The Ultimate Cider Days Weekend in Springfield, Missouri

Springfield, Missouri truly shines in the fall. Crisp air, colorful Ozark foliage, cozy coffee shops, pumpkin treats, and one of the city's most beloved traditions, Cider Days, make it the perfect autumn getaway. Held annually on Historic Walnut Street, Cider Days transforms downtown into a festive marketplace featuring hundreds of artists and makers, seasonal food, live entertainment, and all the cozy fall vibes you could ask for.

If you're looking for the ultimate fall escape, plan your trip around Cider Days, happening Sept. 19-20, 2026, and enjoy a weekend filled with charming cafés, local shopping, scenic parks, and seasonal experiences.

Friday

Lunch at Cafe Cusco

Begin your afternoon with lunch at Cafe Cusco, a Commercial Street favorite serving fresh, flavorful dishes inspired by the cuisine of Peru and the Andes. From traditional favorites and hearty entrées to sandwiches, salads, and vegetarian-friendly options, the menu offers plenty to explore. The restaurant’s warm aromas and storied setting create an inviting atmosphere that adds something special to your weekend.

Address: 234 E. Commercial St., Springfield

Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park

Spend the afternoon enjoying one of Springfield's most beautiful parks. Wander the walking trails, visit the Japanese Stroll Garden, and enjoy the peaceful scenery before the weekend festivities begin.

Address: 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield

History Museum on the Square

Spend the afternoon exploring the History Museum on the Square, where interactive exhibits bring Springfield's rich past to life. Discover stories of Route 66, the Civil War, and the city's role in shaping the Ozarks, all within an engaging museum just steps from downtown dining and entertainment.

Address: 154 Park Central Square, Springfield

Dinner at The Order

End your day with dinner at The Order, located inside Hotel Vandivort in the heart of downtown Springfield. The restaurant puts a modern spin on Ozarks-inspired cuisine, with thoughtfully crafted dishes featuring locally influenced flavors and seasonal ingredients. Its stylish yet inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to unwind over dinner after a full day of festivities.

Address: 305 E. Walnut St., Springfield

Cocktails at Vantage Rooftop Lounge

Finish the evening with handcrafted cocktails beside the rooftop fire pits at Vantage. The skyline views and cool autumn air make it one of Springfield's coziest places to unwind after dinner.

Address: 305 E. Walnut St., Springfield

Saturday

Breakfast at Mudhouse 

Fuel up with locally roasted coffee, fresh pastries, and breakfast sandwiches at this cozy cafe before heading to Springfield's signature fall festival.

Address: 323 South Ave, Springfield

Cider Days

Walk over to Historic Walnut Street and spend the morning exploring Cider Days. The festival features hundreds of artists and makers, handcrafted goods, seasonal décor, delicious food vendors, live music, and festive fall activities. You'll find everything from handcrafted pottery and jewelry to homemade candles, baked goods, pumpkins, and apple cider. Take your time browsing booths, listening to live entertainment, and soaking in one of Springfield's favorite autumn traditions.

Address: Historic Walnut Street, Springfield

Lunch at Cider Days

One of the best parts of Cider Days is the incredible selection of food vendors. Grab lunch from one of the many local restaurants, food trucks, or specialty vendors serving barbecue, kettle corn, roasted nuts, caramel apples, cider donuts, hot cider, and other seasonal favorites.

Pick Out a Pumpkin at Gardner's Orchard

After the festival, continue the fall fun with a short drive to Gardener's Orchard. Browse pumpkins, shop the farm market, sip fresh cider, and wander through their corn maze. 

Address: 4455 W. Farm Road 2, Brighton 

Paint Pottery at Firehouse Pottery

Embrace the cozy spirit of fall with a creative afternoon at Firehouse Pottery in Springfield. As Springfield's largest and oldest paint-your-own-pottery studio, Firehouse Pottery offers the area's biggest selection of pottery in a fun, stress-free atmosphere. 

Address: 2864 S. Lone Pine Ave., Springfield

Dinner at Farmers Gastropub

Warm up after your afternoon outdoors with dinner at Farmers Gastropub. Their locally sourced menu changes seasonally and pairs perfectly with the cozy atmosphere. It's an ideal place to enjoy hearty comfort food on a cool fall evening.

Address: 2620 S. Glenstone Ave., Springfield

Dessert at Andy's Frozen Custard

No Springfield weekend is complete without dessert at Andy's Frozen Custard. Try a seasonal pumpkin or caramel-inspired concrete if available.

Address: Various Locations

Sunday

Breakfast at Sleepy Opossum Cafe

Start your day with a creative breakfast at Sleepy Opossum Cafe, a cozy, whimsical spot in Springfield’s Rountree neighborhood. This tiny, vegetable-forward café uses local ingredients whenever possible and serves inventive favorites like breakfast sandwiches, hashbrown bowls, savory quiche, and fresh coffee. Its eclectic décor, sunny windows, and playful touches of opossum make for a charming morning.

Address: 1423 E. Cherry St., Suite 101, Springfield

Cider Days Day Two

If you couldn't fit everything into Saturday, return to Cider Days for another morning of shopping, live entertainment, and local art. Many visitors spend both days discovering new vendors and picking up unique holiday gifts.

Lunch at The Table 

Celebrate the flavors of the season with a cozy fall lunch at The Table in Springfield. Known for its farm-to-table approach, the welcoming restaurant features fresh, locally sourced ingredients, comforting seasonal dishes, and a warm atmosphere that's perfect for an autumn afternoon.

Address: 2190 W. Chesterfield Blvd., Springfield

Stroll Historic Commercial Street

Wrap up your weekend by exploring Historic Commercial Street. Browse antique stores, local boutiques, bakeries, and coffee shops while enjoying one of Springfield's most charming historic districts before beginning your trip home.