South Dakota

EVENTS | Upcoming South Dakota events & entertainment

Published

1 year ago

November 28, 2024

Press Room

EVENTS | Upcoming South Dakota events & entertainment

Friday, Nov. 29 • 12 p.m.
82 Mickelson Drive, Yankton

Celebrate the holiday season at the historic Mead Museum, where you can explore over 70 beautifully decorated Christmas trees created by local organizations and individuals. Visitors are invited to vote for their favorite tree while enjoying the festive atmosphere. The event is open daily from noon to 4 p.m., with extended hours on Friday nights until 8 p.m. This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages, and children will receive a special prize bag.

Friday, Nov. 29 • 5:45 p.m.
Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls

Come enjoy the beautifully adorned 45-foot Christmas tree located at the corner of 11th Street and Main Avenue. Join us for a fun-filled annual holiday tradition featuring live music and free cookies, sponsored by Hy-Vee. Special guests, including Mayor Paul TenHaken, will help us light up Sioux Falls’ largest Christmas tree. Don’t miss this festive celebration of the season.

Friday, Nov. 29 • 6:30 p.m.
Downtown, Watertown

The 28th Annual Watertown Holiday Lighted Parade will feature a “Children’s Magical Christmas.” theme with fireworks before and after the parade. Attendees are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to the Salvation Army Food Pantry, with a dedicated float collecting contributions. The event includes a tree lighting ceremony at Jenkins Living Center, a fireworks show, and complimentary hot chocolate provided by the Jefferson Scout Pack 8 & 8G.

Friday, Nov. 29 • 7 p.m.
The District, Sioux Falls

Join us for the Dueling Duo Black Friday Bash, live at The District. Enjoy an evening of great music, food, and drinks while celebrating the start of the holiday season. The event promises a lively atmosphere, making it a perfect way to kick off your weekend. Don’t miss out on this exciting night of entertainment and fun.

Friday, Nov. 29 • 7:30 p.m.
Downtown, Sioux Falls

Join us for the 32nd Annual Parade of Lights as we light up the city and welcome the 2024 holiday season. The Parade of Lights has become a family tradition, attracting thousands who gather to celebrate the joy of the season. We invite you to be part of the 32nd year of this growing holiday tradition.
Holiday floats with festive decorations and plenty of lights will line the streets of historic downtown for the public to enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays. The parade route runs along Phillips Avenue between 13th and 5th Street.

Friday, Nov. 29 • 8 p.m.
Critters Bar, Crooks

Join us for the 2nd annual Friendsgiving at Critters, featuring live music by Weston Frank. The evening will begin with a potluck, offering a chance to share delicious dishes and enjoy great company. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season with friends, food, and live entertainment. Don’t miss this memorable event to kick off the holiday season.

Saturday, Nov. 30 • 11 a.m.
Falls Overlook Cafe, Sioux Falls

Join us for Small Business Saturday to kickstart your holiday shopping at the Falls Overlook Café. The event will feature 20 local small businesses and crafters, offering a variety of unique products. Enjoy live music, raffles, and holiday treats while you shop. You can also donate new or slightly used art supplies for a chance to win prizes, supporting a great cause while you celebrate the season.

Saturday, Nov. 30 • 4 p.m.
Remedy Brewing Company, Sioux Falls

Join us for the Beards for Box Lunches fundraiser in support of the Sioux Falls School District Lunch Program. The event will feature a Pickleball Round Robin Tournament on Saturday, November 30th, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Grab your paddle and compete while helping raise funds for a great cause—100% of the proceeds will go directly to the SFSD Lunch Program. You can sign up as an individual starting November 1st through the registration link. In addition, we’ll host a No-Shave November Beard & Mustache Competition, which starts at 4:00 pm on the same day. There will be categories for every style, whether you’re aiming for a full beard transformation, sporting a stylish mustache, or showcasing something truly unique.

