Simplified: A series of events this summer will shut down parts of Phillips Avenue to encourage people to slow down, walk around and really take in all that downtown has to offer. Here's what you need to know about Open Streets.

Why it matters

  • For years, Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. (DTSF) hosted summer block parties at 8th and Railroad with live music and food vendors. With the Levitt filling that need for live music now, DTSF President Brandon Hanson said they were looking to adjust their strategy for summer First Friday events.
  • The first Open Streets event took place earlier this month with the downtown Art and Wine Walk, and each monthly event moving forward will have its own theme with events, activities and vendors.
  • These events are not only a fun thing to do on a Friday night, but they're also a way for DTSF to serve its mission of advocacy for both the health of local businesses – who report seeing a boost in sales from more foot traffic – and safety for all modes of transportation.
"It really showcases our vibrant public spaces, but it also showcases that roads and sidewalks and crosswalks are meant for people, not necessarily always cars," said Erik Gaikowski, state director for AARP South Dakota, which is helping fund Open Streets.

Tell me more

The first Open Streets event in May brought 3,200 people in just the closed-off block of Phillips Avenue, and businesses felt the impact of that extra foot traffic, Hanson said.

"I'm hoping that we'll see these events bring some more stability to retail, to restaurants – kind of getting away from the high spikes up and down," Hanson said.

What are the upcoming events?

The next Open Streets event is emphasizing "Community in Motion," and Phillips Avenue will close between 6th and 7th Streets on June 6.

  • There will be pickleball, outdoor yoga with SISU and wellness vendors. Visitors can also enjoy the mobile rec unit from the city parks and recreation department. It'll be kid-friendly and dog-friendly.

Then, on July 4, the theme is "Red, White & Downtown" with patriotic fun and lots of opportunities to learn about local nonprofits and the work they're doing.

In August, Open Streets comes full circle with the "Summer Art & Wine Walk"

  • Phillips Avenue will close between 10th and 11th Streets, and visitors will be able to see live art demonstrations, sip on some wine, explore local businesses and more.
"We really just want to build community right on the streets," Hanson said. "We're just all so disconnected, it's time to just see other human beings and enjoy downtown."

What happens next?

DTSF is looking for volunteers to help with all of the Open Streets events, and, given the partnership with AARP, they're specifically looking to recruit folks who are 50+.

Open Streets is also, as of now, still a pilot project. Hanson said he hopes to see it expand beyond Phillips Avenue next year and find areas where there isn't naturally a lot of foot traffic.