Fun in the Sun: Summer festival roundup

Every year, summer in South Dakota brings warm weather, longer days and months of fun-filled festivals. It is a time to celebrate a sense of community by gathering with family and friends at jamborees around the city.

More: Changes to summer festival scene spark new traditions

Here’s a list of can't-miss festivals this summer in the Sioux Falls area. Mark your calendars and get ready to have fun with loads of good music and great food.

JUNE

Pride Festival: June 16 at Terrace Park

With thousand in attendance each year, Sioux Falls Pride is a community celebration that honors lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) culture and pride. This free event includes a wide variety of entertainment such as food and sales vendors and family-friendly activities. Info at siouxfallspride.org.

605 Summer Classic Beer & Music Festival: June 22-23 at Cherapa Place

Organized by 605 Magazine, this festival is an outdoor music event created to give quality music from many different genres a stage to play on. This year the festival will expand their hours and grow from 10 to 12 bands.

More: Best restaurant patios in Sioux Falls

Headliners includes Bonnie X Clyde, Megan Hamilton & the Bermudas, Skizzy Mars, and P.O.S. Also performing: Denham, FAYDE, Linear Symmetry, Heatbox, Amos Slade, TUFF ROOTS, Pete Freely and Infinite Revolutions.

Continuing as a part of the festival is the All-South Dakota Beer Tasting. Tickets for the festival range from $10 to $20. Info at 605summerclassic.com.

JULY

Hot Harley Nights: July 12-15 at W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds and J&L Harley-Davidson

With two locations, this festival is twice the fun. The event is headquartered at J&L Harley-Davidson where activities are scheduled all weekend including vendors and music.

The highlight of the festival occurs early Saturday night. Hundreds of motorcycles gather at J&L for a parade to the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds where the fun continues. Info at hotharleynights.com.

Hot Summer Nites: July 18 in Downtown Sioux Falls

This event, now in its 25th year, is known for the hundreds of Corvettes that line Phillips Avenue. To accompany these hot rods, food vendors and free live music are provided. Info at dtsf.com.

Sioux Falls JazzFest: July 20-21 at Yankton Trail Park

JazzFest is possibly the most anticipated festival of the summer. This free, multi-stage event will feature Jimmie Vaughan, Taj Mahal, Sena Erhhardt and many more musicians including local talent.

More: JazzFest announces Main Stage performers for 2018

Organized by Sioux Falls Jazz & Blues, this event is free and open to the public. Take advantage of the bike trails and ride to the park. Info at siouxfallsjazzfest.com.

Folk Off and Rib Challenge: July 28 at Strawbale Winery

For a more intimate festival look to Strawbale Winery and their up and coming Folk Off and Rib Challenge. A dozen or so musical acts will compete for a chance to perform at the Sioux River Folk Festival the following weekend. Headlining is the Red Willow Band.

At the same time, up to six local BBQ food vendors will compete for People’s Choice. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Info at strawbalewinery.com.

Family Fest: July 28 at W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds

Presented by "The ''Hood Magazine," Family Fest is a day where children, parents and family can play, know and grow. Activities include inflatables, rock wall, paddle boats, BMX, a toddler zone, an obstacle course and much more.

Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for kids aged 4-12 and free for children three and under. Info at familyfest.com.

AUGUST

Sioux River Folk Festival: Aug. 3-5 at Newton Hills State Park

Get your campsite reservations for this weekend of folky fun. For almost forty years this festival has been filling the surrounding hills with music. This multi-day event includes many great artists. Info at fotm.org/folk-fest.

Sioux Empire Fair: Aug. 3-11 at the W.H. Lyons Fairgrounds

Every year the Sioux Empire Fair provides 10 days of non-stop fun. From rodeos to grandstand entertainment, there is something for everyone. Ride the Ferris Wheel or win a stuffed animal at the carnival games.

Performers on the Campbell’s Main Stage include Scotty McCreery, Josh Turner, Trace Adkins, Hairball, Fluffy, and more. Concerts are free with fair admission. Info at siouxempirefair.com.

Downtown Riverfest: Aug. 18 on the Big Sioux River between 6th and 8th Street

Now in its sixth year, Riverfest has grown into a much-anticipated musical event. Main stage entertainment to be announced this spring. To get to the party, paddle your canoe or kayak down the Big Sioux River. Admission is free. Info at dtsf.com.

That Sounds Decent: Aug. 25 at 8th & Railroad Center

Now in its fifth year, That Sounds Decent is an annual music festival organized by Sioux Falls hip-hop group Soulcrate. Fans of all ages will flood the parking lot at 8th & Railroad for the free concert.

SEPTEMBER

Sidewalk Arts Festival: Sept. 8 in Downtown Sioux Falls

Over 300 vendors flood the streets of downtown for the annual Sidewalk Arts Festival. The booths feature the region’s best fine art, folk art and craft artisans. Live entertainment and food vendors are also provided. Info at sidewalkartsfestival.com.

Germanfest: Sept. 8 at Falls Park West

This annual event celebrating German culture includes live music, wiener dog races, puppet shows, plenty of food vendors and, of course, beer tents. The festival pays homage to Sioux Falls' sister city, Potsdam, with one heck of a party. Info at siouxfallsgermanfest.com.

More: Okoboji road trip: 11 things worth your family’s time (and money)

Siouxpercon: Sept. 28-30 at Sioux Falls Convention Center

SiouxperCon is a fan convention that celebrates several mediums, including comic books, sci-fi, fantasy, anime, board games, and video gaming. The convention's theme this year is 'Return of the Con' and will feature many special guests and events. Info at siouxpercon.com.

Food Truck Mash-Up: Sept. 29 at W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds

This large-scale community festival gathers the most popular food trucks in one huge outdoor celebration, produced by USA Today Network. In a live face-off - complete with outdoor entertainment, live music and consumer votes - the winning food truck is announced. Info at foodtruckmashup.com.

If you have an event or story idea that fits into the Sioux Falls dining or entertainment theme, Alexa Giebink can be reached at agiebink@argusleader.com. Follow her on twitter @ArgusAGiebink