Here are over 25 activities to explore around Springfield in May, including Artsfest
Editor's note: A previous edition of this story erroneously stated where free parking is located.
Mark your calendar because one of Springfield's largest street festivals is on the horizon.
Held along Historic Walnut Street, Artsfest is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 4, and Sunday, May 5. The two-day street fair features countless live performances, food trucks, vendor booths and family-friendly activities. Tickets are $5 at the gate.
Free parking is available in the Kentwood Hall parking lot at the corner of Kimbrough Avenue and Walnut Streets. For a full list of vendors and the performance schedule, visit the Spring Regional Arts Council website at springfieldarts.org/artsfest.
This year, Artsfest is also significantly more accessible, having worked with Abilities First and others to ensure everyone in the community can participate. In addition to accessible parking, restrooms and many booths, accessibility volunteers will be available to support individuals with disabilities, with phone numbers posted throughout the festival to call for assistance.
Along with Artsfest, the News-Leader compiled a list of more than 25 other activities worth exploring throughout the Ozarks in May.
This list of events is not comprehensive for the month of May, as there are countless activities going on around the Ozarks. If you would like your event to be considered for the month of June, email event information to trending topics reporter Greta Cross at [email protected] by May 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.
Taco Festival
When: Thursday, May 2 from 6-9 p.m.
Where: Farmer's Park at 2144 E. Republic Road
The Developmental Center of the Ozarks is hosting a Taco Festival as a way to raise money for the organization dedicated to providing services and therapists for children and adults with developmental disabilities. The festival will feature a collection of different tacos, from traditional to fusion. Awards will be distributed to People's and Judges Choices.
Admission is $30, which includes all tacos. Children under the age of two will be admitted for free. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.
More: Food truck aims to show Springfield the popularity of this Mexican favorite
Springfield Contemporary Theatre's "The Other Place"
When: May 2-5 and 9-12
Where: The Historic Fox Theatre at 157 Park Central Square
Springfield Contemporary Theatre's current production of "The Other Place" continues through mid-May. Written by Sharr White and directed by Karen Sabo, "The Other Place" follows neurologist Juliana Smithton, whose life appears to become unhinged. Her husband has filed for a divorce, her daughter has eloped with an older man and her own health is in jeopardy.
Tickets are available on the Springfield Contemporary Theatre website. Tickets are $32 for adults, $29 for seniors and students and $10 for student rush. A post-show discussion will be held with cast and crew on Thursday, May 2.
More: Here's how Springfield's theater community continues to grow, change post-COVID
Springfield Ballet's "Alice in Wonderland"
When: May 3-5
Where: The Landers Theatre at 311 E. Walnut St.
Springfield Ballet is hosting three productions of "Alice in Wonderland" this spring. Tickets are available on the Springfield Ballet website or by calling 417-869-1334. Tickets are $80 for adults, $75 for students, senior and military and $65 for children 12 and under.
Dirt Day
When: Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Lafayette Park at 202 E. Atlantic St.
The Woodland Heights Neighborhood is hosting its 10th annual Dirt Day at Lafayette Park. Folks are encouraged to come out for family-friendly activities, plant and seed exchanges, and live music. Dirt Day is free.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at Springfield Art Museum
When: Saturday, May 4 from 5-9 p.m.
Where: Springfield Art Museum at 1111 E. Brookside Drive
Grupo Latinoamericano and the Springfield Art Museum are celebrating Cinco de Mayo with Mexican folklore dancing, live music, cultural exhibits, hand-crafted items and food trucks.
More: Sample international food this weekend or eat cake from Springfield food truck
Arts in the Park
When: May 4, 11, 19 and 25 from 6-7 p.m.
Where: Wilson's Creek National Battlefield at 5242 S. State Highway ZZ in Republic
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield's Arts in the Parks features a different local musical act each Saturday evening in May. The concerts are free and folks are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs. The lineup is as follows:
May 4: 399th Army Band Double Time Jazz Combo
May 11: Lem Sheppard
May 18: Casey and the Atta Boys
May 25: Missouri State University Community Band
Concerts at The Shoe Tree Listening Room
Where: The Shoe Tree Listening Room at 1342 E. St. Louis St.
Saturday, May 4 from 7-9 p.m.: King Clarence ($15 admission)
Thursday, May 9 from 7-9:30 p.m.: Bluegrass Jam (free)
Friday, May 10 from 7-9:30 p.m.: ShapeEater ($20 admission)
Saturday, May 11 from 7-9 p.m.: Decidedly Darling ($20 admission)
Sunday, May 12 from 7-9 p.m.: Michael Supe Granda ($20 admission)
Friday, May 17 from 7-9 p.m." The Lacewings ($20 admission)
Considered the "performance art division" of Arrow Creative Reuse on St. Louis Street, The Shoe Tree Listening Room hosts a variety of concerts and community-oriented events each month. Concert tickets are available on the Arrow Creative Reuse website.
