Photo courtesy Big Cedar Lodge
Life
This Week in Springfield, Missouri
The very best things to do this weekend and beyond in southwest Missouri. Updated every Thursday.
by Colin Shea Denniston
Jun 30 2022 at 8 a.m.
June 30–July 7
Where’s 417?
We’re always looking for new photos, and you can help! Whether you’re at home or abroad, submit your snaps of where you're reading 417 Magazine and you could see yourself in a future issue.
Top Picks
July 1–3: Freedom Week with the Springfield Cardinals
Hammons Field, Friday 7:05 p.m., Saturday 6:35 p.m., Sunday 5:25 p.m.
Spread your patriotic celebrations out over the course of three nights at Hammons Field with the Springfield Cardinals. Enjoy fireworks shows each night plus happy hours, giveaways, concerts and more. Gates open one hour before each game starts.
July 4: Top of the Rock Fireworks
Top of the Rock at dusk
Talk about fireworks with a view! With a $20 entrance fee, the Top of the Rock fireworks show is a great way to ring in the fourth with your family. At dusk, the can’t-miss fireworks show bursts into action over the always-picturesque Table Rock Lake.
This Week
Through July 3: Hands on a Hardbody
SCT Backlot, 8 p.m.
Springfield Contemporary Theatre’s most requested production is once again back on stage! In this contemporary musical, 10 hard-luck Texans—under a scorching sun for days on end—compete to keep at least one hand on a brand-new truck in hopes of being the one to drive away in it. This production contains adult language.
June 29–July 2: Moon Over Buffalo
Coger Theatre, 8 p.m.
Moon Over Buffalo—Tent Theatre’s second production of the season—runs this weekend in Coger Theatre. Written by Ken Ludwig, this situation comedy is a perfectly lighthearted summertime theatre experience—best enjoyed with a cup of your favorite Andy’s Frozen Custard.
July 1 & 2: Movies at Founders Park
Founders Park, 8:30–11 p.m.
Start a new summer weekend tradition with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board’s summer movies under the stars at Founders Park in downtown Springfield. With a new movie every Friday through July 23, this outdoor summer soiree is free of charge with concessions available for purchase. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair or your favorite blanket! Visit parkboard.org/movies for a schedule and parking info.
Where to See Fireworks in the Ozarks
Looking for spectacular displays this 4th of July weekend? Check out our roundup of places to see the biggest and best fireworks displays in the Ozarks.
July 1: July’s First Friday Art Walk
Downtown Springfield, 5–11 p.m.
If you’ve been sleeping on First Friday Art Walk, it’s time to wake up! The last few months of Art Walks have had an exciting and renewed energy about them, and we can’t wait to go back this weekend. Check out some of our top Art Walk recommendations here.
July 2: River SUP + Taproom
Farmers Park, 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Get your feet wet (literally) with a beginner-friendly stand-up paddleboarding—or SUP—excursion of the Upper Illinois River. The four-mile trip includes amazing views and crystal clear waters, plus shade-filled banks and swimming holes along the way. Finish the day at Creekside Pub with craft beers and conversation with your new outdoorsy pals.
July 3: Liberty Light Up Concert
Fountains at Branson Landing, 5–11 p.m.
Celebrate Independence Day in a big—and day early—way at Branson Landing's 15th annual Liberty Light Up concert. Following the concert, this free event features a choreographed firework show in the skies over Lake Taneycomo.
Coming Up
July 24: Rosè Day 2022
Cherry Picker Package x Fare, noon–6 p.m.
Rosè—or summer water as I like to call it—is delicious enough to deserve its own day—and luckily the folks at Cherry Picker Package x Fare agree! This event features more than 40 rosès by the glass, live music and yummy eats from the team at the nearby Culture Counter. Grab your pals and get ready for some celebratory seasonal sips.
September 10–11: MIDxMIDWST Mural Art & Culture Festival
Downtown Springfield, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
MIDxMIDWST is almost here and my excitement level is already at 100. After postponing the inaugural event last year, founder Meg Wagler and her team are pulling out all the stops to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to the midwest.
Want more info?
Need to know more about what's going on in 417-land right now? Check out the calendar for local resources. Visit our Events & Promotions page to stay up to date on the latest 417 events, contests, promotions and more!
