The Week Ahead: Feb. 24-March 1

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 jodi@siouxfalls.business about a featured event listing.

Feb. 24: Big Sioux Film Festival

The Friends of the Big Sioux River are hosting the Big Sioux Film Festival as a way to raise money for its efforts to clean up the Big Sioux. The film festival will consist of three short films being shown as well as a panel with members of the organization’s board. The festival will be Thursday at the State Theatre, and tickets are $50. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m., the festival will take place from 7 to 9 p.m., and an after-party will be held at Remedy Brewing Co. To purchase tickets, click here.

Bonus: There will be swag for sale, including this new shirt.

Feb. 24: Artist reception for Travis Bentley

Check out some unique robot-inspired art by Travis Bentley at his artist reception Thursday at Full Circle Book Co-op. Bentley’s work will be for sale, and he’ll also be around for conversations and questions about his work. Bentley is described as a “graphic designer with a skill set that includes visual development, illustration and tackling new challenges with passion.” The reception will be from 5 to 10 p.m. at the bookstore, 123 W. 10th St., and admission for the event is free.

Feb. 25: Raptor Rendezvous

Want to learn more about birds and even get the chance to see a bald eagle in real life? Visit the Raptor Rendezvous on Friday at the Outdoor Campus at Sertoma Park. South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks will be hosting the University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center for two presentations — both of which will feature a live bald eagle. The hourlong presentations will begin at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., with additional raptor-themed activities in between. The 5 p.m. session has a waitlist, but seats remain for the 7 p.m. talk. All ages are welcome. To register for the event, click here.

Feb. 26: Scheels bat demo

Want to try out some of the newest baseball bats of the season? Or do you just want to have some fun at a free batting cage? Stop by the Sioux Falls Scheels batting cage Saturday. Participants must be 18 or older or accompanied by a parent. The first 200 participants will receive free T-shirts, and throughout the day there will be a 20 percent discount offered on all baseball and softball bats. Scheels also will be giving away a 2022 Louisville Slugger and a Wilson glove. The event will be from noon to 4 p.m. at Scheels,  2101 W. 41st St.

Feb. 26: Family open pickleball

Have you ever wanted to try out one of the most popular sports in America? Bring your family Saturday to the Terry Redlin Elementary gym for a friendly game of pickleball. You can choose to play against others — the event is open to those 6 and older — or engage in some competition between the family. No registration is required, and the courts will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The school is at 1721 E. Austin St.

Feb. 26: Sioux Falls Winter Games

Get outside for the inaugural Sioux Falls Winter Games taking place Saturday. Hosted at the Federal Courthouse Plaza at 12th Street and Phillips Avenue, the Winter Games will offer activities like giant bowling, Connect Four, beanbags, Jenga and more. Coffea Roasterie will be providing hot chocolate, and Queen City Bakery will be providing cookies. There will be winter-themed giveaways throughout the day.

Feb. 26: Live Music at Lupulin Brewing

Sit down for a casual night with family or friends and some live music at Lupulin Brewing. Gary Mehlbrech will be performing from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, and admission is free. Mehlbrech specializes in rock, country and blues. Lupulin Brewing is at 2425 S. Shirley Ave. and serves a wide variety of more than 20 craft beers. You must be 21 or older to attend this event.

March 1: Mash Madness

The sixth annual Mash Madness event begins Tuesday, and the event will last for the entire month. Mash Madness highlights local breweries by giving customers a chance to vote for their favorite craft brews. The winner will receive a trophy and the title of Mash Madness winner for a full year. For a list of participants, visit dtsf.com, and to vote for your favorites, use the DTSF Digital Passport app.