More: Shoe Tree Listening Room aims to be 'community place' with local music, pickin' jams
Corndog Kickoff
When: Saturday, May 4 at 6 p.m.
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 3001 N. Grant Ave.
The Corndog Kickoff is a way for Ozark Empire Fair fans to get a taste of summer ahead of the heat. More than 40 fair foods will be available to sample, including fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Pineapple Whip, deep-fried Oreos and root beer floats. Attractions and games for the family will also be available. Information about the 88th annual Ozark Empire Fair will be announced at the event.
General admission tickets are $25 and VIP tickets are $45. Tickets will be available for purchase at the end or ahead of time by calling 417-833-2660.
Dallas Jones and Molly Healey at Springfield Brewing Company
When: Sunday, May 5 at 5 p.m.
Where: Springfield Brewing Company at 305 South Market Ave.
Local musicians Dallas Jones and Molly Healey are performing at Springfield Brewing Company for Cinco de Mayo. The concert is free.
Gigs in the Garden
When: May 5, 12 and 19 at 2 p.m.
Where: Kay Cummins Finnie Memorial Dogwood Garden at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park at 2400 S. Scenic Ave.
The Hatch Foundation and Springfield Sister Cities Association are gearing up for their annual Gigs in the Garden series. Each Sunday afternoon in May (except for the last), different artists perform at the Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. The concerts are free, but is $10 suggested donation is encouraged. Folks are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets. If inclement weather, the concerts will be held inside the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center.
The lineup is as follows:
May 5: Eddie Gumucio
May 12: Maddi Warren and Alli Butler
May 19: Republic Community Band
Arrive early on Sunday, May 19 for the Springfield Sister Cities Annual Celebration from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event features performances and Mexican and Japanese food trucks and drinks.
Country Blossoms on the Farm
When: May 6-11
Where: Rosewood Farms at 7345 State Highway 5 in Hartville
About an hour east of Springfield, Rosewood Farms is hosting its 18th annual Country Blossoms on the Farm event, featuring a variety of products, including home dรฉcor, kitchenware, linens, artwork, bath and body products, clothing, accessories and gifts. A collection of more than 75 craft sodas, coffee and loose leaf tea will be available for sipping. And more than 100 varieties of Grandpa Joe's Old Fashioned Chocolates, fudge, toffee, caramels and nuts will be available for purchase.
The event is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
Queer Skate Night
When: Tuesday, May 7 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Skateland at 5163 S. Campbell Ave.
Queer Skate Night at Skateland is hosted by Missouri State University's Melaqueer organization, The GLO Center and Ekklesia. All members of the community are welcome to attend. Admission is $10 to rent skates and $7 for folks who bring their own. Carpool options will be available at the Plaster Student Union circle drive between 5:15-5:45 p.m.
Rescheduled: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
When: Wednesday, May 8 at 8 p.m.
Where: Abou Ben Adem Shrine at 601 E. Saint Louis St.
Rescheduled from January, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit are returning to Springfield as a part of their ongoing tour. Tickets remain available on Ticketmaster.
Jeff Allen at Blue Room Comedy Club
When: Thursday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Blue Room Comedy Club at 420 W. College St.
Comedian Jeff Allen, who has appeared on "America's Got Talent," "Dry Bar Comedy," Comedy Central and countless other television programs, is bringing his Jeff Allen 2.0 Tour to Springfield. Tickets are available on the Blue Room Comedy Club website, starting at $35.
Ringo Deathstarr
When: Thursday, May 9 at 8 p.m.
Where: The Regency Live at 307 Park Central East
Ringo Deathstarr is an Austin, Texas-based shoegaze band. The band's name is inspired by The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and the Star Wars Death Star. Ringo Deathstarr is known for singles like "I Don't Want to Lose This," "Gazin'" and "Stare at the Sun." Tickets are available on the SprinGood website for $20.
Rountree Historical House Tour
When: May 10-11
Where: Rountree neighborhood
The Rountree Council for Preservation is hosting a two-day event, featuring five homes and gardens throughout the neighborhood. The self-paced walking tour provides viewers with history on the neighborhood, in addition to home dรฉcor inspiration. Tickets are available on Eventbrite for $15. Viewers will be provided addresses to the participating houses once they have purchased tickets.
More: Springfield City Council approves $26 million, phased approach for art museum renovations
Willow Green Acres' Spring Pop-Up Market
When: May 10-11
Where: Willow Green Acres 8069 E. U.S. Highway 60 in Rogersville
The Spring Pop-Up Market at Willow Green Acres in Rogersville will feature food trucks, local artisans and vendors, annuals and perennials, and an antique mall. Admission is free.
