Tag: burger battle

Free. Live. Local. AMPT 2025 Is Here.

Posted on by Jeb

Starting this June and running through the end of August, AMPT (Art, Music & Performance Theatre) returns for its third season—bringing sound and energy to the streets of Downtown Sioux Falls. Happening every Thursday through Sunday at four unique downtown locations, AMPT will feature 80 free performances throughout the summer, making downtown the place to be for music, art, and community atmosphere.

The Locations

AMPT will take place at four iconic downtown spots: Phillips Avenue Plaza, the Jones421 Building, Cherapa Place, and Lloyd Landing at the newly completed Steel District. These venues span across the core of downtown, integrating live performances into the daily rhythm of the city. 

Every Thursday at Cherapa Place, you’ll find a lunchtime concert paired with a rotating food truck. Whether you’re on your lunch break or just exploring downtown, it’s the perfect excuse to enjoy great music and a local bite. With different artists and food vendors each week, no two Thursdays will be the same.

The Performances

Performance times vary by location:

  • Thursday: Cherapa Place | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
  • Friday: Phillips Avenue Plaza | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: Phillips Avenue Plaza, Lloyd Landing, & Jones421 Building | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
  • Sunday: Phillips Avenue Plaza | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

AMPT is designed to be flexible and inviting—you can swing by for a midday break or wind down with an evening set. With a mix of venues and times, there’s always a way to fit live music into your summer routine.

The Performers

This year’s lineup showcases a wide range of local and regional musicians, spanning genres and styles. But AMPT isn’t just about music—other creative expressions will take the stage too, like live speed graffiti artists and more.

Building on the momentum from last year, DTSF has doubled the number of performances—from 40 to 80. And that growth isn’t slowing down. The goal for future seasons is not only to expand the number of performances, but also to include a broader variety of art forms to reflect the creativity and diversity of our community.

Powered by Community Support

AMPT 2025 is made possible through the generous support of Xcel Energy and Lloyd, whose commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) helps drive the vision behind the series. This funding not only brings music to the streets of Downtown Sioux Falls, but also uplifts artists—especially those who have long been part of the scene and those just beginning to find their voice. The goal is twofold: to grow AMPT as a centerpiece of the downtown arts and culture landscape, and to further support performers through expanded opportunities and meaningful financial investment. With the continued support of our sponsors and community, AMPT aims to be even bigger and more inclusive in 2026 and beyond.

Interested in Performing?

Are you a performer looking for a chance to share your talent with the Sioux Falls community? We’d love to hear from you! AMPT is always on the lookout for new voices—whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out. Even though this year’s lineup is set, there’s always a chance to fill in due to cancellations or last-minute openings. If you’re interested in being part of AMPT, reach out to events@dtsf.com. This could be your opportunity to connect with new audiences and be part of the growing arts scene in Downtown Sioux Falls.

See You Downtown

Whether you’re grabbing lunch with friends, winding down after work, or simply soaking up the summer vibes, AMPT invites you to experience Downtown Sioux Falls in a whole new way. With 80 free performances, a wide range of local talent, and the support of a vibrant community, AMPT 2025 is your soundtrack to summer. Come for the music, stay for the atmosphere—and discover just how alive downtown can be.

10 Best Practices for Enjoying the Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle 🍔

Posted on by Jeb


The Downtown Sioux Falls Burger Battle is one of the most anticipated events of the year, celebrating culinary creativity, community spirit, and our incredible local restaurants. If you’re planning to dive into the battle and try the city’s best burger creations, here’s a list of tips to help you make the most of it—while showing appreciation for the hardworking service industry making it all possible.

1. Start Early in the Month
Don’t wait until the last week to begin your burger journey! Starting early ensures you can visit more restaurants and avoid the crowds that tend to build toward the end of January.

2. Plan Ahead
Check the list of participating restaurants and their burger entries on the DTSF website. Map out your stops, and consider spreading them across several outings. This way, you’ll have time to enjoy the experience without rushing.

3. Dine During Off-Peak Hours
Visiting during non-peak times (like weekday afternoons) helps avoid long waits and reduces stress on restaurant staff. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy your meal in a more relaxed atmosphere.

4. Be Patient
Restaurants experience higher-than-usual traffic during the Burger Battle. Service might take a little longer, so show patience and kindness to staff working hard to deliver a great experience.

5. Tip Generously
Servers, cooks, and bartenders put in extra effort during events like these. A generous tip is a great way to show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

6. Share the Experience
Bring friends or family to split burgers and try more entries in one outing. It’s a fun way to compare flavors and explore creative burger combinations while supporting multiple restaurants.

7. Engage with Staff
Take a moment to thank your server, chat with the host, or compliment the chefs (when possible). A little kindness goes a long way in lifting up the people behind the scenes.

8. Leave Honest Reviews
When you vote, consider all aspects: taste, creativity, and presentation. Constructive feedback helps restaurants grow and inspires them to bring their best creations year after year.

9. Share on Social Media
Snap photos, tag the restaurants, and use hashtags like #BurgerBattle and #DTSF. Your posts not only promote the event but also shine a spotlight on the talented chefs and teams behind each creation.

10. Respect Restaurant Policies
Be mindful of seating times, reservations, and group size limitations. Following the rules makes everything smoother for both diners and staff.

Enjoy the Battle—and Celebrate the Industry!
The Burger Battle is more than a competition; it’s a celebration of the incredible service industry that makes Downtown Sioux Falls such a vibrant place. By following these best practices, you’ll not only enjoy amazing burgers but also contribute to a positive experience for everyone involved.
Cheers to great food, great people, and great community vibes! 🏆

Everything You Need to Know About the 7th Annual Downtown Burger Battle

Posted on by Brandon Hanson

Prepare your tastebuds for battle with the 7th Annual Downtown Burger Battle! DTSF and the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation kicks off January 2, 2020 and continues through January 31, 2020. A record number of participating downtown restaurants will compete by presenting their take on the classic American burger.

Diners can order and rate each burger feature based on patty, presentation, toppings, bun, and customer service. The restaurant with the highest average score by the end of the month will be the 2020 Burger Battle Champion. New this year, voting will take place on the DTSF Digital Passport. After voting, diners will earn stamps, points, and share their progress to social media.

“Bringing the community back together after the holidays to experience the downtown area in a different way is so important to these small businesses and specifically restaurants.  This year’s Burger Battle is coming back better than ever with more burgers, giveaways and the highly-anticipated DTSF Digital Passport.” said DTSF Marketing & Communication Coordinator Sadie Swier

The sixteen restaurants participating are: 

Diners can also enter a weekly restaurant gift card drawing by posting a photo of features to Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, tagging the restaurant name and using the hashtag #BurgerBattle20.

In 2019, 8,123 burgers were sold and rated from twelve downtown restaurants.  Learn more about last year’s Burger Battle here.

Find burger contender names and descriptions at https://dtsf.com/event/7th-annual-downtown-burger-battle/.