The Week Ahead: Sept. 22-29

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.

Sept. 23-25: South Dakota Festival of Books

The 20th annual South Dakota Festival of Books is three days jam-packed with regional and national author talks, craft sessions, panel discussions, poetry readings and more. It’s based in Brookings, with sessions for young readers also offered in Sioux Falls. Click here to learn more.

Sept. 23: Donuts + Music

Combine folk rock with fresh donuts and you’ve got this fun way to end the week at Severance Brewing Co., 701 N. Phillips Ave. Donut Envy will bring new fall-inspired flavors in its mini donuts, and the Sioux Falls-based band Back Alley plays from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday.

Sept. 24: Autumn at the Empire

Stop by The Empire Mall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday for free hot apple cider, cookies, games, pumpkin decorating and a coloring station. The event will be held at Center Court.

Sept. 24-25: Riverview Pumpkin Festival

Riverview Christmas Tree Farm hosts the first of four weekends for its pumpkin festival from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It continues Oct. 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16 at the same times. The farm is at 48392 278th St. north of Canton. Admission is free, and pumpkins will be available in multiple sizes. There will be live music, kids’ activities, farm animals, train rides, fall treats, food concessions and even a haunted trail. Click here to learn more.

Sept. 28: Nosebleeds Film Festival

Last Stop CD Shop, 2121 E. 10th St., hosts an hourlong program of short films from across the world at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, at this event filled with camaraderie among filmmakers and fans. Admission is free, and drinks will available for purchase along with some merchandise.

Sept. 29: Electric Vehicle Ride and Drive Event

Test-drive an electric vehicle, and check out several EV models at this second annual event Thursday, Sept. 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds. The event is sponsored by Sioux Valley Energy, Southeastern Electric, East River Electric, Xcel Energy and the city of Sioux Falls. There also will be recreational vehicles such as e-bikes and electric lawn equipment on display. Food trucks will be there to offer dinner options. Drivers must present a valid license. Vehicles available include the Audi eTron and Audi Q4 from Graham Auto and the Ford Lightning and Ford Mustang Mach E from Sioux Falls Ford.