LifeLight Festival will move to new downtown venue

LifeLight Communications will move its annual LifeLight Festival this year to another downtown location.

The event will be Labor Day weekend at Nelson Park, which is on the east side of downtown and the location of Drake Springs Aquatic Center and the new Barb Iverson Skate Park.

“We live in a great community and feel having the festival right to the heart of the city provides the best opportunity for everyone to attend,” Josh Brewer, CEO of LifeLight, said in a statement. “Along with our mission, we believe that being in downtown Sioux Falls brings the most potential to reach those in need.”

The move is a collaborative effort with city leaders to enhance the festival experience, organizers said. It’s also an area where the city has proposed its Riverline District could include a new downtown convention center.

“By shifting to Nelson Park, LifeLight aims to provide ample space for the growing number of participants while accommodating a wider array of family-friendly activities,” LifeLight said in its statement. “The new location promises to offer a vibrant atmosphere, fostering community engagement and cultural celebration. With its expanded footprint and diversified programming, the LifeLight Festival is poised to continue its tradition of unity in the heart of Sioux Falls.”

The free event will feature award-winning Christian rock band Newsboys as one of the headliners, along with KB, Blessing Offor and The Afters. A variety of local and international speakers also will participate, and there will be action sports performances from StuntDudes, shopping with local vendors and food trucks.

Last year’s event was the first after a five-year break and marked 25 years for the festival. The main stage was in the parking lot at 8th & Railroad Center.