Updated for 2026
Fall is fully here in the Sioux Falls Area, and it is beautiful! October means that school is in full swing, fall sports are going strong, and we are all trying to soak in the last of the warm weather while we still have it. There is plenty of things going on in the Sioux Falls Area this October! If you are looking for things to do in Sioux Falls as a family, October brings you plenty of great options!
To See our Full Calendar of Area Events, Click the Button Below!
Here is what’s going on in the Sioux Falls Area this October!
Fall Fun
Fall fun is in full swing this month! We have tons of fall content on our site for your family. To view everything, check out our Fall Headquarters Page, sponsored by Avera Children’s.
For specific Fall Fun Activities happening this month check out the following articles:
- Fall Festivals in the Sioux Falls Area
- Corn Mazes in the Sioux Falls Area
- Pumpkin Patches in the Sioux Falls Area
- Apple Picking in the Sioux Falls Area
- Fall Colors in the Sioux Falls Area
Halloween events are coming in strong! There are a ton of truck-and-treats, trick-or-treats, and Halloween events happening this month. Check out our calendar to see dozens of events.
Music
The Zac Brown Band will be at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center on October 24th for their Love and Fear Tour.
The National Tour of the hit musical Waitress is coming to the Washington Pavilion on October 9th-11th.
Enjoy a night of Laughter and Music at the Alliance. This is the Sioux Falls American Legion Post 15’s Annual “A Night of Laughter & Music!” Featuring ventriloquist Kevin Horner and live country music by Danica Michaels.
Fall Family Fun
Creator’s Academy is hosting a FREE Fall Family Carnival on October 3rd. Enjoy inflatables, games, food, and fun for the whole family.
Looking for some kid-friendly but still spooky Halloween Fun? Check out the Jaycees Feargrounds on October 11th for their Kids Day! For those who want the full scare experience, Jaycees Feargrounds opens on October 9th for 2026!
Celebrate National Farmers’ Day at the Barn with the Stockyard Ag Experience on October 9th. Learn about agriculture, enjoy a pumpkin patch, kids’ activities, and fun for the whole family.
Quack! Open a Book! The Sioux Empire United Way Reading Festival is back! This FREE festival is on October 10th at the Sioux Falls Convention Center and is perfect for those ages 0-8. Free books to take home!
Did you know that Frank and Jesse James once came through the Sioux Falls Area? The Riverview Pumpkin Festival, at Riverview Christmas Tree Farm, is celebrating the James brothers’ journey through their area on October 10th.
Head over to the Great Plains Zoo for their 2026 ZooBOO on October 15th-18th! Trick-or-Treat at the Zoo and enjoy all the extra fun planned. This year, they have added a whole sensory day on October 18th for those who want to join in on the fun, but with it being a little less crazy!
Does your family love reading? Novel Lattes is back for its 3rd year on October 17th, celebrating both clean books and tasty coffee.
Find ‘hood on October 24th at the Washington Pavilion for their Spooky Science Event! Costumes for kids are encouraged but not required.
Explore the Spooky Seas on October 24th with the Butterfly House and Aquarium.
Trunk-or-Treat with The Miller Team in the Hegg Parking lot on October 24th! This free event always has amazing trunks from local businesses.
