7 things to expect at Sioux Falls’ new outdoor music festival

This piece is sponsored by Washington Pavilion Management Inc.

Two days of live music for all tastes in a one-of-a-kind setting await with the new Lallycooler Music Festival this summer.

Held July 11-12 at Great Bear Ski Valley, the Lallycooler is produced by Washington Pavilion Management Inc./3e Encore and is set to become an annual destination for live music and entertainment.

“Part of our mission is to entertain and enrich the community,” said Kerri DeGraff, chief operating officer.

“While we have a rich history of doing that within the Washington Pavilion and Orpheum Theater, we saw an opportunity to bring that same expertise and energy to an outdoor festival and create an incredible experience.”

As a new event, the Lallycooler naturally has generated lots of questions.

Here’s your guide for what to expect.

A wide variety of music

While many music festivals concentrate on one genre, the Lallycooler is meant for the community and has a lineup reflecting that.

“I think the mixed genre is really appealing,” DeGraff said. “Our lineup on Friday is mostly country-focused, while you’ll see more pop on Saturday.”

Headliner Sam Hunt takes the stage Friday, along with Redferrin, Tyler Braden and Confederate Railroad.

On Saturday, Pitbull plays his first show ever in Sioux Falls, while other hit artists TLC, Uncle Kracker and Frank Ray round out the show, along with local favorite Kory and the Fireflies.

“We’re so excited by these really high-quality bands,” DeGraff said. “There are several you maybe haven’t seen in this area, and we know the community wants that.”

A unique setting

Located in northeast Sioux Falls, Great Bear Ski Valley provides a totally new concert experience.

“We think it’s going to be a really unique and amazing setting,” DeGraff said. “It’s a beautiful area that allows people to be outdoors in nature. You’re not standing on pavement watching the show. You have hills surrounding you and feel like you’ve arrived at a true destination.”

Easy transportation

Don’t worry about driving and parking when you attend the Lallycooler. Instead, head to one of four conveniently located shuttle stops and enjoy transportation included with your ticket.

“You can hop on, and it becomes incredibly easy,” DeGraff said. “I think it adds to the experience, going there with others likely from your neighborhood who also are excited for the entertainment.”

Free shuttle service will be offered from Jefferson High School, Washington High School, Denny Sanford Premier Center and USF Sports Complex. ADA shuttles will be available from the Washington High School lot. Shuttles will start 30 minutes before gates open and run continuously from those shuttle sites until 9:30 p.m. After 9:30 p.m., the shuttles will take you only from Great Bear to a parking lot. 

Flexible tickets — with VIP options

The Lallycooler offers single and multiday passes — though the best deal definitely is for the full festival pass.

“It’s worth it,” DeGraff said. “There’s considerable savings if you opt for the two-day pass.”

Looking for the full VIP experience? A two-day Ultra VIP Ticket will get you exclusive access to the air-conditioned Great Bear lodge with access to indoor/outdoor viewing, indoor restrooms, complimentary food and a private bar.

“Those are selling very well, and we think they will sell out first,” DeGraff said. “It will offer a really unique viewing area, so that will be a nice opportunity for those who are interested.”

Want to be close to the stage? Purchase a two-day pit standing pass, which will allow you entry into an exclusive, designated area closest to the stage with access to beverage tents, food trucks, vendors, activities and great live music.

Need a seat? There’s an option to sit in “chair world” and bring your own chair in a bag.

Festival pass prices will be increasing, so reserve yours here for the best rate.

Food and additional fun

Local food trucks are being booked to ensure there are plenty of options for dining during the festival.

“We’re focused on operators who offer great menus and also speedy service to keep our wait times low,” DeGraff said.

“We’ll also have a large trailer bar, which will be a fun experience, and beverage partners who will do activation spaces throughout the event.”

Look for plenty of places to snap a photo, with specially designed areas throughout the venue.

A way to give back

The Lallycooler is made possible through sponsorships, led by lead sponsor MarketBeat, but it’s also a chance to give back.

“It was important to MarketBeat not only to support this event but to look at how it can support the community,” DeGraff said.

Throughout the festival, The Foster Network will be highlighted as a way to raise awareness and support for the work it does in supporting children in foster care and their foster families.

“It’s a very unique festival in how closely we’re supporting a nonprofit,” DeGraff said.

A big crowd

Estimates call for 10,000 visitors each day of the Lallycooler, so you’ll have plenty of company on the festival grounds.

“We know it’s a first-year festival that will continue to grow, but we think we can hit that mark,” DeGraff said. “We’re just really excited to bring this to the community and by the momentum we’re seeing for it already.”

For your full guide to Lallycooler, visit here.