Saturday, Nov. 30 • 4 p.m.
200 E. Willow Street, Harrisburg

Join us for a delightful, entirely free community event hosted by the Harrisburg Chamber. Bring the whole family to capture treasured moments with Santa, explore booths offering hands-on crafts, games, and delicious treats, and enjoy the radiant splendor of the Harrisburg Christmas tree lighting. The event will take place at Heritage Gym (formerly Liberty Elementary). The tree lighting is sponsored by Harrisburg Ace Hardware.

Saturday, Nov. 30 • 5 p.m.
118 S. Main Street, Lennox

Whether you are participating in the Side by Side poker run or just looking for some good chili, come out and support Midwest Honor Flight by warming up with some of the best chili recipes. Think you have a great recipe? Cook it up, bring it out, and see how it rates.

Saturday, Nov. 30 • 6 p.m.
Days of ‘76 Museum, Deadwood

Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music and entertainment as The Lonely Rangers deliver their high-energy, acoustic country rock. Guests will enjoy a selection of delicious hors d’oeuvres, provided by Cheyenne Crossing, and a cash bar to complement the evening. The event will feature an exciting live auction with exclusive items. Terry Hupp will bring his expert auctioneering skills to the stage, ensuring an engaging experience. All proceeds from the auction will benefit Deadwood History, Inc. and the Days of ’76 Museum.

Saturday, Nov. 30 • 6 p.m.
Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, Sioux Falls

Put on your best Ugly Sweater and join us for Charlie Brown Christmas, presented by the Salvation Army. The Stampede will wear special Christmas sweaters, which will be auctioned off via DASH Auctions. Fans will have the opportunity to enter an Ugly Sweater contest on the Stampede’s social media pages. Following the game, fans will be able to skate with the team.

Saturday, Nov. 30 • 8 p.m.
Club David, Sioux Falls

Catch an unforgettable night of live music with Trash Owls, a rowdy rock and roll show blending punk, emo, metal, and classic rock influences into a one-of-a-kind performance. Joining them are The Degenerates, a pop-punk band from Madison, South Dakota, known for their energetic sound. Also performing is Dream Beast, a local solo artist who creates a unique mix of magical, electronic pop music, and recently released his latest album, Wish Upon A Dying Star. This event promises an eclectic mix of genres and talent, making it a must-see for music lovers.

Sunday, Dec. 1 • 12 p.m.
West Central High School Gym, Hartford

Join us for a fun-filled event hosted by Hartford Hometown Christmas, benefiting the FCCLA. This family-friendly fundraiser will take place at the West Central High School Gym and offers a variety of activities for kids of all ages. Enjoy inflatable rides, carnival games, festive Christmas activities, and the chance to win exciting prizes. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season while supporting a great cause.

Tuesday, Dec 3 • 6 p.m.
Sanford Children’s Hospital, Sioux Falls

You’re invited to join us in front of Sanford Children’s Hospital as we celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with our youngest and tiniest patients at our annual lighting ceremony. Enjoy refreshments, music, entertainment, and more. If you can’t be there in person, watch live on Channel 34 in the hospital or tune into Facebook Live. We will be accepting donations at the front entrance of Sanford Children’s Hospital during the event.

Tuesday, Dec 3 • 6:45 p.m.
Watertown Regional Library

Join us in the Library Community Room immediately following our Lights Out event for a screening of The Grinch (2018). Enjoy a cozy and fun atmosphere as we watch this holiday classic. Popcorn and refreshments will be provided for all attendees. This is a great way to continue the festivities and enjoy a family-friendly movie together.

Tuesday, Dec 3 • 7 p.m.
Main Street, Mitchell

Join us for the 2024 Parade of Lights, beginning at 7 p.m. This year’s parade theme is Christmas Movies, bringing festive cheer and holiday magic to the streets. Enjoy beautifully decorated floats and displays inspired by your favorite holiday films. Don’t miss this annual celebration of the season.

Wednesday, Dec 4 • 7 p.m.
Washington Pavilion, Sioux Falls

Experience the magic of the holiday season with Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Washington Pavilion in Sioux Falls. This enchanting performance brings the classic tale to life with stunning choreography, beautiful costumes, and captivating music. Join us for a festive evening that will delight audiences of all ages. Don’t miss this special holiday tradition.

