argued that affordability will continue to grab top billing with voters “because Americans can’t afford Donald Trump and Republican policies that continue to drive up the cost of groceries, basic goods, and, right now, Christmas presents.”

“The out-of-touch insistence from the GOP that the economy is thriving proves they don’t understand what working families are facing, which is probably why Democrats won or dramatically overperformed in every contested election this year,” she emphasized. “2026 will be no different as Democrats continue to put forward real plans to address the cost-of-living crisis.”

There are 35 Senate seats up for grabs next year, including special elections for GOP-held seats in Florida and Ohio. Overall, Republicans are defending 22 of the seats.

But the map of competitive races is much smaller.

Scott reiterated that open Democrat-held seats in battleground Michigan and swing state New Hampshire are two of the NRSC’s top targets, along with Sen. Jon Ossoff in battleground Georgia, whom Republicans consider the most vulnerable Democrat seeking re-election next year.

4 KEY SENATE SEATS REPUBLICANS AIM TO FLIP IN 2026 MIDTERMS TO EXPAND THEIR MAJORITY

The NRSC chair is also eyeing blue-leaning Minnesota, where the Senate GOP campaign arm is working to recruit former professional football sideline reporter turned political activist and commentator Michele Tafoya, who is inching closer to jumping into the race.

“We’re excited about expanding our map, and Minnesota is one of the target states that we’re looking at,” Scott said. “We see real reasons to be optimistic. President Trump was very close in Minnesota. It’s a four-point race. We know with the right candidate, we will be successful.”

Apparently pointing to Tafoya, Scott suggested Republicans are likely to land “a strong candidate in the race,” and teased “wait and see” for “better news.”

Scott will likely be playing defense in Texas, where there’s currently a nasty three-way GOP Senate primary, as well as in North Carolina, Maine and Ohio.

Asked his prediction for next year, Scott said “54 is clearly within our grasp right now, but with a little bit of luck, 55 is on our side.”

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But the rival Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) sees it differently.

“While Democrats have expanded the map and created a path to flip the majority in 2026, Senate Republicans are facing a string of embarrassing recruitment failures and messy primaries — and their toxic agenda of health care cuts and price spikes for hardworking Americans will cost them at the ballot box,” DSCC spokesperson Joe Bush told Fox News Digital.