Baker Creek Spring Planting Festival
When: May 12-13
Where: Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company at 2278 Baker Creek Road in Mansfield
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company is hosting its annual spring festival, featuring guest speakers, local vendors, food, and greenhouse and garden tours. Admission is free but parking is $15. Parking tickets can be purchased on the Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company website ahead of time. Gates for the festival open at 10 a.m. both days.
Nixa Sucker Days
When: May 17-19
Where: Downtown Nixa
Nixa's annual Sucker Days kicks off in mid-May. The three-day arts, crafts and music festival will feature a variety of live performances, handmade arts and crafts, rides and food. The festival is free to attend.
Mother's Day Festival
When: Saturday, May 18 from 1-10 p.m.
Where: Mother's Brewing Company at 215 S. Grant Ave.
The annual Mother's Day Festival is back, featuring live music from Mother's Lil Helpers, Bellwether Sirens and One More Dollar. Food trucks Almighty Sando Shop, Good Pizza Company and Tinga Tacos will be on-site, too. This is a family-friendly festival, but pets are not allowed. Admission is $5 in advance and $10 at the door.
Swift: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
When: Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m.
Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central East
The Gillioz Theatre and 92.9 The Beat are hosting an evening dedicated to Taylor Swift. A tribute band will perform Swift's discography, in addition to a video wall that will add a dynamic visual aid. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.
More: Ahead of Taylor Swift's new album, Missouri State students establish Taylor Swift Society
Great Plant Exchange
When: Sunday, May 19 at noon
Where: Relics Event Center at 2015 W. Battlefield Road Suite E
Hosted by Hickory Lane Plants, the fourth annual Great Plant Exchange is open to plant enthusiasts of all skill levels. Attendees are encouraged to bring a plant and leave with one.
Good Dads Charity Golf Cup
When: Monday, May 20 at 8 a.m.
Where: Millwood Golf and Racquet Club at 3700 E. Millwood Drive in Ozark
Good Dads, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring, resourcing and encouraging fathers to be more involved in the lives of their children, is hosting its inaugural Charity Golf Cup. Tee-off for the fundraiser is at 8 a.m. Food and beverages are provided and a $2,500 hole-in-prize is up for grabs.
Registration for the Charity Golf Cup is available on the Good Dads website at gooddads.com/golf. Registration is $1,000 per four-person team, but individuals can also sign-up and they will be placed in groups.
Filipino Night at Holdfast
When: Monday, May 20 from 5-8 p.m.
Where: Hold Fast Brewing at 235 N. Kimbrough Ave.
Holdfast is hosting an evening dedicated to Filipino cuisine, featuring a curated menu of traditional dishes. The Almighty Sando Shop will also be on-site throughout the evening. The event is free to attend.
More: For Filipinos in the Ozarks, this Springfield market is far more than a grocery store
NSRA Mid-America Street Rod Nationals
When: May 23-25
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 3001 N. Grant Ave.
NSRA's 41st annual Mid-America Street Rod Nationals is held in Springfield. The weekend-long event features commercial exhibitors, a swap meet, family-friendly activities and plenty of hot rods to explore. The event is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Admission is $30 for folks 13 and up, $6 for children 6-12 and free for children under 5. Families made up of two adults and three children may purchase a family pass for $45. A discount for military personnel is available for $18 with a valid military ID.
More: Springfield's Pharaohs Car Club aims to brighten city with classic cars, community support
Uriah Heep & Saxon: Hell, Fire, and Chaos Tour
When: Friday, May 24 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central East
Rock band Uriah Heep and heavy metal band Saxon are performing at the Gillioz Theatre as part of their Hell, Fire, and Chaos Tour. Tickets are available on the Gillioz Theatre website, starting at $35.
Performing for 54 years, Uriah Heep is from London. The rock band is known for singles like "Lady in Black," "July Morning" and "Easy Livin'." Saxon formed in Barnsley in 1975 and is known for singles like "Wheels of Steel," "Princess of the Night" and "747."
VIP tickets are also available. VIP ticketholders will receive a photo with each band, an exclusive laminate, one Saxon merchandise item, one Uriah Heep merchandise item and a signed 8x10 inch photo of each band.
Springfield Little Theatre's "Guys and Dolls"
When: May 31-June 16
Where: The Landers Theatre at 311 E. Walnut St.
Rounding out the month, Springfield Little Theatre opens its production of "Guys and Dolls." The Broadway classic set in 1950s Manhattan is considered an "oddball romantic comedy." Tickets are available on the Springfield Little Theatre website, starting at $28.
Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Looking for things to do in Springfield? Here are over 25 this May
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