Life
Event Planning Guide
Your ultimate resource for planning and creating the perfect event in Springfield and southwest Missouri.
Aug 2022
Where Would You Like to Start the Planning Process?
IT'S PARTY TIME. Hosting an event to remember is no small potatoes, and finding the best venue, entertainment, food and decor for whatever kind of shindig you’re throwing is the key to making the whole thing work. But there are a lot of businesses out there who specialize in this kind of thing, and sorting through them all can be daunting. How do you find businesses you can trust to handle your special occasion? Well, we suggest you begin right here!
VENUES
Indoor and outdoor locations for any event.
Big Cedar Lodge
1-800-225-6343
190 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale, MO
Table Rock Lake, rolling hills and the Missouri sky set off the tapestry of cedars, oaks and sparkling sunsets at Big Cedar Lodge. Ideal for both celebrations and corporate meetings of up to 1,000 guests, the resort occupies a prime heartland location in southwest Missouri, an easy 10 miles south of Branson.
The Ozarks charm of the banquet rooms at Grandview Conference Center comes with breathtaking views of Table Rock Lake and state-of-the-art technology, making it a one-of-a-kind location for business meetings and corporate gatherings. In addition to meeting and event services, Big Cedar and its attractions offer on-site catering and numerous restaurants, each featuring rustic elegance and stunning views. Step outside of the boardroom, where guests can experience unbelievable activities including five legendary golf courses, a world-class spa, the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail, sport shooting facilities, the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum and a 50,000-square-foot adventure center with an arcade, ropes course and underwater-themed bowling alley. An adventure-filled menu of corporate team-building activities promises to engage, energize and educate with challenges such as property-wide scavenger hunts and fishing tournaments. Just down the road is Dogwood Canyon Nature Park, a 10,000-acre nature park offering horseback trail rides, wildlife tram tours and evening chuck wagon dinners letting groups connect to the great outdoors in the most beautiful setting possible. Since Big Cedar is within an hour’s drive from most of 417-land, these activities and much more are easily accessible for any gathering.
For more intimate affairs, Big Cedar is home to four stunning chapels in addition to multiple indoor and outdoor special event venues, all with captivating settings perched over Table Rock Lake. This premier destination offers everything you need for special celebrations, from engagement parties to reunions and more, including special event services and luxury accommodations in a secluded haven of natural beauty.
Dogwood Canyon
1-877-459-5687
2038 West State Hwy 86, Lampe, MO
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is an outdoor nature lover’s paradise, located in Lampe, Missouri and spanning across the Missouri-Arkansas border. Featuring 100,000 acres of natural beauty and rugged scenery, you and your group will escape to serenity when you enter this Ozark Mountain location.
Events are picture-perfect at Dogwood Canyon. With five stunning on-site venues, Dogwood Canyon can accommodate gatherings and celebrations of any size whether indoor or in the great outdoors! Host a reception at their rustic Chuckwagon Pavilion while a band plays on the streamside covered stage, or walk down the aisle at their elegant 1800’s-modeled Hope Wilderness Chapel, boasting a striking view of a crashing waterfall! Enjoy a delicious meal and dance the night away under the stars on the patio of the Canyon Grill. Say ‘I do’ in front of the breathtaking Thunder Falls, where two streams become one. These incredible event venues are nestled in the canyon near crystal clear streams, unique hand-built bridges, stables, meadows, cascading waterfalls and deep blue-green pools. You and your guests will be wowed by these unforgettable views of nature.
Limitless customizations can make your event one-of-a-kind like horse-drawn carriage rides, bicycles for your guests to ride, fire pits & s’mores, getaway canoes, fly fishing receptions, horseback riding and more. With every season, the park takes on a whole new personality and has something exciting to share! In the spring, the Dogwood and Redbud trees are in full bloom and in the fall, the canyon is painted in reds, oranges and yellows. In the winter months, the park turns into a winter wonderland providing a spectacular backdrop for any occasion at any time of the year.
