Entertainment
Check out these 20 events happening around Springfield this September
School has started, temperatures will (hopefully) drop soon and some of Springfield’s most iconic events are on the calendar.
One of these is the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale, Sept. 11-15 at the E*Plex at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 3001 N. Grant Ave. The book sale, one of two held annually, serves as a fundraiser for the Springfield-Greene County Library District.
The book sale is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Half-price day, where all prices on books and media are slashed 50% off, is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. And Sunday is $1 and $5 bag day, meaning customers can get as many books and media as they want for only $1 or $5, if they can fit them in one bag. The book sale is open 1-5 p.m. on Sunday.
The Friends of the Library Night Preview Sale — open only to Friends of the Library members — is Tuesday, Sept. 10 from 4-8 p.m. Individual memberships are $5. To learn more about the Friends of the Library, visit the Springfield-Greene County Library District website at thelibrary.org/donate/friends.cfm or call Sarah Hitesman at 417-888-3077.
Only cash and checks are accepted at the book sale. An ATM is available instead the E*Plex.
In addition to the Fall Book Sale, the News-Leader compiled a list of 19 other activities to explore around the Ozarks this month.
This list of events is not comprehensive for the month of September, as there are countless activities going on around the Ozarks. If you would like your event to be considered for the month of October, email event information to trending topics reporter Greta Cross at gcross@news-leader.com by Sept. 15. Events can also be self-listed on the News-Leader’s Things to Do webpage year-round at news-leader.com/things-to-do/events.
Springfield Dog Swim
When: Tuesday, Sept. 3 from 4-5:15 p.m. and 5:45-7 p.m.
Where: Fassnight Park and Pool
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board’s annual Dog Swim is just around the corner. For the evening, Fassnight Pool is solely open to canine friends. Required registration can be completed on the park board’s website. Registration is $8 per dog-human pair and $3 per additional human.
House Shows at J.O.B.
Where: J.O.B. Public House at 319 E. Walnut St.
When:
- 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 5: Erich Eastman
- 7:30-9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12: Ethan Jackson with Corey River
- 8-11 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19: Guinevere Goodwin and Band
- 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26: Kristi Merideth with Randy Buckner
The newly opened J.O.B. Public House has launched a new concert series called House Shows. Local musicians will perform on the bar’s patio stage each Thursday night. Entry is free.
Acts at Blue Room Comedy Club
Where: Blue Room Comedy Club at 420 W. College St.
When:
- Thursday, Sept. 5: Zoltan Kaszas
- Sept. 5-7: John Crist
- Sept. 13-14: AJ Wilkerson
- Wednesday, Sept. 18: Rachel Scanlon
- Thursday, Sept. 19: The Cleverlys
- Sept. 20-21: Brad Upton
- Sept. 27-28: Carlos Menica
- Sept. 27-28: David Lucas
All tickets are available on the Blue Room Comedy Club website at blueroomcomedyclub.com/home.
KSMU’s 50th Anniversary Party
When: Saturday, Sept. 7 from 3-6 p.m.
Where: Mother’s Brewing Company at 215 S. Grant Ave.
Springfield’s public radio station KSMU is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The station’s anniversary party will feature live music from The Hook Knives and Emily Higgins. Free cupcakes will be provided by The Urban Cup and the Almighty Sando Shop will be selling sandwiches. Carnival games and KSMU merchandise will also be available. The event is free and open to the general public.
Concerts at The Shoe Tree Listening Room
Where: The Shoe Tree Listening Room at 1342 E. St. Louis St.
When:
- 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 9: Melissa Carper’s “Borned in Ya Tour” ($20 admission)
- 7 p.m. on Wedneday, Sept. 25: Beppe Gambetta ($20 admission)
The Shoe Tree Listening Room is the performance arts branch of Arrow Creative Reuse, an arts and crafts thrift store down the street. The listening room is an alcohol-free venue. Tickets are available on the Arrow Creative Reuse website.
Concerts at the Gillioz Theatre
Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central East
When:
- 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7: Steel Panther – On The Prowl Tour (tickets between $25-169)
- 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26: Sam Barber – Restless Mind Tour (tickets between $32.50-67.50)
- 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept 28: The Magic of Motown (tickets between $41.50-76.50)
- 8 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29: Kameron Marlowe: Keepin’ the Lights On Tour (tickets between $30-125)
All concert tickets are available on the Gillioz Theatre website at gillioztheatre.com.
