FALL/WINTER 2018/19
S pringfield M O.org
Produced and published by the Springfield, Missouri, Convention & Visitors Bureau. Contents and design ©2018, all rights reserved. Springfield, Missouri, Convention & Visitors Bureau and Route 66 Springfield Visitor Center 815 E. St. Louis St., Suite 100 Springfield, MO 65806 800-678-8767 SpringfieldMO.org Tracy Kimberlin, President/CEO Stephanie Hein, 2018 Board Chair
For information about advertising opportunities in future Springfield Event Guides or our Visitors Guide, contact:
Now Open
Jane Rips
417-881-5300, ext. 105 jrips@springfieldmo.org or
Céline Roberts
417-881-5300, ext. 117 croberts@springfieldmo.org A thorough effort has been made by the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (SCVB) to provide complete and accurate event listings. This information has been gathered from reliable sources, but it is still possible that all information may not be accurate. In addition, events are occasionally canceled, rescheduled, or postponed for a variety of reasons, and the SCVB is not always aware of these changes. As a result, the SCVB is not responsible for the accuracy of event information. It is recommended that participants verify information with the event organizer prior to attending or purchasing event tickets.
A NEW VIBRANT AND STYLISH BOUTIQUE. 417-881-9100
Springfield’s only play center dedicated to Itty Bitties!
Creative play, open every day! http://ittybitty.city 417-202-2025 Mon-Thu 9am-6pm • Fri-Sat 9am-7pm • Sun 11am-5pm
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Springfield, Missouri • Fall/Winter, 2018/19 Event Guide
FALL/WINTER 2018/19
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here are countless reasons to love Springfield, Missouri, and the Ozarks! Among them are the variety of events happening throughout the year that attract locals and visitors alike. From exciting festivals to thrilling sporting events, there’s always something happening. Join us in celebrating life by being true to yourself and making memories with the people you love in Springfield!
2018 Civil War Lantern Tours
Join us around the campfire Saturday evenings for story telling, Southern food, Baldknobbers, and a mysterious lantern light tour of Smallin Cave! Call for reservations! • September 29 • October 6, 13, 20 and 27 • November 3
Osage Native American Art Show
Enjoy an Osage art exhibition over the first 3 weekends in November. Three Osage artists will present their artwork at Smallin Civil War Cave which has been recognized as part of the Osage original home territory. Exhibition hours will be 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. • November 2 & 3 – E. Sean StandingBear • November 9 & 10 – David Coté • November 16 & 17 – Joe Don Brave
Winter Solstice Tours
During the shortest days of the year, the morning rays of sunlight reflect onto an ancient petroglyph over 300 feet into the mouth of Smallin Cave and produce a remarkable glow. Tours start at 10:00 A.M. on sunny days. • December 15 – December 29 (excluding 12/16, 12/25, & 12/23) at 10:00 a.m.
Schoolcraft Tours 3575 N. Smallin Rd., Ozark, MO (10 minutes south of Springfield on Hwy. 65)
417-551-4545 • SmallinCave.com
SpringfieldMo.org • 800-678-8767
200 years ago, explorer Henry Rowe Schoolcraft journeyed through the wild, unsettled territory known today as Missouri and Arkansas documenting this unknown part of the Louisiana Purchase. Join us for a special tour with interpreter/reenactor “Henry Rowe Schoolcraft” himself! • November 24 at 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. • December 29 at 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
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Local Beer, Great Food, Truly Friendly Service.
Opens Early September.
Bricktown Brewery Springfield
2040 E. Independence Street, Springfield, MO 65804
417-887-0100 • Bricktownbrewery.com
Missouri’s Best Doggie Daycare!
Gift Baskets for
Every Occasion
417.833.9850 Mention this ad for $5 Off Any Service!
You pick the items and we will handle the rest
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Springfield, Missouri • Fall/Winter, 2018/19 Event Guide
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September Bass Pro Outdoor Fitness Festival April-November
This series of outdoor events for every age and ability, sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, is an ongoing festival celebrating health and wellness with the beauty of the Ozarks as a backdrop.
Bass Pro Shops® Outdoor Fitness Festival September 15: Run the Rock October 7: Tour De Bass Cycle Rides October 20: Zombie Run/Walk November 2-3: Bass Pro Marathon Weekend Expo November 10-11: Dogwood Canyon Trail Run Weekend
The Professional Bull Riders 25th: Unleash the Beast PFI Western Invitational kicks off on September 7 at JQH Arena.
Japanese Fall Festival September 7-9
Singletrack Mind Festival September 1-3
Set in the beautifully sculpted Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, this annual festival celebrates the cultural heritage of Springfield’s sister city, Isesaki, Japan.
Join trail enthusiasts from around the country at Two Rivers Bike Park in Stone County for this three-day festival featuring trail runs, demonstrations, live music and skill clinics.