Dogwood Canyon is the ultimate getaway and playground that offers hiking, biking, wildlife tours, horseback riding and trout fishing among towering bluffs, waterfalls, creek beds, and wildlife. There is something for all ages to see and do. During your visit, you can visit the working gristmill, explore the treehouse built by Treehouse Masters and tour the Conservation Education Center.
Dogwood Canyon is the perfect setting for your corporate retreat, family reunion, company picnic, wedding day, or special celebration. With unforgettable views and undivided attention, they will make your event a memorable one and will leave your guests speechless! Dogwood Canyon has experienced event specialists on staff ready to help put the perfect package together for you.
Email wow.groupsales@wondersofwildlife.org to start planning your next event or group adventure and discover the natural beauty of the Ozarks!
425 Downtown
417-888-3025
425 W. Walnut St., Springfield, MO
Located in the historical heart of Springfield, 425 Downtown is the perfect venue for anyone who loves the restored beauty of the Queen City’s downtown. Customers can hold a flawless dream wedding reception, reunion or top-notch corporate event in a well known local location.
In addition to its beautiful, brick-interior atmosphere, 425 Downtown offers all-inclusive packages that include catering, bar service, tables, chairs and linens. Looking for a little extra? You always have the option to add on services to make your life easier and your event extravagant, like valet, professional cake cutting, coat check and ceremony setup.
425 Downtown’s spacious banquet hall allows for the complete customization of your event. The team at 425 Downtown has thought of everything to make your downtown event experience as perfect as possible, including having their own dedicated parking lot for you and your guests.
Since its doors opened 13 years ago, 425 Downtown has sought to be the go-to location for 417-landers seeking the perfect venue. Owner Matt Krupa and his well trained staff work to make every event, big or small, a success. Their goal is to give customers the experience of a lifetime with hassle-free planning and an end result that all guests will rave about.
Branson Dream Weddings & Events
417-243-3419
From the $7.5M lighted dancing fountains shooting 120 feet in the air at Branson Landing, to stunning Ozarks mountain views from Branson Hills Golf Club, or the modern waterfront amenities, shopping and dining at one of the two Hilton hotels and convention center, you can plan a one-of-a-kind event with Branson Dream Weddings and Events.
Synchronized to light, fire and music, the fountains at the Branson Landing offer a venue unlike any other in the area! The breathtaking backdrop of Lake Taneycomo makes Branson Landing’s Amphitheater second to none, both day and night and year-round.
Be whisked away by the breathtaking views at Branson Hills Golf Club, ranked the #1 golf course in Missouri. Whether you are planning a romantic indoor event in their grand entry, dancing under the stars on the beautiful veranda, or overlooking the golf course, there are superb photo opportunities abound in all of these striking settings!
Book your block of rooms and luxurious suites at the Hiltons of Branson, located on the Branson Landing and attached to the Branson Convention Center in historic downtown Branson where you can enjoy the delicious food from Level 2 Steakhouse at your event. The options are truly endless!
Call today to start planning your next corporate event or wedding.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Conference Center
417-831-3131
2431 N. Glenstone Ave., Springfield, MO
An empty room can be anything you want it to be. At the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel & Conference Center, flexible space arrangements bestow upon hosts the power of personalization—one or several rooms may be utilized in the 21,588 square feet of total event space. Seating can be adjusted to the size of a group, whether inside the recently added Glendalough Convention Center or the hotel’s restaurants, in which world class, on-site staff and caterers will streamline each guest's experience.
The convention center holds up to 480 guests, and business receptions can take advantage of six multi-function rooms for anything from distinguished lectures to professional seminars. Mixers, galas and weddings are also supported, with a 10-story atrium for cocktail receptions and specialists who craft custom menus. No event is too big or small for the DoubleTree by Hilton.
Oasis Hotel and Convention Center
417-866-5253
2546 N. Glenstone, Springfield, MO
Check worrying off your to-do list and plan your next event at the Oasis Convention Center. Equipped with 30,000 square feet of meeting space and 11 private meeting rooms to work with, their top-notch staff is ready to break away from the dull, standard meeting room and create virtually any layout or seating arrangements you can dream up…and ones you never expected! The event venue purposefully creates a relaxing ambiance ready to ease you into your work and leave the stress of the office behind.
