Life
This Week in Springfield, Missouri
Find the best things to do this weekend in Springfield and around southwest Missouri.
by Katie Pollock Estes
Oct 03 2024 at 8 a.m.
October 3–10
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Top Picks
October 4–5: Springfield Jazz Festival
Park Central Square Area
For the 13th year, this event features local and regional jazz artists on two downtown Springfield stages—including headliner Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
October 5: I Got Rhythm
Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
Hear the Springfield Symphony Orchestra join forces with Thai composer Narong Prangcharoen in a stunning performance that includes traditional Thai instruments. Also on the agenda: Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony.
October 8: Dear Evan Hansen
Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
See this beloved Tony Award–winning Broadway musical right here at home as it hits the stage at Hammons Hall. It tells the story of the interconnected lives we all live with social media as our backdrop.
This Week
October 4: Navigating the Night Sky
The Workshop at Finley Farms
Cross your fingers for clear skies, and head to The Workshop at Finley Farms for an evening learning about the stars above. The workshop is led by David Jarkins from the Springfield Astronomical Society.
October 5: Junior League of Springfield Fall Home Tour
Springfield
Take a peek inside several gorgeous Springfield homes during this tour organized by the Junior League of Springfield. It’s a great opportunity to find design and architecture inspiration!
October 9: Nurse Blake Shock Advised Tour
Gillioz Theatre
Hear Nurse Blake’s hilarious stories of life on the job as a healthcare worker. There are post-show experience VIP tickets available too.
Coming Up
October 10: Farm to Table Dinner
Cassidy Station
Chef Pat Duran of Metropolitan Grill has created a tasty farm-to-table menu featuring elevated takes on comforting dishes like fried green tomatoes, burnt ends, tiramisu and beef short ribs.
October 11–13: Apple Butter Makin’ Days
Mount Vernon’s Courthouse Square
Festival-goers can try homemade apple butter, cooked the old fashioned way in copper kettles. Visit all kinds of vendors while you’re there, and take home a jar or two of apple butter.
October 12: Wine & Food Celebration
White River Conference Center
This is your chance to sample wine, beer and spirits alongside flavors from local restaurants. Money raised goes toward Ozark Public Television’s children’s programming.
October 12–13: Art in the Park
Sequiota Park
Visit the booths of more than 30 fine artists at this Southwest Missouri Art and Craft Guild event. It’s a great way to start your holiday shopping.
Through October 19: Contemporary Locale
Spiva Center for the Arts
Springfield’s Obelisk Gallery has partnered with Joplin’s Spiva Center for the Arts to showcase the work of contemporary artists from around the region.
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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!