The week ahead: Nov. 20-26

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.

Nov. 21: Lighting of the Falls

Winter Wonderland kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday at Falls Park with the lighting of the falls, followed by fireworks at 6 p.m. The lights and holiday music will be on display from 5 p.m. to midnight daily, ending Jan. 5. Winter Wonderland is free. A great place to view Friday’s lighting is The Steel District, where you can arrive before 5 p.m. for the lights and stay for the 6 p.m. fireworks show, with live music after the city’s display. Parking in the ramp is free, and it’s only a quick walk for great views. Be one of the first 150 guests to arrive at 4:30 p.m., and you’ll receive a free Steel District blanket — one per family. Brioux Falls will serve hot chocolate and cider in the nook, while Torrent Coffee Bar in the hotel lobby will have grab-and-go food and hot drinks. Visit this link to learn more. Canopy at Hilton also has great seats for the fireworks. Learn more about what is offered here. The Winter Wonderland Celebration at Falls Overlook Cafe, 825 N. Weber Ave., will run from 5 to 9 p.m.  It will include hot chocolate, a chili bar with cinnamon rolls and free ice cream cups while supplies last. Visit this link to learn more. You also can stop at Jacobson Plaza.

Nov. 21: Comedy and cats

The Cattitude Cafe, 225 E. 11th St., is hosting Comedy With Cats on Friday. Zach Dresch will offer family-friendly comedy at 7 p.m. He will return at 7 p.m. Dec. 12 for an adults-only comedy night. To book your space, click here.

Nov. 22 and beyond: Eerie tales

Would you rather feel the chill of terror than of winter? Terror 29 explores the eerie tales of Brandon’s legendary “Spook Road” with magic, freak show stunts and ghost stories. Only 13 people can take part during each show, which will begin at 8 p.m. Saturdays through Dec. 13. For information, click here.

Nov. 23: Brass concert

The Sioux Empire Brass Society will offer a holiday concert at 3 p.m. Sunday at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 3801 E. 26th St. The concert is free, but freewill donations will be accepted.

Nov. 26: Friendsgiving parties

Looking for something to do before the Thanksgiving festivities? McNally’s Irish Pub, 6211 S. Old Village Place, is inviting you to “Gobble Until We Wobble” from 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday. Other events that evening:

• • Third annual Friends Giving dinner at Swamp Daddy’s Cajun Kitchen, 421 N. Phillips Ave., from 5 to 8 p.m. Everyone is welcome for the free meal; no RSVP is necessary.
  • Wileys, 330 N. Main Ave., will host its Friendsgiving Bash with DJ Noah and drink specials. It will begin at 8 p.m.
  • Drinksgiving at PAve, 130 S. Phillips Ave. There will be a live DJ from 9 p.m. to close.

Plus: Nov. 24

Severance Brewing, 701 N. Phillips Ave., will host its annual Friendsgiving Night from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday. Pizza from Sunny’s Pizzeria will be served while supplies last.

Coming up: Lights and cocoa

Have you ever wondered what goes into the Falls Park Winter Wonderland lighting every year? Learn about the best photo-ops and the details behind the light show while sipping a warm drink from a hot cocoa bar. Meet in the Jacboson Plaza warming house, 810 N. Phillips Ave. Tours begin promptly at 6 p.m Dec. 4, 9, 18 and 23. The events are free, but reservations are required.