Oasis Convention Center offers a full-service catering menu designed by their exceptional culinary team, led by the Executive Chef from Fire & Ice Restaurant & Bar. Their menu will take your event to the next level, with a diverse selection that can fit any style of event and breaks the mold of traditional, bland convention food.
The space is equipped with a built-in stage, theatrical lighting, state-of-the-art audio-visual, drop-down screens and high-speed Wi-Fi. Their team brings years of experience to the table and will ensure your event runs smoothly and exceeds your expectations.
Whatever the agenda, everything you’re looking for in an event space is waiting for you at the Oasis Convention Center.
Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium
888-222-6060
500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield, MO
Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium (WOW) invites you and your guests to immerse yourselves in an incredible indoor wildlife adventure! Guests will be amazed by unique and adaptive event spaces with breathtaking views.
Come face to fin with zebra sharks and sea turtles in 300,000 gallons of saltwater in the Open Ocean. Catch sail fishing for massive tuna with dolphins leaping alongside and seagulls flocking overhead. Dine in the Australian Great Barrier Reef, seated below a towering three-story aquarium filled with giant Queensland grouper and moray eels.
Their award-winning 350,000-square-foot facility can accommodate meetings, conventions, weddings and special occasions. Enjoy full-service catering, event photography and custom team-building experiences you cannot do anywhere else such as penguin encounters, shark dives, behind-the-scenes tours and more. The catering professionals at White River Conference Center provide unparalleled custom event menu planning and can offer full-service coordination.
Book your unforgettable event at Wonders of Wildlife today! Email wow.groupsales@wondersofwildlife.org to start planning your next great adventure.
Finley Farms
417-210-6644
802 Finley Farms Lane, Ozark, MO
Retreat to the Finley River for your next gathering or celebration. Finley Farms features a variety of vibrant event venues, farm-inspired restaurants, an urban farm and more. Both intimate and large-scale spaces allow for weddings and elopements, receptions, team building experiences, corporate events and beyond.
Choose from beautiful locations immersed in nature including the open-air chapel on the banks of the Finley River, the century-old Riverside Bridge or the sprawling urban farm. Go back in time and celebrate in spaces rich with history including The Ozark Mill, originally built in 1833, and The Workshop, a 1930s industrial garage that overlooks The Farm.
Lush flower fields, the river, moody wooden scenes and iconic structures act as beautiful settings for your photo session. Capture this special time in your life with Finley Farms as the backdrop. Insider Tip: Ask about their hand-painted wooden rowboat.
Finley Farms can accommodate up to 150 guests and offers a variety of catering options, audio setups for bands or DJs and a trusted list of preferred vendors to make planning your event effortless. Getting married? All weddings include an on-site, day-of coordinator.
Visit finleyfarmsmo.com/gather today to start planning.
The Barley House at Moon Town Crossing
417-799-2500
3060 N. Kentwood, Springfield, MO
With a tastefully rustic exterior, it may surprise some that the Barley House at Moon Town Crossing was only constructed in 2018. You can thank the local Amish artisans who built the barn by hand with only locally sourced materials.
This fantasia of old-fashioned design and new construction makes the Barley House a prime landing spot for events with character. Flexible seating arrangements and an adjoining patio give the space an “all-purpose” feel, further aided by the venue’s projector, screen and surround sound capabilities. The planning of social and professional gatherings can be simplified even further by utilizing the Barley House’s all-inclusive event packages.
The fusion of old and new, and the attention to detail, make The Barley House at Moon Town Crossing an ideal event venue for all of life’s events including weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. To reserve a date call 417-799-2500.
