• Catch the parade. After a couple years off, the 4th of July parade is back in downtown Sioux Falls. The parade will start at 10 a.m. Saturday and run down Phillips Avenue from 13th Street to 6th Street. You can see a full list of the floats entrants here.
  • See some fireworks. What's a 4th of July celebration without some pyrotechnics, amirite? The folks at Sioux Falls Fireworks have us covered. They're going to be a lot more than fireworks at the fairgrounds, too. Doors open at 5:30, and folks can enjoy food trucks, live music, a kids area, a flyover and skydiver, a fireworks show and an after party. See the full lineup here.
  • Party downtown. It's the first Friday of the month, which means Open Streets is back in downtown – this time with the theme of celebrating America's 250th. Phillips Avenue between 6th and 7th Streets will be closed to vehicle traffic and open for folks to walk around, check out vendors, entertainment, food trucks and more. Details here.
  • Eat lots of food. It's "Food Truck Madness" downtown on Saturday with a number of food trucks setting up around 6th and Phillips during and after the parade. There'll also be live music and a chance to vote on your favorite food truck. Details here.
  • Cool down at the pool. The Westside Recreation Center is hosting an Independence Day party on Thursday evening with water games, themed aquatic challenges, yard games, crafts and patriotic music. Details here.
  • Celebrate America with some drinky drinks. Because when you throw all the tea in the harbor, ya gotta switch to something stronger. There's a number of bars and breweries celebrating with drink specials for the 4th – including $2.50 shots at Pave and a $2.50 "Deflation" beer at Woodgrain.
  • Party with The Bard. Listen, I know we're celebrating independence from England, but there's no shame in enjoying a little Shakespeare in the park, too. Bare Bodkins is bringing back live theatre at the Queen Bee Mill with a production of Julius Caesar kicking off tonight and running through July 12. See a full list of dates, times and details here.