Photo by Leah StiefermannShop the vibrant spring market at Cassidy Station this week.
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Life
This Week in Springfield, Missouri
Find the best things to do this weekend in Springfield and around southwest Missouri.
by Katie Pollock Estes
Apr 24 2025 at 8 a.m.
THIS WEEK'S DATEBOOK PRESENTED BY
April 24–May 1
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Top Picks
April 25: Stargazing Adventure
Finley Farms
Peep the night sky through a high-powered telescope at this small group event led by David Jarkins from the Springfield Astrological Society. The evening also involves some time around cozy firepits enjoying sweet treats.
April 26: Bulls, Bands & Barrels
Gillioz Theater
This event is headlined by Riley Green, with special guest Craig Morgan. They perform at Thunder Ridge Arena after bull riding and barrel racing shows. According to the arena, “This ain’t your grandpappy’s rodeo.”
April 26: Spring Market
Cassidy Station
Head to Cassidy Station at Estes Farms to explore their vibrant Spring Market event. The setting is the lovely Estes Farms, and the event features local vendors (perfect for springtime shopping), live music, kid-friendly activities and plenty to eat from local food trucks.
This Week
April 24: The Cher Show
Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
Fans of Cher will certainly love this musical based on her storied career and life, starting all the way back in childhood. In fact, Cher is played by three different actresses portraying her childhood, her rise to fame and her life as a pop icon. The Tony Award–winning show is packed with Cher songs you know and love.
April 25–May 11: Disney’s The Little Mermaid
The Landers Theatre
See Ariel, Sebastian and Flounder up on stage as you hear your favorite songs from The Little Mermaid (like “Under the Sea” and “Part of Your World”) at this Springfield Little Theatre mainstage performance.
April 26: Around the World Food & Drink Festival
14 Mill Market
Try global eats as the 14 Mill Market restaurants each offer special pop-ups featuring food inspired by world cuisines. A few examples: Tokyo dogs from Fresh Poke, Cherry Bakewells from London Calling Pasty Company, bulgogi japchae from The Gochu and more.
April 26: Earth Day Festival
Jordan Valley Park
Celebrate Earth Day at Jordan Valley Park’s plastic-free sustainability festival. For a fun pre-festival activity, participants can enjoy a bike ride that begins and ends at the gates of the festival from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants can enjoy kid-friendly activities and vendors with educational information on sustainability.
April 30: April at the Amphitheatre
John Goodman Amphitheatre
Bring a brown bag lunch to John Goodman Amphitheatre every Wednesday this month for free performances from local musicians. The last performance this month features Missouri State Opera Theatre on April 30.
Coming Up
May 3: ‘S Wonderful
Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
The final concert of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s 90th season features a collaboration with the Saint Louis Ballet. It features music by Broadway composers, such as George Gershwin and Richard Rodgers. Works include “Interplay” by Morton Gould, “Carousel” by Richard Rodgers and both “American in Paris” and “Who Cares?” by George Gershwin.
May 3–4: Artsfest
Historic Walnut Street in Downtown Springfield
This outdoor juried art exhibition hosted by Springfield Regional Arts Council features booths lining Historic Walnut Street, showcasing art from more than 100 artists from across the region and the country. Also at the event are kids activities, tasty food vendors, live entertainment from local performers and more.
May 25: Alabama
Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
See this beloved country band take the stage at Thunder Ridge Arena, where guests get to enjoy a Table Rock Lake view while they watch the show. Alabama has been making music since 1969 and saw especially great success in the 1980s with hits like “Tennessee River,” “Mountain Music” and more. The band is joined by special guest Pat Green.
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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!
