Photo by Brandon AlmsFind your perfect foodie neighborhood vibe this weekend. Check out more below.
Lifestyle
This Week in Springfield, Missouri
Find the best things to do this weekend in Springfield and around southwest Missouri.
by Katie Pollock Estes
Jul 10 2025 at 8 a.m.
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Last week, the FourOneSeven team got a bonus day off in addition to the Fourth of July holiday. We called it our summer recharge, and it was a much-loved four-day weekend. Y’all, I wasted it. I read a book while I listened to the rain. I cleaned out a couple of closets and did a much-needed kitchen reset. I relaxed, for sure. Bonus time with the kids was good for my soul. I did not, however, have a wild Ozarks adventure. My family’s making up for that this weekend, as we explore Silver Dollar City, play outside, spend the night on a hill with a view and try both a new-to-us restaurant in Branson and an already beloved-by-us breakfast spot. I have the sunscreen packed, and we’re ready to go. Now, we just need the rain to stay away. Cross your fingers for me, okay?
Oh, one more thing: Have you seen the new July edition of 417 Magazine? We put together a really fun feature written by Tessa Cooper, and it’s all about Springfield’s most foodie-friendly neighborhoods: Commercial Street, Rountree, Downtown and Chesterfield. It’s excellent inspo if you are looking for a new place to explore (and eat!) with friends this weekend.
July 10–12, 16–19: A Grand Night for Singing
John Goodman Amphitheatre
Missouri State Tent Theatre’s final production of the season celebrates composer Richard Rodgers’ and lyricist Oscar Hammerstein’s storied contributions to musical theatre in the 1940s and 1950s. Hear tunes from favorites like Oklahoma!, South Pacific, The Sound of Music and more.
July 10: B-School Q&A
Mother’s Brewing Company
Biz 417 magazine is reviving an old favorite event, B-School. Join Biz 417 for a special live Q&A with Springfield’s newly elected city leaders: City Manager David Cameron and Mayor Jeff Schrag. Bonus: Event admission comes with a glass of beer from host location Mother’s Brewing Company and a complimentary subscription to Biz 417. Be sure to read the “Dear New City Leadership” feature in the May/June edition of Biz 417 before you go!
July 11: Barn Dance
Sycamore Creek Family Ranch
Grab your cowboy boots, your best hat and your favorite person, and head to Sycamore Creek Family Ranch for its monthly Barn Dance. Guests can participate in two-stepping and line dances, and the event is fun for all ages.
July 11: Family Fishing Fun Night
Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park
Take your kiddos for some catch-and-release fishing at scenic Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park. Guests can bring food to roast on a campfire, and kids can play around in the bounce houses. Rent fishing gear or bring your own. Call 417-837-5949 to register.
July 11: Smoke & Cure: Bacon, Salmon & Trout
Finley Farms
This hands-on class teaches guests how to preserve fish and meat using multiple techniques for curing methods. Taught by Executive Chef Brandon Peterson, the class lets you make your own cure and learn how to pair cured foods with cheese and bourbon through in-class tastings.
July 12: Candlelight: Mozart, Bach and Timeless Composers
Stone Chapel at Drury University
Hear a string quartet perform beautiful works of classical music in a unique, candlelit setting. There are many works on the tentative program, including Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Goldberg Variations,” Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Requiem in D Minor, Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5” and more.
July 12: Dog Days of Summer
Farmers Park & Downtown Springfield
Both Farmers Market of the Ozarks markets are celebrating pups this weekend. From 8 a.m.–1 p.m. at Farmers Park and from 2:30 p.m.–6:30 p.m. Downtown, guests can dress their dogs up for a pet parade and a pup cup—plus prizes for the winning dogs.
July 13: Intro to Kayaking
Lake Springfield Boathouse
An ACA-certified instructor teaches participants ages 10 and older the basics of kayaking—a perfect class for curious beginners! There is guided paddling on Lake Springfield, along with some fun games.
July 17–19: Toast to Ten
Hotel Vandivort
Hotel Vandivort is turning 10 years old this summer, and they’re celebrating with three days of fun events. There’s a Decade in the Details on July 17 featuring live music and “a tribute to the hotel’s beginnings and timeless design.” Then on July 18, the hotel toasts the community with another party and entertainment by DJ Magic. And finally, July 19 is a summertime celebration on the Vantage rooftop with live music.
July 26: Wild Foods by Dyllan Dinner
Juniper Gardens
Head to the scenic countryside for a six-course meal of creative dishes made with super-local foraged ingredients. There are drink pairings plus a wild-foraged cocktail to start the evening. All of the dishes look great, especially the chanterelle and watercress kimchi dumplings. Get tickets now; the event is almost sold out.
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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!
