The week ahead: Sept. 4-10

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. 6: Sidewalk Arts Festival

Local artists, food vendors and entertainers will come together Saturday for the longest-running festival in Sioux Falls. The 62nd annual Downtown Sidewalk Arts Festival will go from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 230 vendors will feature the region’s best fine art, folk art and craft artisans, as well as nonprofit organizations and food vendors. Enjoy activities for kids, live entertainment  and more on the streets surrounding the Washington Pavilion. This event is a fundraiser for the Washington Pavilion and is the region’s largest one-day arts festival.

Sept. 6: Petting zoo

A free petting zoo will run from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at Fleet Farm, 3035 W. Fleet St. Nick’s Barnyard Buddies will be at the store, and goats, pigs and rabbits will need to be fed. Free pony rides also will be offered.

Sept. 6: Thrift market

The Cozy Energy Thrift Market will return from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at 605 Antiques, 3201 S. Shirley Ave. The event will include food trucks, music and more than 30 local vendors with a variety of offerings.

Sept. 6: Freedom Festival

The second annual Freedom Festival will run from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday at the South Dakota Military Heritage Alliance, 1600 W. Russell St. Live performances will include Sioux Falls musicians The Men in Black Band, country singer-songwriter Danica Michaels, the Rival 5 band and The Hype, with five mini-concerts for an ’80s experience. Proceeds benefit Midwest Honor Flight. Admission is free to veterans. Tickets are $10 when you book here, or $15 at the door.

Sept. 7: Ho Fest

The inaugural Ho Fest will run from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at Walter’s Hi Ho Bar, 1014 E. Eighth St. There will be games in the alley and live music by Scooter Steven Berry, Exit 357, PsyDefects and Beer Goblin. Bring your own chair.

Sept. 7: Museum exhibit

“Women Tamed the Prairie,” an afternoon of history, will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Dell Rapids Museum, 407 E. Fourth St., Dell Rapids. Author Candace Van Dam will tell the stories of women homesteaders’ struggles and successes. Refreshments will be served, and Van Dam will sell and sign her books. The event is free.