On October 4th, Downtown Sioux Falls (DTSF) is hosting one of its favorite events, the Art & Wine Walk.
Thanks to AARP South Dakota (learn more), we’ll be closing down a key street, giving pedestrians a safe space to explore and enjoy the best Sioux Falls attractions.
Their support allows us to activate Phillips Avenue between 9th and 10th Streets with a vibrant arts scene while maintaining the integrity of downtown Sioux Falls’ retail and dining experience.
“AARP South Dakota is excited to support this open streets project in collaboration with Downtown Sioux Falls,” said Erik Gaikowski, AARP South Dakota State Director. “We know that livable communities include public spaces that are vibrant and accessible for all ages and abilities.”
But this street closure is more than just a fun event—it’s part of a bigger vision to make downtown Sioux Falls more walkable, connected, and exciting.
Why Street Closures Work for Downtown
Research from the Project for Public Spaces shows that closing streets helps cities thrive. It increases foot traffic, boosts sales for local businesses, and creates vibrant spaces where people want to live, work, and play. In other downtowns, street closures have turned the downtown area into a hub for arts, culture, and community.
The Art & Wine Walk in downtown Sioux Falls is about more than just enjoying local art and wine. It’s a chance to see firsthand how walkability transforms our downtown into a more engaging and fun place to explore. During the Art & Wine Walk on October 4th, Phillips Avenue will be closed to traffic between 9th and 10th streets. DTSF is excited to bring out over a dozen live artists showcasing various mediums. Our goal is to fill the streets with vibrant arts programming, all while enhancing—rather than detracting from—the amazing retail and food scene that downtown Sioux Falls is known for.
Visitors will have the chance to experience local art, explore their favorite downtown Sioux Falls boutiques, and dine at some of the best restaurants in Sioux Falls.
Big Ideas for a Bold Future
DTSF is thinking big. Our vision is to create more spaces for people to connect, shop, and enjoy.
Regular street closures like this could be the future of downtown Sioux Falls events. Imagine wandering through Falls Park, grabbing a coffee at a local spot, and strolling through pedestrian-friendly streets packed with vibrant shops, Sioux Falls dining, and Sioux Falls events.
Walkability isn’t just a perk—it’s a driver for economic growth. As people spend more time downtown, they support local businesses, from Sioux Falls food trucks to Sioux Falls boutiques. By giving residents and visitors room to explore, we’re helping downtown Sioux Falls become a thriving destination for everyone.
Thank You to AARP South Dakota
We want to extend a huge thank you to AARP South Dakota for sponsoring this year’s Art & Wine Walk.
Gaikowski further emphasized the broader benefits of the event, noting, “Pop-up events like the one happening at Art & Wine Walk are great for social connections as well as for educating community leaders about the benefits of thoughtful placemaking. Through planning, policy change, and other efforts, projects like these can increase safety, improve health outcomes, and boost economic investment.”
By temporarily transforming downtown into a pedestrian-friendly zone, we’re not only encouraging social engagement but also helping to shape the future of downtown Sioux Falls through placemaking initiatives. This is just the beginning of a bolder, more connected downtown.
What’s Next for DTSF?
This street closure is just the beginning. DTSF is committed to making downtown a place where the community can come together. From more family-friendly Sioux Falls events to activating spaces for local artists, we’re excited to see downtown Sioux Falls continue to grow. If you’re ready to experience the Art & Wine Walk, be sure to check out all the event details at DTSF.com.
Get ready for big ideas, bold moves, and more walkable, vibrant streets in the heart of Sioux Falls!
For more events, parking information, or to explore downtown Sioux Falls SD, visit DTSF.