10 Things in the Ozarks to Look Forward to in 2019

2019 is nearly here and with it will come another great year in the Ozarks! We’re excited already and wanted to share with you a few of the things we’re looking forward to most next year!

Hold Fast Brewing

Image courtesy of 417 Magazine

Operating out of a local Springfield Fire station, sisters Carol and Susan McLeod are planning to open their new microbrewery, Hold Fast Brewing, in the heart of downtown Springfield. The family-owned operation is already making a name for themselves by standing as one a few female-owned breweries in the area. The sisters are currently coming up with an established beer menu featuring Classic European and West Coast style brews. Construction begins in early January and doors are set to open in the summer of 2019!

Broadway Season

Image courtesy of JQH Area

Starting with Finding Neverland in January, Broadway Season at Hammons Hall begins in 2019! The critically acclaimed performances are sure to be an exciting event for the whole family. Following the Finding Neverland showtime on January 29th – 31st is The Lion King showing February 27th – March 10th, the King and I showing April 2nd – 4th, and Something Rotten showing May 7th – 9th.

Rated SGF Film Festival

Springfield’s own local film festival, Rated, is having its second annual screening March 22, and 23rd. Rated SGF celebrates local films and artists by allowing them a chance to showcase their works in front of the Springfield community. With guest speakers and Q&A’s sessions open to anyone, Rated Film Festival is a must attend for any Springfield creative.

Char

https://www.news-leader.com/story/news/local/ozarks/2018/11/24/touch-restaurant-soon-become-char-steakhouse-and-oyster-bar-springfield-fine-dining/2057881002/

Bill Engvall

Grammy-nominated, comedy star, Bill Engvall will be performing at Hammons Hall February 14th. His latest comedy special, Just Sell Him For Parts, has receiving glaring reviews by fans and critics alike making this show a must-see for comedy fans!

Jay Leno

The longtime host of The Tonight Show, Jay Leno is making his way to the Juanita K. Hammons Hall. Leno will be making a special appearance for Up Close concerts. Make sure to catch Jay March 31st!

Visioncon

Missouri’s Premier comic con experience is making its way to the Springfield expo center. From May 10th – 12th the annual comic book, fantasy, and gaming convention is open to all! With an action-packed weekend of guest speakers, panels, and vendors, this event will be fun for the whole family.

The Hepcat Jazz Club

Photo by Nathan Papes for the Springfield News-Leader

Named 2018’s best mixologist in the area, Dylan Fox and his business partner Jimmy Rollins have sights set to launch their jazz club, The Hep Cat in 2019. The club will showcase a myriad of vintage callbacks with a modern twist both on their menu and in the atmosphere. The Hep Cat will feature live music five nights a week and a Midwest-style comfort food paired with a choice selection of cocktails.

The Riverside Grill + The Farm (Finley Farms)

The once abandoned Ozark landmark is finally getting a well-deserved facelift courtesy of Bass Pro’s own Johnny Morris. The first phase is scheduled for completion by fall of 2019. This phase will bring about the opening of The Riverside Grill, a restaurant inside the mill, and The Farm, a community-driven establishment aimed at educating locals on organic growing practices. Once fully complete, Finley Farms will boast a fully functioning grain mill, local market, speakeasy, and more.

Whiskey Fest