Summer is so close you can almost taste it! The kids will be out of school and you’ll need plenty of ideas to keep them busy. Fear not, Springfield has so much to offer this month for kids and their parents alike. Let’s take a look at some of the coolest things to do in town this month.
Events courtesy of the Springfield News-Leader
Dwight Yoakam
Thursday May 3, 7 p.m.
Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East. Tickets
$59.50-$135. 417-863-9491
Justin Moore
Thursday May 3, 7:30 p.m., JQH Arena, 685 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway
Hell on a Highway tour with special guest Dylan Scott. Tickets $22.75-$49.75 plus fees. 417-836-7678 or www.missouritix.com
Silver Dollar City’s Bluegrass and BBQ opening dayÂ
Thursday May 3, (festival runs May 3-28), 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway, Branson.
See the top names in bluegrass music and enjoy mouthwatering barbecue feasts. Tickets $63-$65 adults, $54 children age 4-11. 800-475-9370 or silverdollarcity.com
Springfield-Drury Civic Orchestra: Shostakovich 10
Thursday May 3, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 S. John Q Hammons Parkway.
The season ends with the Springfield premiere of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10, often lauded as one of his most significant and powerful works. Charles R. Hall Young Artist Competition winner A.J. Hulgus will also perform the Lalo Symphonie Espanol. Tickets $14. 417-836-7678
13th Annual Battle of the Badges
Photo courtesy of Big Brothers Big Sisters
Friday May 4, 7-9 p.m., Carver Middle School, 3325 W. Battlefield Road.
The Springfield Police Department and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office will each form a basketball team to see who takes home bragging rights in 2018. All proceeds from this family-friendly event benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks. Admission is $5, Bigs and Littles get in for free. 417-889-9136
Cool Springfield History
Friday May 4, 6-7 p.m., Park Central Branch Library, 128 Park Central Square.
Hear Kaitlyn McConnell, founder of Ozarks Alive, talk about the unexpected — and often downright weird — tales that define the city’s past, ranging from the great cobra scare to the birth of Route 66. Free. 417-831-1342
First Friday Art Walk
Photo courtesy of Springfield Conventions and Visitors Bureau
Friday May 4, 6 p.m.
27 participating venues in downtown Springfield featuring original art, artist receptions, live art demonstrations, hands-on art activities and more. 417-862-2787, Ext. 25
9th Annual Beard & Mustache Competition
Saturday May 5, 2-10 p.m., 319 Event Center, 319 W. Walnut St.
The Queen City Beard and Moustache Competition is a family-friendly event, with an adult-only after-party to follow at Patton Alley Pub. Competitor registration is $20; spectator tickets are $8, with entry into the after-party included in the ticket price. A cash bar and food will be available. Proceeds support FosterAdopt Connect.
Artsfest on Walnut Street 2018
Photo courtesy of 417 Magazine
Saturday May 5, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Historic Walnut Street west of National Avenue. Featuring 140 artists from all over the country, over 80 performances, food vendors, and a kids hands-on area with activities. Admission $5, kids 5 and under free. www.springfieldarts.org
Arts in the Park concert
Saturday May 5, 7 p.m.
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield, 6424 W. Farm Road 182, Republic. This 50-plus member orchestra will play patriotic selections on the front lawn of the Visitors Center. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. Free. 417-732-2662
Mutt March 5K Walk/Run
Saturday May 5, 8-10 a.m., downtown Springfield.
Walkers/runners are encouraged to bring their furry friends to the march. Proceeds go toward helping the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri house pets until they find forever homes. Cost is $35. Pre-register for Mutt March at www.Power965.com. 417-447-1832
Woofstock 2018
Photo courtesy of KTTS
Saturday May 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Springfield Expo Center, 635 E. St. Louis St.
A day to raise awareness of area rescue pets, raise money for the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri and celebrate all things pet. Find a new family member or bring your own leashed pets to enjoy a day filled with fun activities, music and food in a pet-friendly atmosphere. Free. 417-833-2526
Cinco de Mayo recital by Conservatory of the Ozarks
Sunday May 6, 5-8 p.m., Prima’s Mexican Grill, 2101 W. Chesterfield Blvd.
Conservatory of the Ozarks music students of all ages will provide a program of Spanish music with a variety of instruments, including voice, in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. Free. 417-592-1756
“Willy Wonka Jr.�
Tuesday May 8, 6:30 p.m., Gloria Deo Academy, 2110 S. Blackman Road.
The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage in this captivating An adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. Tickets $8 in person or $10 online. 417-379-5430
Breaking Benjamin
Wednesday May 9, 7 p.m., Shrine Mosque, 601 E. St. Louis St.
Breaking Benjamin is a rock band founded by guitarist/singer/songwriter Benjamin Burnley. Tickets $55. Ticketmaster.com.
3rd Springfield Metaphysical Fair
Friday May 11, noon-8 p.m., Executive Conference Center, 910 W. Battlefield Road.
Enjoy energy work, psychics, astrologers, healers, dream interpretation, tarot, dowsing, gem and crystal healing, massage and more. There will be door prizes and a raffle of metaphysical items. Tickets $5. 417-882-1776
“The Boy Who Lived: A Wizard Rock Tribute to Harry Potterâ€�Â
May 11-12, 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Springfield Little Theatre at the Landers, 311 E. Walnut St.
“The Boy Who Lived: brings the beloved book series to life in a unique, rock interpretation of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter. Tickets $5. 417-869-3869
Hurts Donut Run
Saturday May 12, 10 a.m.-noon, Park Central Square.
