Photo courtesy Ozark Empire FairCelebrate 88 years of the Ozark Empire Fair through August 3.
Lifestyle
This Week in Springfield, Missouri
Find the best things to do this weekend in Springfield and around southwest Missouri.
by Katie Pollock Estes
Jul 24 2025 at 8 a.m.
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One of the region’s favorite summertime traditions starts this weekend: Ozark Empire Fair. I will never get tired of reading and watching dispatches from county and state fairs. It’s not because of the wild rides, wacky games, livestock exhibitions or concerts. It’s 100% because of the food. The idea of fair food fascinates me. There is the “on a stick” category: Put something on a stick that isn’t normally on a stick, and—boom!—portable snack. Then there’s the “deep fried” category: Put something that doesn’t normally go in a deep fryer into a deep fryer, and now you have a dish that hopefully straddles the line between novel and delicious. And of course, there’s also the “unexpected fusion” category: Vietnamese pho flavors tucked into a handheld burrito? That sounds like an amazing meal—and it was actually the subject of some State Fair of Texas drama a few years back. To me, fair food lets people get a little silly and a little creative, all in the name of nostalgic fun. Who doesn’t love that? Although it isn’t the type of food I typically crave, it’s certainly the type of food that entertains and delights. Give me a corn dog and a little jug of rootbeer on an unbearably hot day, and I’ll tell you that’s an Ozark Empire Fair trip done right.
July 24: Concert Night
Cassidy Station
Spend an evening enjoying live music, sips from the bar and bites from local food trucks. Performers include Adam McCabe, followed by Cherry & James. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.
July 25: Movies in the Park
Jordan Valley Park
Visit Jordan Valley Park to view family-friendly outdoor movies. The events feature themed concessions and fun activities. Remaining movies this season include: Mufasa: The Lion King on July 25 and Moana 2 on August 8. No advance tickets required. Bring lawn chairs or blankets.
July 25: VIP Premier Night
Dillard’s at Battlefield Mall
Help raise a little money for a local charity at this evening filled with craft mocktails, local beer, shopping, live entertainment and more. Proceeds from the event support Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks.
July 25–August 2: Ozark Empire Fair
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
This year, the Ozark Empire Fair turns 88 years old. And there’s plenty of fun planned, from midway games, carnival rides and over-the-top snacks to magic acts, stunt shows and a petting zoo. Grandstand shows include Matthew West with Riley Clemmons on July 27 and State Champs on July 29.
July 26: C-Street Summer Faire
Historic Commercial Street
It’s the second year for this summertime street fest, featuring carnival games, food contests from Commercial Street restaurants, live music, booths for local craftspeople and more.
July 26: Wild Foods by Dyllan Dinner
Juniper Gardens
Head to the scenic countryside for a six-course meal of creative dishes made with super-local foraged ingredients. There are drink pairings plus a wild-foraged cocktail to start the evenings. All of the dishes look great, especially the chantarelle and watercress kimchi dumplings. Get tickets now; the event is almost sold out.
July 29: Pasta Making 101: The Basics
Finley Farms
Join Chef Brandon Peterson to learn how many pappardelle, fettuccine and tagliatelle by hand. You’ll learn about classic Italian pasta sauces as well. Wine pairings are optional.
Through August 27: Shark Week
Wonders of Wildlife
Wonders of Wildlife is joining the Shark Week fun with some family-friendly and shark-centric activities throughout the week. Visit for things like a science-focused mythbusting, Shark Cart & Obstacle Course, a craft station, storytime events, shark feeding, a shark-themed painting class and more.
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I’m Katie Pollock Estes, and I’m 417’s Editorial Director. I’ve been here almost 19 years, spending my workdays hunting for the best things to do and people to know in the Ozarks—and working with writers to share it all with you. Got a tip? Email me your story ideas for Datebook and 417 Magazine!