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South Dakota

South Dakota’s lean fiscal budget sees ‘flat’ revenues, sales tax dip

Published

8 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Press Room

South Dakota’s lean fiscal budget sees ‘flat’ revenues, sales tax dip

PIERRE — Gov. Larry Rhoden’s first budget address as governor is in the books.

And it was a “straightforward” budget without many surprises, as multiple lawmakers told the Argus Leader.

Rhoden presented his recommended budget Dec. 2 for South Dakota’s fiscal year 2027 at the State Capitol Building.

The Republican governor asked lawmakers to budget $7.44 billion in state fiscal year 2027, up from the $7.28 billion recommended by former Gov. Kristi Noem for FY2026. FY2027 is split between about 34% state funds, 42% federal funds and 23% funds marked as “other.”

Rhoden is also leaving about $14 million for lawmakers to divvy up during the upcoming Legislative Session in January. And an additional 135 full-time staff have been recommended for the next fiscal year, up from a budgeted 14,095 in FY 2026.

But Rhoden, who is only serving a partial term as governor after having taken over the reins from Noem last January and now faces reelection in 2026, is taking on the state’s fiscal goals and ambitions amid slim revenue projections and realities.

“I won’t sugarcoat it: Revenues have been pretty flat – only rising slightly,” Rhoden told lawmakers during his address. “But we have to keep the context in mind. We’re coming off some of the strongest years in our state’s history – or in any state’s history. Our economic growth may have slowed, but we’re comparing that to the fastest growth that South Dakota has ever seen.”

Ongoing sales and use tax collections suffered in FY25 before bounce back

More than half of the state’s overall revenue picture is made up of an ongoing sales and use tax, which saw a fiscal year-to-year decrease.

South Dakota FY2025 collected about $1.43 billion from the state sales and use tax — a 1.5% decrease compared with FY2024. Data from the state’s Bureau of Finance & Management indicates several months measured in FY2025 saw dips in sales and use tax growth.

The Rhoden budget estimates the FY2026 collections will reach about $1.5 billion and $1.56 billion in FY2027.

State sales and use tax revenue has seen month-to-month growth since June, with a more-than-8% increase in October.

“We’ll be getting November numbers any day now,” Rhoden said. “Year-to-date, we’re about where we want to be. 4% to 5% growth is pretty typical for South Dakota, but it also means we don’t have a ton of headroom.”

South Dakota’s farm sector sees impacts of Trump tariffs; Rhoden says to ‘pray for rain’

Recent data shows the Midwest has seen economic swings in the agriculture and commodity markets — and Rhoden had to acknowledge it, at least in part.

According to a recent study by The Dakota Institute, a nonprofit economic research firm, South Dakota saw its real gross domestic product (GDP) shrink by 3.1% in Q1 of 2025 — neighboring states saw similar impacts.

It later rebounded in South Dakota with 5.2% annualized growth in Q2 of 2025. But President Donald Trump’s tariff strategy and an international trade war underlined the volatile nature of in the state’s corn, soybean and wheat prices, which have dropped since to lowest prices in years, while U.S. beef cattle prices are at record highs.

“The weakness reflected ongoing pressures from trade disruptions through the implementation of tariffs and a mass renegotiation process of multiple trade agreements,” The Dakota Institute’s study indicated. “This volatility — contraction followed by robust recovery within six months — underscores both the region’s vulnerability to external shocks and its capacity to bounce back when conditions stabilize.”

“When ag does well, the state does well,” Rhoden said. “But when ag struggles, our growth tends to slow down … Historically, there’s been a correlation between our sales tax collections and farm income. So let’s pray for rain and for President Trump to be successful in his trade negotiations.”

Medicaid spending overtakes K-12 dollars in FY27

Medicaid, one of South Dakota’s largest fiscal responsibilities, has grown “far faster than any other area of the budget,” Rhoden said.

