• DTSF is opening up the streets. Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. this week announced a new Open Streets initiative, an evolution of the Eastbank Block Parties of summers past. Each First Friday of the summer, Phillips Avenue will close to vehicle traffic, encouraging folks to instead walk around and enjoy a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly space. The closed street will also leave room for outdoor music, performances, vendor booths and other family-friendly activities.
    • The next Open Streets night will be June 6, with a focus on movement and wellness, followed by July 4's "Red, White and Downtown" and an Aug. 1 Art and Wine Walk. Learn more here.
  • Help kids, maybe win a car. Children's Home Society is holding a raffle this summer to raise money to support the mission of serving children and families, and the winning ticket is good for a new 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness donated by Schulte Subaru. Tickets are $100, and only 600 are available. The raffle drawing will be held Sunday, Aug. 3 as part of the Caring for Kids celebration, though the winner need not be present to win. Find more details here.
  • Pomp and circumstance. The Sioux Falls School District will celebrate nearly 1,800 students at four separate graduation ceremonies this weekend. All four high schools will have their graduation ceremonies on Sunday at the Sioux Falls Arena, starting with Washington at 11 a.m., Lincoln at 1:45 p.m., Jefferson at 4:30 p.m. and Roosevelt at 7:15 p.m.
  • New pool breaking ground. The city on Tuesday is expected to break ground on the new McKennan Park wading pool. The project will build a new pool, replacing the 55-year-old one that was there before, and there will be a completely new bathhouse, shade structures and landscaping. The new pool will have a zero-depth entry and spray features. Take a look above at what it'll look like when it's completed.
  • New sculpture being installed. Installation has begun on a new 30-foot-tall sculpture in the Steel District. "Passage," designed by Colorado artist Christopher Weed, will be one of dozens of public art installations in the new downtown development. Here's a look at the sculpture: