Summer Go Guide 2025
Thinks local performing and visual arts groups settle in for a nice summer nap come June thru August? Think again! In fact, some of the most surprising, creative and innovative work in the Sioux Falls area goes on during the summer. We’ve assembled this handy guide to plentiful artsy goings-on to enjoy over the next three months, and we issue a challenge to you. See something you’ve never seen before. Support a group you’ve never patronized before. And document your excursions for all to see!
Spread the word on what local artists are doing to keep Sioux Falls interesting and entertaining!
Family-Friendly Fare
Experiences enriching for all ages
When seeking out all-ages entertainment, don’t forget to #ShopLocal this summer — from student-focused gallery exhibitions, to theatrical experiences featuring (and for) young appreciators, we highlight some of the most exciting family-friendly picks and educationally conscious endeavors throughout your summer!
Now ThRu Aug. 31
On display in the Egger Gallery at the Washington Pavilion now thru Aug. 31, experience an exhibition that showcases the creativity and commitment of 13 students from Flandreau High School who participated in a unique college-level art program. Led by Augustana University professor Izia Lindsay, this project guided students on a journey into the world of electronic media.
June 7
Mighty Corson Art Players debuts a brand-new work from local playwright H.E. Dunkle for its annual MCAP Kids summer camp experience. When Finley is taken from her home on the shore by Captain Montgomery’s crew, she has her work cut out for her. In order to get back home, she has to use a combination of quick wit, convincing conversation and maybe a little magic.
Aug. 15-17
Established back in 2004, The Penguin Project developed with the intent of producing theatrical productions for children age 10–25 with all abilities. What is unique about this specific design is that all roles are filled by young, differently abled thespians (Artists). Each young thespian in the cast will be paired up with a dedicated peer (Mentor) of similar age. This year’s production is a rendition of High School Musical, Jr.
June 3 — Sept. 6
Augustana University is proudly showing the “Augustana Student Invitational” — on view through Friday, Sept. 6. The showcase features student works selected by the art faculty from their spring 2024 reviews. These exemplify a range of projects created in Augustana art courses, dedicated to teaching every artist the fundamentals of art and design, honing technical skills, as well as helping each student find their unique voice and vision.
July 18-19
Spotlight Theatre Company presents an all-youth-performer production of Legally Blonde: The Musical, live at the Orpheum Theater Center in conjunction with their high school summer musical camp. Elle Woods appears to have it all. Her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school.
Proud Merriment
Inclusive entertainment for Pride FEstivities
June offers up a whole lot of exciting night-time entertainment for folks looking to enhance their Sioux Falls Pride schedule of events — dabble in all sorts of dance, performance and visual art, live music and more throughout the month of, including benefits, after-hours parties and themed gallery exhibitions.
June 7-28
Serendipity Studio invites everyone to celebrate "True Colors,” a powerful exhibition celebrating the strength, identity and uniqueness of life. This show seeks to honor the diverse experiences of each of us — seen and unseen, spoken and unspoken — through visual storytelling, emotion and creative expression. A percentage of each artwork sold will be donated to Sioux Falls Pride.
June 13
Pride is right around the corner, and VeauxDevil Cabaret & Burlesque couldn’t be happier to bring you drag and burlesque showcase, “Broadgays, Theys & Musi-gals,” at Club David! Join as they wind their way through the songs and sights in musicals and film. From tender moments and laughter to the battlefield of our hearts somewhere over the rainbow.
June 14
After the parade, the parties and the park... the glow-up continues at Club David! Join for PRIDE: After Glow, an electrifying drag show celebration that keeps the energy going all night long.
June 6-7
This June, The Good Night Theatre Collective is ringing in Pride Month with a cabaret worthy of festivity — featuring some of Sioux Falls' most sensational vocalists and musicians paying singing-and-dancing tribute! Join for a fundraising event to benefit Sioux Falls Pride, with profits donated to the local organization that advocates for the LGBTQ+ community.
June 11-12
Join the Rainbow Chorus of Sioux Falls for two unforgettable concerts this summer as they raise their voices, share their stories and celebrate the power of music and community! As members of the LGBTQ2+ community, the Rainbow Chorus uses music to reflect on how the world impacts us — our griefs, joys, hopes, fears and shared resilience. Admission is by free-will donation, and a portion of the proceeds will go toward the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
Mondays Bi-Weekly
A welcoming space for LGBTQIA2S+ comics and allies hosted by Lucky’s Downtown. Whether you're a seasoned comic or just testing the waters, this is the place to bring your best (or weirdest) material to an open-minded crowd.
Triple Threats
Dance & Theatre events to heat up your summer
With a wide variety of indoor and outdoor options, dance and theatre certainly don’t rest on their laurels once the warm months hit — from outdoor movement, to indoor reading projects, there’s a whole lot of fascinating and enlightening material worth exploring in these two local disciplines.
June 12-22
Join The Premiere Playhouse for a rollicking good time as they close out Season 22 with Dolly Parton’s sensational hit musical, 9 to 5! Experience the ultimate tale of female empowerment, friendship and triumph in the workplace that will have you dancing in the aisles.
July 2-13
Bare Bodkins is excited to be back in the Queen Bee Mill at the falls for their 28th season production of Hamlet. The show runs July 2-3, 5-6 & 10-13. The 90-minute show begin at 7 p.m., each night, and thanks to the Sioux Falls Department of Parks and Recreation, tickets are free! They start handing out free tickets at 6 p.m., prior to each show, and they open the mill gates at 6:30 p.m., for seating.
July 31-Aug. 1
Come see the LiRa Dance Theatre Company celebrate their 10th season dancing their greatest dance hits with more than 40 dancers. Ticket price includes small bites and drinks in the beautiful new black-box McKenzie Kock Theatre.
June 21, July 16 & Aug. 16
Monstrous Little Theatre Company is proud to present a series of script readings at local libraries. MLTC will provide enough scripts for the characters and stage directions to be read aloud. If you're interested in reading, they will be drawing names for new readers each scene. Anyone is welcome to come to listen and share in a brief discussion following each reading.
July 25
Headlights Theater will presents its final performance after five years of summer outdoor dance experiences. They’ll be bringing back some of their past guest artists for a farewell celebration at the Falls Park Farmer’s Market — a free-of-charge event to send them off in style!
June 7
The words of a 17th-Century Swedish hymn, “Den blomstertid nu kommer” inspire this Transept program, which explores music of abundant joy and beauty. This concert features sublime works by Clemens non Papa, Kolmodin, Billings, Pärt, Tormis, Tavener and more.
Laughter & Storytelling
Hilarity ensues in open-mic & stand-up showcases
Seeking a good chuckle or an eye-opening story? Observational humor and deliciously timed comic relief are plentiful across Sioux Falls this summer. Join in on the laughs, tears & more with this variety of offerings.
Every Tuesday
Join host Sara Manson in ICON’s Annex for Sioux Falls’ only exclusively comedy weekly open mic! Comedians bring their best seven minutes of stand-up comedy to a free show! Sign up is at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m.!
Last Wednesday of the Month
Come check out Sioux Falls’ monthly stand-up comedy contest down in the Club 224 at Lucky’s Downtown. It's a great time for all, and newcomers are welcomed with open arms! Doors and sign-up start at 7 p.m., sharp! Competition night is the last Wednesday of every month.
Every Sunday
Local downtown book-seller and venue Full-Circle Book Co-Op hosts its weekly open-mic night, where anything goes and all are welcome!
Aug. 16
Join the gang at Lucky’s 224 for a headlining act with local area comic Tony Tubes and special guest comedians Dan Snowberger and Alisha Rayne. Tony was featured on the four-time Emmy-nominated web series, The Screen Junkies where he sat at the same table as some of today’s funniest and most influential comedians and writers like Seth Rogen, Kevin Smith, Doug Benson, Kumail Nanjiani and Paul Scheer.
June 14
Get ready to laugh ‘til it hurts — local comic Nathan Hults is taking the stage at Railbirds Sports Bar with opener Justin Gray. Known for his high energy, quick wit and positive storytelling, Nathan has been cracking up crowds since the age of seven! He's a husband, father, son — and ginger — who’s lived life fast, hard and hilarious.
Glorious Galleries
Exhibitions that run the gallery gamut
Ready to pop in on some local and regional art worth the glance? Several gallery shows will be available for public consumption throughout the summer, including opportunities to purchase works for your own home collection.
Now Thru Oct. 26
Explore the rugged beauty of western South Dakota through the lens of Sioux Falls photographer Greg Latza. The People of West River exhibition showcases striking images from Latza’s most recent book, West River, capturing ranch life, expansive landscapes and the spirit of the region.
June 6
"Pleasure Trip" is a groovy glimpse into the colorful world of Steve Bormes. Considered an outsider artist, Bormes incessantly hones his self-proclaimed “Prairie Funk” style. Through his utilization of reclaimed materials, Bormes crafts a distinctive microsome of texture, color and light. Along with amplifying the possibilities of sculpture, Bormes continues to pursue his boyhood dream of one day becoming a “Hippie Millionaire.”
June 20-July 12
In How I See It, presented by Rose & Eugene, Jeannie Blackman invites us into the inner workings of her creative lens. Through a series of abstract collages, paintings, and photographs, she transforms everyday moments into visual meditations on movement, contrast, and balance.
Aug. 2
An outdoor event held annually offering up artists and makers a chance to share their work with the public, this year’s Bazaart Show will take place at Sunny’s Pizzeria in Central Sioux Falls.