PBR 25th: Unleash the Beast PFIWestern.com Invitational September 7-9
Mother’s Oktoberfest in the Ozarks September 8
Annual Greek Festival September 7-9
MO Food Truck Fest September 15
Watch some of the country’s toughest cowboys take on the toughest bulls at JQH Arena! The PFIWestern.com Invitational delivers heartpounding action as daring riders vie for the No. 1 position in the world.
St. Thomas Apostle Orthodox Church hosts this family-friendly festival, now in its eleventh year. Indulge in authentic cuisine, beverages and traditional Greek dancing. Opa!
One of the area’s largest Oktoberfest parties takes place in the backyard of Mother’s Brewing Co. Enjoy seasonal brews, tasty local food truck fare and live music from some of Springfield’s top musicians.
Food trucks from across the country invade downtown Springfield next to the Expo Center for a day of unique dishes, cold beverages and live entertainment.
The Japanese Fall Festival celebrates the culture of Japan in the beautiful Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden.
SpringfieldMo.org • 800-678-8767
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Pick the perfect pumpkin during Harvest Fest at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park.
Cider Days on Historic Walnut Street September 15-16
Celebrate the harvest season with a variety of fall-themed activities, performances, exhibits by regional artists and exquisite crafters and all of the apple cider you can drink.
Oktoberfest on the Square September 22
Park Central Square will be the place for live music, fun, food and plenty of amazing Oktoberfest beers from Mother’s Brewing Co. and others.
Sertoma Oktoberfest September 28-29
Sertoma Oktoberfest is a twoday event with games, beer and music next to the Springfield Expo Center. Get a taste of a traditional German Oktoberfest in Springfield!
Harvest Fest at RutledgeWilson Farm Park September 28-October 28 This ongoing event lasts six weekends in the fall and includes a pumpkin patch, hay rides, haunted trails, free farming demonstrations and more fall fun at this unique farm park in west Springfield. The Haunted Trail is on Friday and Saturday nights only.
Smallin Civil War Cave Lantern Tours September 29; October 6, 13, 20, 27; November 3
This mysterious and beautiful lantern-lit tour of the historic cave just south of Springfield includes a traditional “on the trail” dinner around a campfire and stories and accounts of the Civil War era.
9th Annual Springfield Jazz Festival September 29
Explore historic Smallin Civil War Cave by lantern light on a fall lantern tour.
SpringfieldMo.org • 800-678-8767
Celebrate local jazz music at the 7th annual Springfield Jazz Festival on Park Central East in downtown Springfield. Visitors will enjoy seven hours of free live music at the Bear State Outdoor Stage starting at noon.
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D
iscover the newest addition to the Bass Pro Shops family, Angler’s Inn in Springfield, MO. This new overnight destination is located across the street from the Bass Pro Shops Grandaddy Store and Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, voted the #1 Best New Attraction in America by USA Today. Angler’s Inn offers a cozy night’s sleep in the most convenient location, so you and your family can extend your stay and the fun. Enjoy great features like an indoor, grotto-style swimming pool, a hot breakfast and multiple nearby restaurants. Book your stay at Angler’s Inn and start planning your trip to “America’s Conservation Capital.”
Make your reservations today!
855.923.7309
Bass Pro Shops Grandaddy Store
Wonders of Wildlife Museum & Aquarium
Thriller on C-Street October 27
Thriller on C-Street is a community-minded event and street performance that pays homage to the original spirit of music, dance, and art reflected and inspired by Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
Trick-or-Treat Sidewalk Parade October 31
Businesses on historic C-Street welcome trick-or-treaters to the district. Participating merchants will hand out treats to all costumed families as they parade up and down the sidewalks.
November Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops November-December
Trick or treat with your pet during the Pets & Pumpkins Festival in downtown Springfield.
October
Pets & Pumpkins Festival October 20
Haunts of C-Street October 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 and 31
This annual festival will take place on Springfield’s Park Central Square and includes trick or treating (for both human and fur kids), a hay maze, inflatables, games, food, music and more.
This haunting adventure includes a dinner theater and history tour of Springfield’s Historic Commercial Street.
Santa’s arrival welcomes families back to the massive Christmas village transformation inside Bass Pro Shops featuring free photos with Santa and free family holiday activities.
Wingapalooza 2018 November 3
Heroes and Holidays Festival November 10 This festival on historic C-Street kicks off the holiday season by celebrating the Springfield community and hometown heroes.
Downtown Tree Lighting November 17
Join Mayor Ken McClure and special guests at the annual Downtown Tree Lighting on Park Central Square! Enjoy free hot chocolate, a visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and live holiday entertainment.
Turkey Trot November 22
The Turkey Trot is Springfield’s largest timed 5K run/walk of the year and the largest Thanksgiving Day 5K in Missouri, attracting more than 7,000 participants a year. The race begins in downtown Springfield.
Candy Cane Lane November 30-December 16 Stay warm in your car as you sing along to Christmas carols and see all the lights at this drive-through light display at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park.
Springfield’s annual festival that features the best chicken wings in the city at the Springfield Expo Center. Enjoy saucy wings, delicious craft beer and rocking music.
