Join The Fun At Sioux Falls' 10th Annual Mash Madness Event

Celebrating a Decade of Drink Innovation

Get ready to raise a glass as the 10th Annual Mash Madness takes over Downtown Sioux Falls throughout the entire month of March 2026. This beloved drink competition has become a cornerstone of the city's vibrant beverage scene, showcasing the creativity and skill of local establishments.

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From March 1st through March 31st, over two dozen downtown venues will compete for the title of best beverage creator. Participating locations include popular breweries like Fernson Downtown, WoodGrain Brewing Co., Remedy Brewing Co., Covert Artisan Ales, and Severance Brew Co. But Mash Madness isn't just about beer—bars, restaurants, and coffee shops are also throwing their hats in the ring.

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Beyond Beer: Diverse Beverage Offerings

The competition celebrates innovation across all beverage categories. Whether you're craving a traditional craft beer, an inventive cocktail from establishments like Blarney Stone or PAve, or a refreshing non-alcoholic creation from coffee shops like Josiah's Coffeehouse, CH Patisserie, or Coffea Roasterie, there's something for every palate.

Restaurants, including Maribella, Crawford's, Minervas, CRAVE, Cascata, and Ironwood Steakhouse, are also joining the friendly competition, alongside bars like Wiley's and Shenanigans, proving that exceptional drinks can be found throughout downtown.

Voting Made Easy: Engage with Your Favorites

Drink enthusiasts can vote for their favorites directly through the Downtown Sioux Falls App, making participation easy and interactive. Detailed drink descriptions will be available soon, giving voters insight into each creative concoction.

This month-long celebration is the perfect opportunity to explore downtown's diverse drink scene while supporting local businesses. Don't miss your chance to be part of one of Sioux Falls' tastiest traditions!

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Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own.

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Here are some of the best and why you should go there.

Gallery Credit: Karla Brown