“In fact,” Rhoden added, “for the first time in state history, Medicaid is a bigger share of the general fund than K-12 education.”

According to the BFM, the state’s Medicaid budget has grown by $360 million since 2020 to $758 million. Rhoden budgeted $725 million for K-12 education.

The state’s share of the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage, which determines matching each state’s federal match, now represents $105 million. South Dakota’s coverage share went up by 0.86%, from 48.47% to 49.33%.

State employees won’t see budgeted raises in next fiscal year

Breaking from his predecessor, who pushed for state employee raises during her tenure as governor, Rhoden revealed that employees for the state won’t see a baseline raise to their salaries in FY2027.

Rhoden said the state budget includes a “modest investment in our State Employee Health Plan,” specifically a $3 million investment in health plan reserves. The Republican governor added there are also “plan changes” in the works to prevent employees’ healthcare costs from going up, “since we won’t be able to give them a raise this year.”

But Eric Ollila, executive director and lobbyist for the South Dakota State Employees Organization, told the Argus Leader following the budget address that Rhoden’s budget picture doesn’t account for healthcare deductibles.

Ollila also said the “plan changes” that Rhoden teased were too vague for his liking. He later expressed concern that the changes would be passed through to state employees.

“What it’s not going to do is save employees 100% of the healthcare costs,” Ollila said.

Rhoden recommends raising reserve allocation to 12.5%

Rhoden plans to increase the state’s budget reserve from 10% to 12.5%

The governor attributed his desire to raise reserves based on “continued slower revenue growth and weakness in the farm sector.”

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South Dakota

Call for artists to create art for South Dakota State Buildings Program

Published

20 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Press Room

Call for artists to create art for South Dakota State Buildings Program

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – The South Dakota Arts Council is seeking submissions for the Art for State Buildings Program. South Dakota artists have until March 1, 2026, to submit purchase proposals for consideration.

The Art for State Buildings program was created for the purpose of creating a permanent collection for the State of South Dakota and exhibiting the work of talented South Dakota artists in areas of state government buildings with public access. Work purchased will be installed in public access areas of the Capitol and other state buildings in Pierre.

Any South Dakota artists whose body of work has contributed to the state’s cultural heritage and development are encouraged to submit their work. Artists may propose one artwork for purchase.

Proposals will be reviewed by an advisory committee to the South Dakota Arts Council.

Selection will be based on:

Quality of the proposed work and relevance to the artist’s career;
The artwork’s relevance to South Dakota’s environment, history, heritage, or culture;
The applicant’s professional arts experience; and
Physical attributes of the artwork regarding durability and safety in a public setting

Submissions must be received through the South Dakota Arts Council’s online Artwork Archive platform. The complete request for proposal and submission instructions are posted at https://artscouncil.sd.gov/directories/artstatebldgs.aspx. For assistance call 605-773-3102 or email sarah.carlson@state.sd.us.

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South Dakota

SD Department of Corrections announces high-risk offender release

Published

1 day ago

December 1, 2025

Press Room

SD Department of Corrections announces high-risk offender release

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – The South Dakota Department of Corrections is warning the public about the pending release of a prison offender.

Richie Desersa, 31, is scheduled to be released from prison to suspended sentence supervision on December 3, 2025.

SD Department of Corrections announces high-risk offender release(Dakota News Now)

He was convicted of third-degree burglary in 2017 in Minnehaha County.

“Based on the assessments we conduct during incarceration, as well as his criminal history, including prior sex offenses, Offender Desersa is considered to be high-risk for committing additional violent acts in the future,” said Lamb.

“I am issuing this alert to let law enforcement and the public know about his release.”

Desersa will be released to Sioux Falls with GPS monitoring and must participate in treatment.

He is a Native American male, 5′11″ tall, weighing around 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.

This notification is in addition to the letters currently sent to law enforcement and notices provided to the Division of Criminal Investigation each month.

Since 2011, the Department of Corrections has issued a total of 21 public notices of pending high-risk offender releases.

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