Photo courtesy ShutterstockTake in some nature this weekend at the Butterfly Festival and Springfield Botanical Gardens.
Lifestyle
This Week in Springfield, Missouri
Find the best things to do this weekend in Springfield and around southwest Missouri.
by Katie Pollock Estes
Jun 12 2025 at 8 a.m.
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Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday, which means everybody in the Ozarks is scrambling to make sure they plan something special for the important dads in their lives. There are local Father’s Day events like brunch at The Ozark Mill Restaurant at Finley Farms, dad-centric celebrations at Wire Road Brewing Co. and Miss Boston’s Cocktail Lounge and more.
But my husband—the stellar father of our two kids—likes to keep things low-key and just wants to do something outdoorsy to celebrate. The kids and I are trying to decide between a hike, a bike ride or a little bit of riverside splash time. Help us decide: What are you doing this weekend to celebrate all things Dad? If you have some great outdoor ideas for me, please share! Decision fatigue has me in a chokehold.
Oh, one more thing: Here’s a little bonus for all my music-loving readers out there. Thunder Ridge Nature Arena is coming in hot this weekend with two big-big shows. First up (tonight, in fact) is Hozier, followed by Post Malone tomorrow night.
June 12–18
June 12: Concerts in the Wild: Molly Healey
Dickerson Park Zoo
Concerts in the Wild is a new series at Dickerson Park Zoo. Each concert features a different musician, and proceeds benefit Friends of the Zoo and its work to support zoo projects and operations—including the conservation education department. This month’s concert features singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Molly Healey. Tickets include entry into the zoo and the concert, including extended zoo hours for concert ticketholders.
June 12: Hozier: Unreal Unearth Tour 2025
Mizumoto Stroll Garden
Experience your own “moment that feels like Hozier’s yell” by seeing this Irish artist take the stage at Thunder Ridge Arena. There are several seating options, from lawn seats to premium experiences.
June 12: Paint & Sip Workshop
Cassidy Station
Grab some friends, and get your art on with this guided painting event in the scenic garden at Cassidy Station. Guests get snacks and wine to enjoy while they learn some beginner painting techniques.
June 12–14, 18–21: Serenade: Summer Nights of Swing & Song
John Goodman Amphitheatre
This is the first 2025 production of Missouri State Tent Theatre’s 63rd season, and it features live music by the 17-piece Missouri State Jazz Ensemble. They are joined by vocalists performing favorite tunes by artists like Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble and more.
June 13–15, 19–22, 26–29: Disaster!
Historic Fox Theatre
This Springfield Contemporary Theatre production tells the story of a floating casino and discotheque. The year is 1979, and it doesn’t take long for disasters to strike aboard the cruise ship in this energetic blend of comedy and music.
June 13: Post Malone Presents: The Big Ass Stadium Tour
Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
See Post Malone take the stage in the Ozarks, and hear favorites like “Circles,” “Better Now” and more. Also, Post Malone’s Travelin’ Tailgate makes a stop at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena before the show. The open-to-the-public event features food, live music and more. There are several seating options, from general admission lawn seats to premium experiences that include Table Rock Lake views and other cool perks.
June 13–29: Oklahoma!
Landers Theatre
See Springfield Little Theatre perform one of musical theater’s most beloved classics. You’ll hear familiar tunes like “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” and the titular “Oklahoma!”
June 14: Celebrate Ozark
Historic Ozark Square
This sweet small-town-style fest is all about pies and cars. Hear bands play at the square’s gazebo in between pie competitions (and auctions!) and classic car cruises around the square.
June 14: Butterfly Festival
Springfield Botanical Gardens
This event presented by Friends of the Garden celebrates those beautiful, fluttering pollinators we all love! The family-friendly event includes live music, fun activities and crafts, a caterpillar petting zoo, vendors selling food, art and garden goodies.
June 14: Father’s Day Fest
Miss Boston’s Cocktail Lounge
There’s an eclectic mix of fun to be had at this Father’s Day event, including axe throwing, flash tattoos, a strength contest, fresh barbecue and great cocktails. This one’s for grown-ups and their dads, as guests must be 21 to enter.
June 14: Ozarks Pridefest: Homecoming
Park Central Square
Join in on this year’s Pridefest, where you can celebrate diversity and support the local LGBTQIA+ community. There will be a parade at the Martin Luther King Jr. Historical Bridge, and lots of fun and live music on the square in downtown Springfield.
June 15: Father’s Day Celebration
Wire Road Brewing Company
Take Dad for a day of tasty local brews, eats from the Bada Bing Wings and Fork in the Road food trucks, live music from Kenny Jones and lots of guy-centric vendors (think cigars, locally made sauces and seasonings, bourbon and more).
June 18 & 25: Wednesday Concerts at Noon
Founders Park
Enjoy a downtown Springfield summertime tradition with the Wednesday Concerts at Noon events at Founders Park. These free half-hour concerts by local musicians are perfect additions to a fresh-air lunch break.
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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!
