Spring is a beautiful time to visit Springfield, Missouri. Check out some of the events happening in the Southwest Missouri area in May 2023. To see our full calendar of events, click here.
Ozark Empire PRCA Rodeo
The award-winning PRCA Rodeo is back for two nights of action at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. Enjoy a night of steer wrestling, saddle bronc riding, bareback bronc riding, bull riding and barrel racing.
When: May 5–6
Where: 3001 N. Grant Ave., Springfield
2 Friends & Junk
A unique antique fair featuring vintage finds, antiques, boutiques, industrial salvage, upcycled, furniture and more at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds.
When: May 5–6
Where: 3001 N. Grant Ave., Springfield
Springfield Ballet Presents “The Wizard Of Oz”
Join the Springfield Ballet down the yellow brick road and enjoy a magical production of The Wizard of Oz. Follow Dorothy’s journey to find her way back home while meeting a few friends along the way.
When: May 5–7
Where: 311 E. Walnut St., Springfield
Artsfest
One of Springfield’s beloved arts festivals, Artsfest on Historic Walnut Street is back! Browse and shop for art from over 100 artists from all over the country. Enjoy live music, delicious local food and art demonstrations. Admission is $5.
When: 10 a.m.–5 p.m., May 6–7
Where: 900 E. Walnut St., Springfield
“Chicago”
See “Chicago” live at Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts for one night only. A universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz, you won’t want to miss it.
When: May 6
Where: 525 S. John Q Hammons Pkwy, Springfield
Springfield Indian Artifact Show
Check out unique artifacts at the Springfield Indian Artifact Show. Collectors from all over the Midwest will display prehistoric Native American artifacts at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. See pieces like arrowheads, Pre-Columbian pottery, stone tools and more that can date back 11,000 years. Admission is $5.
When: 8 a.m.–3 p.m., May 6
Where: 1009 W. Smith St., Springfield
Mother's Day Fest
Attend the upcoming Mother's Fest to celebrate Mother's Brewing Company's 12 year anniversary. Listen to some great jams, eat some amazing food, hang out with the beer loving community and raise a glass. Look forward to different live music performances each weekend!.
When: 1 p.m.–10 p.m., May 6, 13, 20
Where: 215 S. Grant Ave., Springfield
Gigs In The Garden
Listen to live music at Gigs in the Garden, an outdoor concert series within the beautiful Springfield Botanical Gardens. Bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a variety of local performance groups in an extraordinary setting. Admission is free with a $10 suggested donation to support garden accessibility projects. Beverages are available for purchase.
When: 2 p.m. Sundays, May 7–21
Where: 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield
Corndog Kickoff
Sample delicious fair food at the 8th Annual Corndog Kickoff. Try delicious favorites such as funnel cakes, fried Oreos, cotton candy and more at this Ozark Empire Fairgrounds event. General admission tickets are $20 for adults, kids 6–12 are $15.
When: 6 p.m., May 13
Where: 3001 N. Grant Ave., Springfield
The Springfield Symphony Presents: “Power Ballads”
International Opera Superstar Michael Spyres and his wonderfully talented family join the Springfield Symphony for a night of the best arias, duets and ensembles from opera and Broadway. Don’t miss this spectacular night of love songs featuring local celebrities Michael Spyres, Tara Stafford-Spyres, Sean Spyres and Erica Spyres.
When: 7:30–9:00 p.m., May 13
Where: 525 S. John Q Hammons Pkwy, Springfield
Schofield + Gray Mother’s Day Festival
Come celebrate with mom at Schofield + Gray’s Mother's Day Market in Fordland, Missouri. A pop-up market, shop for local antiques, vintage home decor, garden items, boutique clothing, and other gifts. Dine at local food trucks for lunch and yummy desserts.
When: 9 a.m.–3 p.m., May 13
Where: 353 E. Main St., Fordland
Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co. Planting Festival
Head to the Baker Creek farm in Mansfield, Missouri, to enjoy expert speakers, local food, unique vendors, greenhouse and garden tours and old-fashioned entertainment at their annual Planting Festival. Join thousands of gardeners, farmers and craftspeople to celebrate heirloom gardening. Admission is free, but parking is $15 a vehicle.
When: 10 a.m.–6 p.m., May 14–15
Where: 2278 Baker Creek Road, Mansfield
Route 66 Bus Tours
Join the History Museum and David J. Eslick, founder of the Route 66 Festival, for a Route 66 bus tour. The tour is 90 minutes and will begin at Kentwood Hall. Tickets are $30-$35.
When: 1 p.m., May 20
Where: 700 E. St. Louis St., Springfield
Downtown Historic Walking Tours
Explore Springfield’s founding, growth and most notable history where it took place. Learn about the Wild Bill Hickok shootout on the square, Route 66 and more! Walking tours take place rain or shine. It is a one-hour tour with less than one mile of walking. The downtown tour is May 26 and the Commercial Street tour is May 27.
When: 5:30 p.m. May 26 or 10:30 a.m. May 27
Where: 154 Park Central Square, Springfield
40th Annual Mid-America Street Rod Nationals
Attend the 40th Annual Mid-America Street Rod Nationals at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. See street rod vehicles of nearly every make, model and style at this event. In addition to street rods, spectators will also see cars from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s and ’80s.
When: May 26–28
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