Brew at the Zoo
When: Saturday, Sept. 14 from 5-9 p.m.
Where: Dickerson Park Zoo at 1401 W. North Road
For one evening, Dickerson Park Zoo will be closed to the general public and open for adults 21 and up who enjoy learning more about animals and sipping on beer. A local beer garden will feature Mother’s Brewing Company, Great Escape Beer Works, Wire Road Brewing Company and Show-Me Brewing. Tasting tents will include Bell’s Brewery, Boston Beer Company, Hard Mountain Dew, Athletic Brewing (non-alcoholic), Sierra Nevada, Yes Tea, Boulevard, Firestone Walker Brewing Company, Topo Chico and others.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite. General admission tickets are $50 and include entry to the event from 6-9 p.m., a tasting mug and lanyard, and free beer tastings. Food is not included. VIP tickets are $90 and include all general admission perks, plus early entry to the zoo at 5 p.m., a food voucher to Tinga Taco food truck or Bush Country Cafe, and giraffe deck and petting zoo food.
Springfield Little Theatre’s Emerald Anniversary Gala Celebration
When: Saturday, Sept. 14 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Judith Enyeart Reynolds School of the Performing Arts at 237 S. Florence Ave. and The Landers Theatre at 311 E. Walnut St.
Springfield Little Theatre is celebrating its 90th season in 2024-2025. To kick off the celebration, the organization is hosting an Emerald Anniversary Gala, in conjunction with the opening of “The Wizard of Oz.”
The celebration starts at 5:30 p.m. with big band, swing, jazz and pop music at The Judy. Cocktails, wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Next, guests will be transported to The Landers Theatre for a performance of “The Wizard of Oz” at 7:30 p.m. The evening will conclude with a dance in the “Ozdust Ballroom” at The Reynolds Auditorium.
Tickets for the gala are available on the Springfield Little Theatre website for $95.
“The Wizard of Oz” runs Sept. 13-29 at The Landers.
Missouri State University Football Home Opener
When: Saturday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m.
Where: Robert W. Plaster Stadium at 1015 Grant St.
The Missouri State University Football Home Opener is against Lindenwood University. Fans are encouraged to wear black clothing and accessories to support the Bears. Tickets for the game are available on the Missouri State TIX website, starting at $19. The game will also be broadcast on ESPN+.
The Missouri State Springfield Alumni Chapter is hosting a tailgate party between 4-6 p.m. in Lot 22, across Grand Street from the stadium. Brats will be served for free but fans are encouraged to bring their own food, drinks and games. The tailgate party is free but folks are encouraged to register on the Missouri State Alumni Association website so the chapter can anticipate serving sizes. Public parking will be available at Bear Park North, Bear Park South or Lots 18, 19 and 24.
Missouri State’s Traditions Council will be hosting Feast on the Field, offering free food and swag, during the game from 6-6:30 p.m.
More: Missouri State football schedule: Dates, times, TV channels for 2024 season
Burgers & Cheers
When: Saturday, Sept. 14 from 6-10 p.m.
Where: Wire Road Brewing Company at 4453 S. Timbercreek in Battlefield
The 12th annual Burgers & Cheers is a fundraiser for the Child Advocacy Center, an organization that aims to support abused and neglected children and provide education to break abuse cycles and ultimately prevent child abuse in the southwest and south central Missouri region.
Tickets are available on the Child Advocacy Center website. Tickets are $65 and include gourmet burgers, chips and two drink passes. Music will be provided by the Dirty Saints. The event is for adults 21 and up only.
Neon Night 5K Run/Walk
When: Saturday, Sept. 14 from 7-10 p.m.
Where: Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park at 3825 W. Farm Road 146
NAMI Southwest Missouri is hosting its annual 5K and one-mile fun run/walk to raise awareness for suicide prevention in the Ozarks. The course will be illuminated with glowing lights and the sounds of a live DJ. Participants will each receive a t-shirt and glow gear.
Advance registration is available on the ActNow Racing website and closes Sept. 13. Registration is $35 (through Sept. 6) and $45 (Sept. 6-13) for the 5K and one-mile race. Day-of registration is $50. Registration for children 12 and under is $25 (through Sept. 6) and $35 (Sept. 6-13).
Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’
When: Saturday, Sept. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall of the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 90th season with an opening night of music provided by guest artist Spencer Myer. The orchestra will also perform Shostakovich’s “Tenth Symphony,” Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Procession of the Nobles” and Grieg’s “Piano Concerto No. 1.”
Tickets are available on the Missouri State TIX website, starting at $51.
Bartender’s Brawl
When: Sunday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m.
Where: Mother’s Brewing Company at 215 S. Grant Ave.
Fried Design Company, Good Spirits & Co. and Mother’s Brewing Company are hosting their inaugural Bartender’s Brawl. Industry professionals will compete head-to-head that pairs mixology and mechanical bull riding. Contestants will prepare a cocktail that will be rated by a panel of three judges on a scale of 1-10 and then hope on a mechanical bull, which will have a time score. The highest combined score will take first place.
The competition is free to enter and open to the public.
Cassidy Station’s final Summer Concert Series
When: Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: Cassidy Station at 5176 N. Fremont Road in Nixa
Cassidy Station’s final installment of the 2024 Summer Concert Series will feature nationally-touring band The Riverside. Tinga Tacos, Mother’s Brewing Company and No Baked Cookie Dough will be providing treats. The concert is free.
Free US Air Force Band of Mid-America concert
When: Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: John Goodman Amphitheater at 901 S. National Ave.
The US Air Force’s Shades of Blue Jazz Ensemble is performing a free, family-friendly concerts on Missouri State University’s campus. The ensemble will be joined by several students from university music programs. Admission is free but registration is required at afbandtix.com/shades-of-blue/.
The ensemble is also performing at Branson High School on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Candlelight: The Best of The Beatles and A Tribute to Queen and More
When: Saturday, Sept. 21 at 6:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Where: Stone Chapel at Drury University at 900 N. Benton Ave.
Candlelight is once again bringing more performances to Springfield. “Candlelight: The Best of the Beatles” will feature an array of The Beatles’ top hits, performed by the Listeso String Quartet, surrounded by candles. The performance is at 6:15 pm.
“Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen and More” will highlight several Queen hits, in addition to a few other classical songs, performed by the Listeso String Quartet, too. The performance is at 8:30 p.m.
Tickets for both shows are available on the fever website, starting at $32.
Springfield native to discuss new novel
When: Sunday, Sept. 22 and Wednesday, Sept. 24
Springfield native Steven Yates is visiting Springfield to promote his new novel, “The Lakes of Southern Hollow.” He will be signing books and chatting with readers at Barnes & Noble (3055 S. Glenstone Ave.) on Sunday, Sept. 22 from 1-4 p.m. and reading from the book at The Library Center (4653 S. Campbell Ave.) on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Set in Springfield, “The Lakes of Southern Hollow” follows three teenagers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The trio, who feel trapped in their Southern Hollow subdivision, are continually falling in and out of love with each other, always at the wrong time. The pandemic forces the friends to learn about music, love, friendship and courage.
More: Springfield native’s novel set in Southern Hills subdivision includes local ‘Easter eggs’
Springfield Botanical Garden’s Native Plant Sale
When: Saturday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Springfield Botanical Gardens’ Botanical Center Rooftop Plaza at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park at 2400 S. Scenic Ave.
The Springfield Botanical Gardens’ annual Native Plant Sale features local vendors Ozark Soul and Pollen to Petal. Ozark Soul will offer native perennials, trees, shrubs and vines. Pollen to Petal will promote its business of purpose-driven ecology through landscaping design, installation and maintenance.
99x: Music for the Muse
When: Saturday, Sept. 28 from 5:30-11 p.m.
Where: Springfield Art Museum at 1111 E. Brookside Drive
The Springfield Art Museum is hosting one last public event on its main campus before closing its doors for three years of renovations. The annual 99x is considered the year’s “most unique and outrageous event,” featuring works from area stylists, designers and trendsetters. This year’s theme, “Music for the Muse” is inspired by the Greek God Dionysus and Richard Pitt’s work of the same name.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite, starting at $100. Ticket sales directly benefit the art museum.
More: Here’s where Springfield Art Museum will host temporary exhibits, programs
Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. She has more than five years of journalism experience covering everything from Ozarks history to Springfield’s LGBTQIA+ community. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@news-leader.com.
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