The Grand Black
573-578-1035
11084 Hwy 137, Licking, MO
Nestled on 40 acres in the Ozarks, The Grand Black is just that. A grand venue embellished in black, white and diamonds with a beautiful outdoor pavilion overlooking a tranquil pond with seating for 300! It’s the perfect setting for a memorable corporate event, school dance, family celebration, baby shower, bridal shower or wedding. They provide affordable single-day and weekend packages that give you access to the entire barn allowing for ample time to decorate and rehearse stress free. This family-owned business strives to offer a personal touch that delivers a unique space for your most important and precious events. Book today by visiting grandblackbarn.com or calling 573-578-1035.
The Hitchin Post
417-300-9224
15565 Lawrence 1250, Billings, MO
Are you looking for an event venue with rustic charm and country elegance? The Hitchin' Post is for you, whether or not your event is for getting you hitched or another special occasion or gathering!
They are conveniently located just two miles off of Highway 60 between Marionville and Billings. The venue sits on 20 acres of the beautiful Kerans Family Farm, where the country sunsets simply can't be beat.
The Hitchin' Post has one of the largest bridal suites in the area and their groom's area includes a game room to keep the guys busy.
Did we mention they allow alcohol, and there are no catering restrictions? The Hitchin' Post is ready to accommodate your wishes and celebrate your event.
Liberty Plantation Weddings & Events
417-772-4273
224 Bass Bend Trail, Cape Fair, MO
Liberty Plantation is creating quite a buzz for their elegant indoor/outdoor event venue available for awards ceremonies, corporate meetings, charity events, family reunions and more.
The Grand Gazebo is an ideal space for open-air group events, or overlook Table Rock Lake at the Lakeside Pavilion under an 80-foot double peaked tent.
Eaton Hall is 5,000 square feet of crystal chandeliers, raised VIP platform seating and marbled epoxy floors where up to 300 guests can dance the night away. A 180-inch projector screen is available for photos and videos or for corporate presentations.
Caterers can set up on-site in the commercial kitchen. Call today for an event your guests will never forget
Ozarks Event Center
417-818-3638
842 W. Guin Rd., Nixa, MO
Modern Tuscan style adorns the NEW spacious event venue at Ozarks Event Center in Nixa, now booking events for August 2022. They have built a strong network of trusted service providers in the event industry in their 16 years of experience, so almost any feature you are looking for is possible!
Ozarks Event Center is a 9,000-square-foot venue that is a convenient destination to host your wedding, corporate event, charity fundraiser, gala, banquet, dinner or any other event you may have. Featuring a full-service bar and an amazing array of caterers and amenities, they strive to host memories that last a lifetime! Now booking events starting August 2022!
Visit oec.com or call 417-818-3638 to learn more.
Sparrow Lane Wedding & Event Center
417-300-5063
Willard, MO
Sparrow Lane Wedding and Event Center is set up like no other special event venue in 417-land. They provide four separate buildings, including a reception barn and a chapel, plus two cottages that serve as “get ready rooms” and can also provide overnight accommodations.
You can’t take a bad picture at Sparrow Lane! Their venue is quite literally a photographer’s dream, with Magnolia-inspired rustic elegance executed in all white. The refined atmosphere will give you an event experience that you and your guests love, with the backdrop for photos that will never go out of style.
Storybook Barn
417-848-2821
9658 E. State Hwy D, Rogersville, MO
Storybook Barn is a distinctive year-round destination, ideal for weddings and receptions, as well as gatherings and celebrations. This charming countryside venue boasts a 19th-century barn and silo, an original homesteading cottage and an outdoor pavilion fit for your event. Bookings are available for holiday parties, proms, family reunions, fundraisers, the arts, day retreats and more.
Storybook Barn is located just 10 miles east of Springfield, at 9658 E. State Highway D, Rogersville, MO 65742. Everyone has a story to tell, and Storybook Barn is a wonderful place to tell it. Call today!
