Free Christian Music Festival Coming To Nelson Park This Sunday

Labor Day weekend is here, which means Sioux Falls residents have one last big decision to make before summer officially starts packing up its bags:

Maybe you're heading to the lake for one last dip. Perhaps you're firing up the grill, squeezing in a round of golf, visiting family, meeting up with friends, or taking one final road trip while the weather is still warm.

Or, you could be looking for another way to celebrate the holiday weekend, maybe like taking in a giant music festival right here in Sioux Falls.

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One of the country's premier Christian music festivals is returning to the Sioux Empire this Labor Day weekend, bringing a massive lineup of music, speakers, food, family activities, and plenty of reasons to spend your Sunday at Nelson Park.

The 2026 LifeLight Music Festival is happening Sunday, September 6, from noon until 9:30 PM at Nelson Park in eastern Sioux Falls.

And the best part: it's free to attend.

This year's lineup features a mix of nationally recognized Christian artists, worship groups, speakers, and performers, including:

Z8 Worship
Jesse Labelle
Movement Worship
Josh Brewer
Emerson Day
Rhett Walker
Cochren & Co.
KB
Willie Robertson
Danny Gokey

So, whether you're a longtime LifeLight regular or you've never experienced the festival before, there's plenty happening throughout the day.

LifeLight has come a long way throughout the years. If you're a longtime Sioux Falls resident, there's a pretty good chance you remember when LifeLight was a much smaller event.

The festival began way back in 1998, when it was held on the lawn of Good News Reformed Church on Valley View Road.

But like Sioux Falls itself, LifeLight kept growing.

Eventually, the festival moved to larger locations, including the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds and a family farm near Worthing. In 2023, LifeLight made its way downtown to the 8th & Railroad District parking lot. Then, in 2024, the festival found its current home at Nelson Park, providing the additional space needed to handle the ever-growing crowds.

And we're not talking about a couple thousand people showing up with lawn chairs.

According to LifeLight's Josh Brewer, the festival can attract 35,000 to 40,000 people. Brewer told Dakota News Now that LifeLight is essentially "an arts and crafts fair with a music festival, mixed with a family reunion."

He recommends you bring your appetite, too.

If you're planning to spend the day at Nelson Park, you probably shouldn't show up with an empty phone battery or an empty stomach.

LifeLight will feature more than 30 food trucks, giving festivalgoers plenty of options when hunger sets in. Given the extreme heat forecasted for this weekend, there will be plenty of beverage options to help you stay cool as well.

Beyond the music and food, LifeLight will also feature live-action sports, a kids' area with inflatables, and numerous other activities for attendees of all ages.

The entire event is centered around faith, family, community, and the hope of Jesus Christ.

And when you think about it, something is fitting about LifeLight taking place over Labor Day weekend. It's basically the unofficial closing ceremony for summer. The days start getting shorter, the kids are back in school, football season is arriving, and before you know it, we'll all be complaining about snow.

So why not squeeze one more big event out of summer?

Get complete details on the 2026 version of LifeLight here.