The District in Sioux Falls is an entertainment venue and has established itself as an essential part of the area music scene, attracting audience members from across the region.
It gives South Dakota State University students access to live entertainment opportunities with an array of national touring acts and special events – all less than an hour’s drive away.
The District had the goal of becoming an adaptable entertainment destination and it has grown to accommodate different types of events, such as fundraisers, corporate galas and weddings in addition to concerts.
“The original vision was to create an entertainment destination where we could do a lot of shows and also transition into special events,” said Shawn Larson, the venue manager at The District. “Now, we host about 40 shows, 40 weddings and 40 corporate events every year.”
SDSU sophomore Ivan Navarrete appreciates The District’s variety of events. The venue’s lineup often appeals to both students and locals.
“I’ve attended a couple shows at The District and it’s always a great experience,” Navarrete said.
Larson emphasized the venue’s ability to attract emerging talent.
“You never know who will come through here before they blow up,” he said, citing artists like Zach Bryan and Whiskey Myers, who played at The District before gaining widespread fame. “This is going to be the best experience to see them before they hit those larger venues.”
Additionally, The District seeks to appeal to a wide range of musical preferences.
“We don’t want to overload on any one genre,” Larson said. “We balance country, rock, hip hop and classic rock to cater to a broad audience.”
SDSU junior Carter Pinney has had attending an event at The District on his to-do list.
“I’ve heard a lot about the concerts at The District and can’t wait to attend one,” Pinney said.
With Sioux Falls less than an hour from Brookings, The District gives students easy access to live performances that might not reach smaller towns. For those looking to explore the local entertainment options, the venue presents an opportunity to experience a variety of artists without having to travel far.
With an eye on future trends, The District plans to continue growing and booking the best talent it can get.
“We just keep moving forward,” Larson said, “always looking for the next big thing.”
