Photo courtesy ShutterstockTake advantage of the weather with a little trip on Route 66 to see Ozark sights like the world's (second) largest rocking chair.
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 19 2025 at 8 a.m.
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My husband, Eli, and I don’t disagree about much. But our most heated arguments tend to revolve around the absolute audacity of the sun to stay out so long during summer days. I’m all for it. He is not. I get where he’s coming from. When you have kids who you are trying to coax into their beds while it’s still bright enough outside to keep those bicycle wheels spinning, well, it’s a battle for sure. I, however, love when the sun overstays its welcome. Honestly, it’s the only time of day when it’s comfortable to be outside in this muggy Ozarks climate.
It feels far, far too early in the hot-weather season for the days to start getting shorter again. But, alas, that’s exactly what’s about to happen. The Summer Solstice is on Friday, June 20, and it marks the longest day of the year. Luckily, a few Ozarks businesses are offering Summer Solstice gatherings to help you celebrate this celestial event—from evening yoga to a mezcal-spiked get-together.
Oh, and if you’re looking for another way to get the most out of a nice, long stretch of sunshine, consider a little Route 66 road trip. We tell you all about how to plan one that spans the Ozarks in 417 Magazine’s June feature.
June 19–26
June 20: Hot Air Balloon Glow
Finley River Park
See the night sky light up with the magical illumination of inflated and tethered hot air balloons at this event that supports the Children’s Smile Center. The light show lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, and VIP tickets include a special dinner experience.
June 19: Mixology Workshop
Cassidy Station
Mixologist Maria Phillips, from local distillery Gentry Spirits, joins the crew at Cassidy Station to offer a hands-on class in crafting tasty gin-based summer cocktails.
June 19–21: SGF Juneteenth
Downtown Springfield
Community Partnership of the Ozarks and NAACP of Springfield bring you a weekend-long festival celebrating inclusion and support for the local BIPOC community. There is Movie Night on Thursday featuring Hidden Figures at The Moxie, a celebration at the Expo Center and concert series at Gillioz Theatre on Saturday and lots more.
June 20: Mezcal & Moonlight: A Summer Solstice Evening
14 Mill Market
There will be live music (from Mariachi Flor de Missouri), great eats and mezcal-based drinks at this 14 Mill Market celebration. There’s even an intention- and vision-setting ceremony at sunset.
June 20: Summer Solstice Yoga
Finley Farms
Head to the scenic and serene and breezy chapel at Finley Farms for a bit of evening yoga to celebrate the longest day of the year. The class is instructed by E-RYT & Certified Transformational Coach Leslie Smith.
June 21: Pops in the Park: A Symphonic Rock Concert
Phelps Grove Park
Relax in the park at an open-air concert featuring members of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Canadian band Jeans ‘n Classics. Together, they’ll play familiar songs from legends like Billy Joel and Elton John.
June 21: Solstice Fest
Wire Road Brewing Co.
Sample beer, wine and more from 20 regional producers, hear live music all day and find food truck fare and lots of shopping opportunities from local vendors. Proceeds from the event benefit Lost & Found Grief Center.
June 21: Summer Picnic
Cassidy Station
Bring the whole family for fun in the sun at the oh-so-scenic Estes Farms. There will be food trucks, activities for the kiddos, yard games and more. End the evening by viewing the drone and fireworks show.
Through June 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.
Through June 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.
Through June 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 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.
July 1: The Great Cheeses Tasting Event
Pickwick & Cherry
Let an experienced cheesemaker walk you through an educational tasting event where you get to try cheeses from around the world and learn how to navigate your local cheese counter next time you’re planning a perfect charcuterie board.
July 10: B-School Q&A
Mother’s Brewing Co.
Join us for a special B-School live Q&A with new Springfield city leadership: City Manager David Cameron and Mayor Jeff Schrag. Be sure to read the “Dear New City Leadership” feature in the May/June edition of Biz 417 before you go!
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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!
