The week ahead: Aug 1-7

The Week Ahead is our hand-picked event guide to the next seven days in Sioux Falls and slightly beyond. For guaranteed placement or to promote your event ahead of time, email [email protected] about a featured event listing.

Aug. 1: Splish-splash

Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation, Sioux Falls Fire Rescue, Sioux Falls Police, Sioux Falls Health and Siouxland Libraries want you to get all wet. That’s why they’re hosting a Hydrant Block Party from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday at Whispering Woods Park, 5820 S. Bahnson Ave. The free kid-friendly event for all ages lets you cool off and splash in water while enjoying music and games. Learn more here.

Aug. 1, 3 and 4: Filmed in South Dakota

A singer-songwriter in a downward spiral takes a last-chance gig at a motorcycle rally in South Dakota. That’s the plot behind the movie “Dandelion,” which was partially filmed in this state — can you guess where? You have three chances to see it — Thursday, Saturday and Sunday — at the State Theatre in downtown Sioux Falls.

Aug. 2: A day at the zoo

The Great Plains Zoo will host a Community Appreciation Day on Friday with admission of $5 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the admission window, but the zoo recommends buying them online to avoid lines. Online tickets mean they can be scanned directly at the zoo gate. The Sioux Falls City Council approved the funding for the community day to make the zoo even more accessible to residents. Community Appreciation Days also are set for Sept. 2 and Oct. 14 when students in the Sioux Falls School District don’t have class.

Aug. 2: Eastbank Block Party

Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. will host the August Eastbank Block Party, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Friday at 8th & Railroad Center. Catch up with friends over a cold drink, feast on food-truck fare and entertain the kids with yard games. The pre-opening act is Aftermath, followed by Back Alley and Neon Horizon. Click here for details.

Aug. 2: School lunch benefit

Third Eye Gallery will host No Free Lunch: A Benefit for Student Lunch Debt from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at 202 S. Phillips Ave. The event is designed to help families in the Sioux Falls School District who need assistance in paying for their children’s school lunches. The fundraiser will bring together more than 20 artists with a First Friday opening.

Aug. 2-4: Folk festival

The Sioux River Folk Festival will take place Friday through Sunday at  Newton Hills State Park near Canton. Sponsored by the South Dakota Friends of Old-Time Music, you can find the complete schedule here. A weekend pass will cost $40. Or get a Friday night pass for $20, an all-day Saturday pass for $30 or Sunday for $10. Tickets are available at the gate and online — weekend pass only — with credit card. Children younger than 14 are free.

Aug. 3: Kids and fishing

The Hartford Area Optimist Club is hosting Take a Kid Fishing from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Family Park along Ellis Road north of 12th Street. Everything is provided for you, including rods, reels and bait. They’re even serving lunch!

Coming up: Aug. 8-11

Sioux Falls Parks & Recreation and Ephemeral Productions will present the family show “Broadway and Beyond!” at the McKennan Park Bandshell at 7 p.m. Aug. 8-10 and 2 p.m. Aug. 11. Sixteen of the Sioux Empire’s most talented performers age 8 to 72 will present more than 30 musical numbers in 75 minutes. It is free.