Ozarks Fall FarmFest October 5-7
With livestock exhibitions, livestock equipment, tractors, trailers and balers, FarmFest has been bringing together everything in agriculture to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds for more than 30 years.
Pythian Castle Ghost Tours October
Hear ghostly tales while touring Springfield’s historic Pythian Castle. The 90-minute tour is for adventurers ages 8 and up. Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays with additional dates close to Halloween. Reservations required, online booking preferred. Hear ghostly tales during a ghost tour as you explore the depths of Springfield’s historic Pythian Castle.
SpringfieldMo.org • 800-678-8767
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THE LARGEST, MOST IMMERSIVE
FISH AND WILDLIFE ATTRACTION IN THE WORLD.
VOTED AMERICA’S BEST AQUARIUM AND1.5 BEST NEW ATTRACTION Million gallons of fresh and saltwater aquariums 35,000 live fish, amphibians, mammals, reptiles, and birds Over 800 species exhibited in more than 100 unique habitats
WONDERSOFWILDLIFE.ORG
500 W. SUNSHINE ST. • SPRINGFIELD, MO 65807 • 888–222–6060 10
Springfield, Missouri • Fall/Winter, 2018/19 Event Guide
December Springfield Christmas Parade December 8
The community comes together every year to celebrate the holidays with the Christmas Parade through the heart of downtown Springfield.
Memorial Luminary Driving Tour at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield December 8 This free annual event features over 2,539 luminaries, representing those killed, wounded, or missing at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek, August 10, 1861.
Memorial Luminary Driving Tour at Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Luminaries light the walkways during a Memorial Luminary Driving Tour at WIlson’s Creek National Battlefield.
4:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony 5-9 p.m. Driving Tour
February
January
Springfield MultiCultural Festival January 21
Bass Pro Tournament of Champions January 17-19
The Springfield MultiCultural Festival is an annual performing arts and community resource expo designed to provide access to cultural enrichment through the visual and performing arts. Location TBD at time of printing.
One of the most recognized high school basketball tournaments in the U.S. draws thousands to JQH Arena in Springfield every year.
Annual Hunt & Fish Outdoor Show February 8-9
The Hunt & Fish Outdoor Show at the Springfield Expo Center is the premier outdoor show in southwest Missouri. Listen to experts on fishing, deer hunting, mushroom hunting, and watch demonstrations as you shop.
Sertoma Chili Cook Off February 22-23
Enjoy all the beer, bands, and chili at the Springfield Expo Center while benefiting local children’s charities! For the latest news and event information go to
SpringfieldMo.org/Events
Bass Pro Shops® Outdoor World® is decked out in holiday decor for Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops.
SpringfieldMo.org • 800-678-8767
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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID SPRINGFIELD, MO PERMIT NO. 310 815 East St. Louis Street Springfield, MO 65806
SpringfieldMo.org
Fall/Winter
2018/19 Arts & Entertainment Calendar September
The Legend of Georgia McBride November 30-December 16 Springfield Contemporary Theatre
Fun Home
December
August 31-September 23 Springfield Contemporary Theatre
Newsies The Broadway Musical
Steve Martin and Martin Short
September 14-October 7 Springfield Little Theatre (SLT) at The Historic Landers Theatre
December 2 Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage
Springfield Symphony Orchestra: What is the Meaning of Life?
December 4 Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
September 15 Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
Springfield Symphony Orchestra: Christmas at the Movies
Springfield Regional Opera: Trouble in Tahiti
December 8 Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
September 28 Drury University Clara Thompson Hall
Photo by Matthew Murphy
99X: Cirque Americana September 29 Springfield Art Museum
Disney’s The Lion King runs February 27 through March 10 at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.
October
November
Springfield Symphony Orchestra: Who Am I and Where Am I going?
Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience
Jersey Boys
Springfield Symphony Orchestra Presents: What is My Fate?
October 6 Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts October 9-11 Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
Designed for Life Women’s Conference October 11-13 JQH Arena
Disney Jr. Dance Party on Tour
October 13 Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps October 19-28 SLT at The Historic Landers Theatre
Frankenstein
October 19-November 4 Springfield Contemporary Theatre
Rocky Horror Picture Show October 26 Gillioz Theatre
November 2 Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
November 10 Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
Springfield Regional Opera: Mozart vs. Salieri November 16 Hotel Vandivort Ballroom
January
Springfield Symphony Orchestra: Does Art Give Life Meaning?
January 12 Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
Cabaret
January 17-February 7 SLT at The Historic Landers Theatre
Finding Neverland
January 29-31 Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
February
Springfield Symphony Orchestra: Will You Be My Valentine? February 9
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
The Awesome 80s Prom
A Christmas Story The Musical
Gypsy
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
The Lion King
November 20 Gillioz Theatre
November 23-December 9 SLT at The Historic Landers Theatre
November 24 Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
February 14-23 SLT at The Historic Landers Theatre
February 15-March 10 Springfield Contemporary Theatre February 27-March 10 Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts
For the latest news and event updates go to SpringfieldMo.org/E vents