The Ritz Place Starlight Room
314-750-7590
104 E. Madison St., Marshfield, MO
The owners of The Ritz Place Starlight Room have restored the beloved old Ritz Theatre into an incredible event space. Located on the historic downtown square in Marshfield, Missouri, this elegant 3,500 square-foot space holds up to 200 people, perfect for weddings, birthday parties, fundraisers, reunions, corporate meetings, showers and more. The room boasts a beautifully restored tin ceiling and comes fully dressed with white floor length linens on all the tables and white wooden garden chairs as well as a dance floor, bar area, brides room and caterers style kitchen. Guests will love the marquee sign on the front of the building advertising your event or congratulating newlyweds.
Venue at Shadow Rock
417-545-0095
113 Columbus Rd., Forsyth, MO
Host your next corporate or private event at the Venue at Shadow Rock in a modern Ozark Mountain setting! Their space is perfect for events like conferences, chamber events, private parties, weddings and more.
Getting married? Of course their space is great for the bride but they’ve also created a unique space for the groom! A secret door leads to the groom's suite with pull-up bar, record player, foosball table, darts, rolled arm furniture and attached bath.
Utilize their decor room featuring 150 items you can borrow, a warming kitchen for the caterer of your choice, and outdoor games, outdoor bar, firepits, covered patios and an amphitheater. Book today: venueatshadowrock.com.
Venue on Brick
417-824-2097
Venue on Brick: 209 N 2nd St., Ozark, MO
Venue on Brick II: 111 N 2nd St., Ozark, MO
This noteworthy Ozark locale consists of two distinct spaces: Venue on Brick, composed of a ceremony room and two connecting reception areas which accommodate up to 200, and Venue on Brick II, a single space ideal for intimate gatherings of up to 50.
The larger Venue on Brick, a former Ford showroom and mechanic shop, has since taken on a second life as a woodland-inspired retreat capable of versatile event setups, even including an optional bridal suite and groom’s room. Venue on Brick II possesses a more modern charm, but retains the same first-rate amenities.
EVENT SERVICES
Experts in food, entertainment, photography, decor and more.
Dreamy & Darling Creations
512-818-6848
dreamyanddarling@gmail.com
Dreamy & Darling Creations started as a way for owner Sydnie to express herself creatively. She has loved introducing 417-land to organic balloon garlands and the joy that they bring people.
Dreamy & Darling Creations has always been built on a passion for creativity... and that thought isn't going anywhere! The company offers a variety of additional event services, such as backdrops and rental decor. Thanks to a strong support team and community, Sydnie Myers has been able to follow her passion and bring joy to others. She would love to help make your event dreams come true!
Elevate Entertainment
417-893-0435
Elevate Entertainment firmly believes that every event is an opportunity to create memorable and extraordinary experiences. Entertainment is the single most important decision an event host can make, because a highly skilled entertainer does more than dictate the music playlist... they are the heartbeat of the event! By choosing Elevate Entertainment’s elite DJ services, you are assured that every announcement, game and song will be hand-chosen and fully customized by skilled DJs who specialize in turning moments into cherished memories.
Elevate Entertainment and their sister brand, Selfie Mirror Photo Experiences, were named Missouri’s Best DJ and Missouri’s Best Photo Booth, respectively, by Missouri Magazine and both of these brands focus on providing custom emcee, DJ, event hosting and photo booth options for corporate events, weddings, fundraisers, holiday parties and other special occasions. Elevate is also known for having unique add-ons, such as custom uplighting and DJ + Band hybrid experiences that blend live music with their personalized DJ performance.
Aviary Cafe
417-881-9736
2144 E. Republic Road, Springfield, MO
Aviary Cafe is pleased to assist with your upcoming special event. Their private event room is available for reservations and is a beautiful space, where antique-vintage meets modern. Aviary also provides mouth-watering and unique catering for every occasion. Options range from salads to savories, and sandwiches to sweets.
You’ll also find local Lavender Falls Farm products at Aviary Cafe and for sale on their website. These aromatic delights make delightful corporate gifts, a little something for your team, your clients or yourself.
Aviary Cafe serves traditional French-inspired entrees with stellar wines, beer and cocktails. All of their dishes utilize premium ingredients, seasonal vegetables and their very own baked goods.
