By james art 
The Sioux Falls area is a place to be entertained and has established itself as an essential part of the local music scene, attracting audiences from across the region.
It gives South Dakota State University students access to live entertainment opportunities with an array of national tours and special events – all less than an hour’s drive away.
The area aimed to become an adaptable entertainment destination and has grown to accommodate various 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 to special events,” said Shawn Larson, venue manager at The District. “We now host around 40 shows, 40 weddings and 40 corporate events each year.”
SDSU sophomore Ivan Navarrete appreciates the variety of District events. The lineup of the venue often appeals to students and locals alike.
“I’ve been to a few shows at The District and it’s always a great experience,” Navarrete said.
Larson highlighted the venue’s ability to attract emerging talent.
“You never know who’s going to 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. “It’s going to be the ultimate experience to see them before they hit these bigger venues.”
In addition, The District aims to appeal to a wide range of musical preferences.
“We don’t want to overwhelm any 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 I 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 may not reach smaller cities. For those looking to explore local entertainment options, the venue provides an opportunity to experience a variety of artists without having to travel far.
With an eye on future trends, The District plans to continue to grow and book the best talent it can get.
“We’re just moving forward,” Larson said, “always looking for the next big thing.”