Community Calendar

Celebrate Missouri's most magical insect from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Thursday, June 25, at Phelps Grove Park, 950 E. Bennett Street in Springfield.

Families can make a firefly craft, play games, and learn why fireflies blink. Stop by the pavilion anytime between 5:30 and 9:30 pm. For best firefly viewing, plan to arrive closer to 9 p.m.

All ages. No registration required. Learn more at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/217727

A thorough list of events spanning the southwest region may be found at mdc.mo.gov/events?combine_event=&name=&county=All&region=707

MDC is committed to accessibility at all of its nature centers, regional facilities, conservation areas, and public programs. To request ADA accommodation for participation in an MDC program, visit mdc.mo.gov/accessibility.

💰 Ready to take control of your finances? Join our 𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐲: 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬!

This FREE 4-week class meets Thursdays from May 28 through June 25, 6–7 PM at the O’Reilly Center for Hope (1518 E. Dale St., Springfield).

Learn how to:
💵 Manage money with confidence
🎯 Reach your financial goals
📊 Build a realistic budget

Participants may also qualify for:
✅ A $100 savings match
✅ A $50 incentive for completing all 4 weeks
✅ A zero-fee savings account

Register today by scanning the QR code or visiting: bit.ly/MakingSenseOfMoney2026

Community Partnership of the Ozarks' (CPO) mission is to help build resilient children, healthy families, and stronger neighborhoods & communities. Learn more by visiting www.cpozarks.org

What do moles, snakes, bats, insects, and badgers have in common? They all spend part of their lives underground! Help us "Unearth a Story" at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center as we team with the Springfield-Greene County Library during their summer reading program. The entire family can enjoy outdoor/indoor activities, stories, crafts and more. Drop by anytime and plan on spending at least an hour. The Mobile Library will be onsite, so bring your library card.

All ages. No registration required.

Call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Join us Saturday, June 27th, 2025 for our annual River Rescue cleanup on the James River! This year, we’ll be floating a 6-mile stretch of the lower James near Galena with the help of Float the James. Participants will be picking up trash and tires along the way. Stick around after the cleanup for a free lunch!

This is a FREE event, sponsored in part by Float the James and Bass Pro Shops. Registration is required. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their personal boats or you can borrow a canoe from us! Limited boats available, so sign up quick!

All participants MUST wear a life jacket while on the water.

Detailed information about the cleanup will be emailed to all registered participants before the event.

Join local death doulas Cecily Robertson and Alex Alatorre for a death cafe for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. With no set topics, themes, or questions, a death cafe is an opportunity for community members to engage in compassionate conversation around death and dying. The goal is to normalize talking about death and help each other live more fully.

Tea, cake, and cookies will be provided. Donations are accepted.

RSVP at https://deathcafe.com/deathcafe/25497/ or email Cecily at hello@lastchapterdeathcare.com.

The Death Cafe model was developed by Jon Underwood and Sue Barsky Reid, based on the ideas of Bernard Crettaz. Lizzy Miles hosted the first US Death Cafe. Death Cafes are a discussion group, not a support group or counseling session. Learn more at deathcafe.com.

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About Cecily & Alex:

Cecily Robertson (The Last Chapter Deathcare): "I’m a death doula with a gentle spirit and tireless heart. My approach to end-of-life work is rooted in storytelling. I created The Last Chapter Deathcare to guide and support people as they explore, uncover, and move through life and death as a creative process. I serve people of all ages, as well as pets, in the greater Springfield, Missouri area."

Alex Alatorre (Sacred Transitions): "I am a death doula, astrologer, and witch. I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from MSU and am pursuing my Master's degree in clinical Psychology. I support people through transitions, grief, and deep inner connection. Sacred Transitions is a healing place between science and spirit. I serve the greater Springfield, Missouri area."

Live From Downtown is a weekly concert series hosted in the heart of Downtown Springfield, Missouri in Park Central Square, located on historic Route 66. By hosting local artists every Saturday the series encourages the greater Springfield community and its guests to spend time downtown interacting with local businesses, socializing with neighbors, and learning about our vibrant history, all while experiencing a wide variety of Ozarks-grown talent in an accessible and family-friendly venue.

Live From Downtown is a weekly concert series hosted in the heart of Downtown Springfield, Missouri in Park Central Square, located on historic Route 66. By hosting local artists every Saturday the series encourages the greater Springfield community and its guests to spend time downtown interacting with local businesses, socializing with neighbors, and learning about our vibrant history, all while experiencing a wide variety of Ozarks-grown talent in an accessible and family-friendly venue.

The Child Advocacy Center will host a monthly Coffee for a Cause Open House every second Wednesday.

Sip coffee, tour the CAC, and meet with staff along the way to learn about the services they provide.

Visit www.childadvocacycenter.org to RSVP.

The Springfield Art Museum, in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, is excited to host monthly Fassnight Creek Cleanups. These volunteer-driven efforts play a vital role in maintaining the health and beauty of the creek while fostering community engagement in conservation efforts.

Volunteer Clean-Ups are held the second Saturday of each month from March through October, weather permitting. Volunteers should wear clothes and shoes they don't mind getting dirty, and bring sunscreen, bug spray, water, and a hat if desired. This is a family friendly opportunity, but children under 16 years old should be accompanied by a caregiver.

Learn more and preregister at https://sgfmuseum.org/291/Fassnight-Creek

Carver Day Celebration!
Carver Day will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. This year commemorates the 83rd anniversary of George Washington Carver’s passing and the subsequent establishment of the National Park on July 14, 1943, the first one to honor an African American.

Guest speakers include Peter Duncan Burchard, Carver scholar and author of "George Washington Carver, A Great Soul." Sandra Knauf is a nature writer, author and publisher. Knauf’s presentation is entitled, "The Gospel of Regeneration: George Washington Carver’s Legacy in Soil, Society and Soul."

Music is a huge part of the Carver Day fun. Musical performers this year include Arlecia Elkamil & band. Arlecia is a multi-instrumentalist and singer. Kufara Marimba Band, a Zimbabwean- style ensemble, will perform and local church choirs are also invited. Gospel singing group Sensational Wonders return to the music tent.

Paxton Williams will perform his legendary role as George Washington Carver in his original one person show "Listening to the Still Small Voice."

Carver Day is also a time for kids to explore the park and connect to the child who was born here over 150 years ago. There will be guided tours, Junior Ranger activities, and more. Local area education resource exhibitors will also share information. The Diamond Lions Club will provide food concessions as well.

The event is free of charge.