Open to persons of all ages and abilities. Run or walk the course and Hurts Donuts will be waiting at the finish line. Registration gets you a bib number, a T-shirt and a retro headband. Join the costume contest for a chance to win more donuts and bragging rights. Registration/packet pick up starts at 8 a.m. and costs $25-$35. 417-368-0279 or http://www.itsalldowntown.com/
Nixa Sucker Day & Craft Festival
Saturday May 12, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., downtown Nixa.
The Nixa Sucker Day and Craft Festival features craft vendors, kids rides, food, music and fun. Free admission. https://www.nixasuckerday.org/
Springfield Coffee Fest
Saturday May 12, 8 a.m.-noon, Farmers Park, 2144 E. Republic Road.
Coffee lovers unite for Springfield Coffee Fest 2018, an event benefiting Safe and Sober. Local coffee shops provide samples of their best coffee to earn awards in various categories. Admission $10. www.springfieldcoffeefest.com
Springfield Symphony Presents: Broadway Revolution
Saturday May 12, 7:30-9 p.m., Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway.
Come hear the songs that revolutionized the modern musical with a night of contemporary Broadway favorites, including Jesus Christ Superstar, The Who’s Tommy, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, and even the new smash hit Hamilton. Tickets $17-$36. 417-836-7678 or www.missouristatetix.com
Blue October
Sunday May 13, 6:30 p.m., Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East.
I Hope You’re Happy Tour. Tickets $28. 417-863-9491
Mama Summit
Tuesday May 16, 4-6 p.m., The Gallery at National Avenue Christian Church, 1515 S. National Ave.
Moms, families and local elected officials come together to talk about how we can work together to build a healthier, safer, and cleaner Springfield for the sake of our kids. Mayor McClure and Zone 3 Council member Mike Schilling will talk about what the city of Springfield is doing and hopes to do to keep our kids healthy. Free. 417-893-0529
SATO 48-2018 Short Film Awards Ceremony
Thursday May 17, 7 p.m., Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East.
The “Academy Awardsâ€� of Springfield…red carpet, “The envelope please,â€� statuettes, and screening of all the Winning SATO48-2018 films plus an after-party included in the price of your ticket…It’s a great night out so dress festive! Tickets $6-$7. http://gillioz.org
10th Annual Symphony Gala
Saturday May 19, 5:30-10 p.m., Oasis Hotel & Convention Center, 2456 N. Glenstone Ave.
An evening of dinner, dancing, and the music of Prince and Michael Jackson starring Gavin Hope from Jeans ‘n Classics in performance with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Proceeds from the 10th Annual Gala will fund artistic programming, free performances and educational concerts provided exclusively by the SSO. Black tie optional. Tickets $125 per person. 417-864-6683
8th Ever Mother’s Day Festival
Saturday May 19, 2 p.m., Mother’s Brewery, 215 S. Grant Ave.
Arts and craft vendors, live music and delicious food all day. Make sure to throw the chairs and blankets into the car. Tickets $10; kids 15 and under are free. 417-862-0423
Honoring Our Heroes: Remembrance Day Festival
Saturday May 19, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., American Legion Post 639, 2660 S. Scenic Ave.
Fundraiser honoring our military, veterans, law enforcement, fire and first responders. The events are sanctioned under the State Cook-off Association. Activities include grilling competition, Kid Zone, live music and crafts. 417-234-3501 or http://www.post639.com
Springfield Prom 2018
Saturday May 19, 8 p.m.-20, 1 a.m., Shrine Mosque, 601 St. Louis St.
Springfield Sertoma Club is throwing you the prom you wish you’d had with tail shakin’ music, memorable prom pictures, beer, and cocktails. This is a 21-and-older event with a dress code (business casual at a minimum, with formal attire strongly encouraged). Tickets $15-$25. 417-863-1231
Springfield Streetfest 2018
Saturday May 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Battlefield Mall, 2825 S. Glenstone Ave.
This is a fun car show with various awards for cars, trucks and motorcycles. Entry is $10 per car. This gets you into the show and allows your car to be in the judging for various awards with trophies. http://midwestautoalliance.com
Stomp The Blues Out of Homelessness Festival
 Saturday May 19, noon-10:30 p.m., Community Blood Center of the Ozarks, 220 W. Plainview Road.
All-day music event raising money for local charities. Bands include Marc Broussard, Samantha Fish, Josh Hoyer and Soul Colossal and The Brenda Meyer Band. First band starts at 1:30. Tickets $25 and up. Stomptheblues.net
Scrabble Tournament
Sunday May 20, 2-5 p.m., Schweitzer Brentwood Branch Library, 2214 S. Brentwood Blvd.
Enjoy an afternoon tournament while you connect with fellow word lovers. Registration starts May 5. Free. 417-883-1974
“The Phantom Of The Opera�
Wednesday May 23, 7:30 p.m., Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway.
Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenal musical success. Tickets $35-$135 (parking $10). 417-836-7678 or hammonshall.com
Answer Man Live!
Thursday May 24, 6-8:30 p.m., Prime Overtime Suite at JQH Arena,685 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway.
Steve Pokin, the News-Leader’s Answer Man, is throwing a party. Evening includes dinner, an evening of entertainment, fun quizzes and prizes. Get your tickets now because seating is limited. $19. tickets.news-leader.com
35th Annual Mid-America Street Rod Nationals
Friday May 25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., The Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, 3001 N. Grant Ave.
Everything you need to build or restore your hot rod/street rod: commercial exhibitors, swap meet and more. Tickets $17 adults, $6 children 6-12, under 5 free. 901-452-4030
Take a Hike with a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year
Saturday May 26, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Springfield Conservation Nature Center, 4601 S. Nature Center Way.
Meet Jennifer Pharr Davis, hiker, author, adventure speaker and 2012 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, for a moderate hike and hear her amazing story. 2.1-mile hike on the Long Trail. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a water bottle for this moderate hike. Registration begins May 1; call 417-616-0554.
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