Enjoy a signature cocktail and order of delicious hand-cut Pommes Frites, and be sure to pair it with one of their incredible dessert crepes. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, at Aviary Cafe you’ll encounter a unique dining experience that will leave your tastebuds dancing with joy.
Visit aviarycafe.com to make your room reservation and explore their full menu, or call to begin planning your custom event.
Knotty Catering Co.
417-559-2450
Serving southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas
Knotty Catering Co. ties together two of the Ozarks' most esteemed restaurants—Gettin' Basted and Downing Street Pour House—to create the catering experience of your dreams.
Gettin' Basted is a nationally revered, competition barbecue team, turned temporary food truck, turned full service restaurant, turned multi-franchise operation based in Southwest Missouri. Their claim to fame is coining “Ozarks Style BBQ,” a revolutionary hot and fast cooking style over direct Missouri hardwood coals for all their meats.
After establishing Gettin’ Basted, the owners then seized an opportunity to form Downing Street Pour House, a matchless pub offering an American spin on classic English favorites.
Knotty Catering Co. ties the best of both worlds together.
No matter the size, budget or vibe of the event you are curating, Knotty Catering Co. is the perfect tie in. Their extensive and unique menu includes items like Wagyu beef burger bars, house-made pimento cheese starters, Ozarks Style barbecue party packs, shepherd’s pie platters, ooey gooey butter cake desserts and more. Oh, and let’s not forget about their full-service bar option.
These are "knot" your average eats. Just don’t blame them if the food seems to be the only thing your guests can remember! Get Knotty. Call to plan now!
The Keeter Center
417-690-2120
One Opportunity Ave., Point Lookout, MO
Nestled in the peaceful Ozark Mountains, The Keeter Center® is the perfect venue, located just two miles from historic downtown Branson, to hold your next special event. Take in the captivating, panoramic views of College of the Ozarks® and the Branson skyline, while enjoying the lodge, dining room, creamery, bakery, gift shop, and award-winning event space. Featuring well-appointed meeting rooms, private dining rooms, and an auditorium, The Keeter Center® offers custom furnishings, state-of-the-art audio-visual services, and flexible event arrangements set in a rustic-elegant atmosphere. Catering cuisine selections are farm-to-fork from the campus dairy farm, hog farm, mill, gardens, and greenhouses. Your guests will savor the decadent, house-made desserts including premium ice cream made fresh from milk from the campus dairy.
Have guests traveling from out-of-town? You and your guests will love the amazing accommodations at the Lodge. Enjoy in-room breakfast and the scenic views of the campus from your own private balcony. When you stay overnight, the bell staff delivers freshly baked cookies and milk to your room during their renowned turn-down service. Talk about an experience, and event, to remember!
Start planning your next special event today with the professional and personable event staff and students at The Keeter Center® at College of the Ozarks®.
Hy-Vee
417-881-1950 | 417-444-6860
1720 W. Battlefield Road
2150 E. Sunshine Street, Springfield, MO
Planning an event that will create lasting memories from the second it begins to years later might seem like an impossible feat. But, have no fear, Hy-Vee is here! Do you need a catering service that checks all of the perfect event plan boxes? Hy-Vee has it!
As you gather together with friends, family or colleagues, Hy-Vee understands the importance of taking care of your guests with safety and professionalism being their top priorities. Hy-Vee provides a professional catering service, a bakery filled with delicious treats and wheats, flowers for delivery or pickup, wine and spirits. Because Hy-Vee is known as the local grocery store that you can count on for the freshest products, you can rest easy knowing that your event is in good hands.
Hy-Vee will exceed your expectations in food and service quality for every event including luncheons, corporate events, charity events, open houses, on-site grilling, birthdays and even daily meetings. Everything that will go into creating your perfectly planned event, Hy-Vee has it! Whether you need an event to be catered or groceries to be delivered or picked up, Hy-Vee has incredible deals you do not want to miss out on. Call Hy-Vee and plan your amazing event today!
