After drawing in about 13,000 people its first year, Lallycooler Music Festival is returning this summer with a new venue, major headliners and a continued focus on keeping its impact local.
The two-day festival will take place this July in Sioux Falls, at the Sioux Falls Canaries Stadium, moving from its original home at Great Bear Ski Valley. Organizers say the change is designed to support long-term growth and make the event more convenient for the community.
“We had a great experience at Great Bear, but we really need a long-term place with the potential to grow with the festival,” said Maddy Grogan, leader of festival operations. “The convenience and the team at Canaries Stadium have been so good to work with, and they have built-in infrastructure. We’re excited for year two in a different location.”
The Friday, July 10, lineup features headliner Darius Rucker, along with Braxton Keith, Graham Barham and South Dakota local Weston Frank. Saturday, July 11, will bring pop and R&B star Jason Derulo as the headliner, joined by Bow Wow, Gavin DeGraw, Josh Ross and the Goodroad Band.
While organizers are always looking for growth, Grogan said the focus this year is refining the overall experience and building long-term sustainability.
“Obviously, with any festival, we want to see growth and people,” Grogan said. “We’re excited about the lineup and the opportunity to just bring this back to Sioux Falls.”
Grogan said that in 2025, Lallycooler generated more than $3.4 million in total economic impact. Rather than setting a specific goal for this year, she emphasized the festival’s commitment to the local community.
“One thing we really strive to do that is different, is keep the festival in the community,” she said. “We use local vendors, local food trucks, and all the people working at the festival and volunteering at the festival are people who live here and are a part of the community. We continue to look for ways to lift up different types of vendors and all the different parts of our community throughout the festival.”
That community emphasis is reflected in this year’s nonprofit partnership with Owen’s Outfitters, a program of The Legacy Foundation. The organization provides donated medical equipment free of charge to families and healthcare providers across South Dakota, giving away roughly $400,000 worth of equipment each month, Owen’s Outfitters Executive Director Mike Turner said.
Turner said the connection began when the organization volunteered at last year’s festival.
“To now be selected as the supported nonprofit means a huge amount — getting our name out there and helping the community,” Turner said.
Money raised will help update and simplify the organization’s check-in process, making services more accessible. Owen’s Outfitters will also have a booth at the festival to connect with attendees.
“From the get-go, it’s been so cool that this isn’t just a money-making festival,” he said. “They keep it here and local.”
Organizers describe Lallycooler as “music with a mission,” a phrase that reflects the festival’s emphasis on supporting local nonprofits, vendors, and volunteers while bringing national entertainment to Sioux Falls.
For local artists like Weston Frank, that opportunity is significant. A longtime staple in South Dakota’s country music scene, Frank performs 100 to 120 shows annually across the Midwest. Being included on a festival stage alongside national headliners offers validation, and visibility.
“It’s not often that you get to be a local artist at a festival like that,” Frank said. “It’s confirmation of my work.”
At Lallycooler, he plans to perform primarily original music. He added that festivals that include local acts can help draw in regional fans while strengthening the broader music community. After Lallycooler, Frank will continue a busy summer tour schedule across the Midwest.
As Lallycooler enters its second year, organizers hope the mix of national headliners, regional talent, and community partnerships will help the festival continue to grow into a lasting Sioux Falls tradition.