Whether you’re a local looking to explore new events or a visitor eager to experience the heart of the Ozarks, Springfield’s spring and summer calendar offers something for everyone. Many events are even free or cheap to attend. To see our full event calendar, click here.
Cherry Blossom Kite & Piñata Festival
This April, head to the Springfield Botanical Gardens to fly a kite and break open a piñata at this spring festival. Bring a kite to fly on the great lawn or purchase a kite kit to build and decorate your own. Enjoy live cultural performances and browse a mini market featuring Japanese and Mexican snacks, candies, beverages and souvenirs.
When: April 11, 2026
Where: 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield
Springfield Cardinals Games
Springfield Cardinals games are a classic Springfield pastime. Game days can have fun themes to go along with them, adding another layer of immersive entertainment. On top of the themes, Friday games have fireworks to end the night, dazzling the summer night sky and viewers alike. Attend their season April-September in 2026.
When: April–September, 2026
Where: 955 E. Trafficway St., Springfield
National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Event
Springfield, Missouri is proud to host the National Route 66 Centennial Kickoff Celebration, a once-in-a-lifetime showcase of American music, hometown pride, and the open-road spirit that made Route 66 an icon of freedom and adventure. Enjoy everything from a car show, parade, art dedications, a concert and Telegraph Ball, all paying homage to the iconic birthplace of Route 66.
When: April 30–May 3, 2026
Where: Various locations
Artsfest
Artsfest, presented by Great Southern Bank and hosted by the Springfield Regional Arts Council, is one of the biggest outdoor art festivals in southwest Missouri. Known for featuring over 100 artists from all over the country, live entertainment, and delicious food, patrons make it a priority to come back year after year.
When: May 2–3, 2026
Where: Historic Walnut Street
Free Movies at Jordan Valley Park
A great evening family activity happening this summer is the free, family-friendly movie screenings at Jordan Valley Park! Each movie will have themed concessions and crafts available, so all you have to worry about is bringing your own seating. Movies begin at dusk.
When: May–Aug., 2026
Where: 635 E. Trafficway St., Springfield
Millsap Farm Pizza Nights
If you love farm-to-table dishes, Millsap Farm located north of Springfield is serving up wood-fired pizzas every Thursday night from May-October. Their delicious wood-fired pizzas are cooked in their handmade New Mexico style horno wood-fired earthen oven at 800 degrees taking less than two minutes to cook. The pizzas are served buffet style where they offer four types of pizza every week; three pizzas topped with their seasonal produce, plus a cheese option. Grab some pizza slices, set up a picnic blanket and relax under the trees while listening to some live music. Tickets are $17 a person for all you can eat pizza. Kids 4-12 are $6.50 and children under 3 are free.
When: Thursdays May–October, 2026
Where: 6593 Emu Lane, Springfield
Pickwick Street Fair
Come and enjoy over 50 local artists, crafters, musicians, eateries and more benefiting the Rountree PTA and Rountree Corner at Pickwick Street Fair. The event will showcase local talented artisans and art demonstrations. Admission is free!
When: June 2026
Where: Pickwick & Cherry Street
Ozarks Pridefest
Celebrate Pride Month in Springfield, MO with a parade, drag and musical performances, as well as an array of vendors set up on the downtown square! Daya Betty, a Season 14 performer on RuPaul’s Drag Race, will make an appearance. This event is free to attend!
When: June 13, 2026
Where: Park Central Square, Springfield
White Hart Renaissance Festival
Step back in time and experience the Renaissance come to life at the White Hart Renaissance Faire. Journey into a world of armored combat battles, captivating dance performances, majestic Birds of Prey displays, and live music from seven diverse musical groups. Discover unique treasures and one-of-a-kind handmade crafts from over 50 skilled artisans and vendors, offering everything from jewelry and clothing to swords and pottery. Tickets are $5–$10. Children 5 and under are free.
When: June 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 of 2026
Where: 5651 State Hwy F, Hartville
Juneteenth Citywide Celebration
Join us in Springfield, Missouri, this year to commemorate Juneteenth with multiple citywide events. Unite and celebrate delicious cuisine, awe-inspiring live performances, vibrant concerts and our thriving black-owned businesses in Southwest Missouri.
When: June 2026
Where: Multiple Locations
20th Annual Ozark Balloon Glow
See the 20th Annual Ozark Balloon Glow at the Finley River Park in downtown Ozark. Several hot air balloons will inflate just after dark, providing a fantastic light display against the night sky. Balloons are tethered to the ground and do not take flight, so attendees can enjoy a 60 to 90-minute light show, pending weather and wind speeds. All attendees can see the very large and exquisite balloons close up, visit with the pilots and get in the basket to help keep the balloons inflated. This event is free to attend.
When: 5-9 p.m., June 19, 2026
Where: 891-961 N. Riverside Road, Ozark
Tent Theatre
Tent Theatre has been a Missouri State University tradition for over 60 years. See various shows and performances throughout the summer at the new John Goodman Amphitheater, all while snacking on concessions of locally made treats. The theater is open and accessible to everyone, so your whole group of friends or family can enjoy it. Upcoming shows include:
"Around the World in 80 Days" - June 18-20 & 22-26, 2026
"Beehive: The 60's Musical" - July 8-11 & 13-18, 2026
Where: 1147 Grand St., Springfield
Farmers Markets
Southwest Missouri is home to several different farmers’ markets. Visit the markets below during the spring and summertime.
C-Street Market
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Saturdays 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
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Thursdays 4–8 p.m.
Farmers Market of the Ozarks
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Saturdays 8 a.m.–1 p.m. (Spring-Fall)
Greater Springfield Farmers’ Market
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Saturdays 8 a.m.–noon (year–round)
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Tuesday & Thursday 8 a.m.–noon (April–Oct.)
Metro Eats
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Saturdays 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Ozarks Farmers Market
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Thursdays 3–7 p.m. (May-September)
Ozark Empire Fair
For the event of the summer, head to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds for fair food, amusement rides, concerts and more for the 88th Annual Ozark Empire Fair. Adult general admission is $15, and children general admission (ages 6-11) is $5.
When: July 30–Aug. 8, 2026
Where: 3001 N. Grant Ave., Springfield
Summer Nights at Silver Dollar City
Summer ends with a party during Summer Nights at Silver Dollar City. Summer Nights features limited-time entertainment, rides into the night during extended ride hours and more!
When: June 6–Aug. 2, 2026
Where: 399 Silver Dollar City Pkwy, Branson
Springfield Comedy Club
See national touring comedians perform on the Springfield Comedy Club stage every Friday and Saturday night this summer. See a full performance schedule here.
Where: 420 W. College St., Springfield
Birthplace of Route 66 Festival
Head to downtown Springfield to celebrate the birthplace of Route 66 with live music, a Route 66 parade, a car show, history exhibits, and shopping and dining opportunities. This event is free for everyone to attend!
When: Aug. 6–7, 2026
Where: Downtown Springfield
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