Community Calendar

Springfield Sister Cities Association and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board will host the 29th annual Japanese Fall Festival September 5-7 at the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park.

The festival celebrates Springfield's long relationship with Sister City Isesaki, Japan with authentic cultural experiences for all ages, including:

· Samurai Sword Soul returning as the headline entertainer with its theatrical mix of humor, drama and authentic sword-fighting arts performed in a contemporary artistic style.

· New participants Bentenya, a group of Japanese Chindon Girls who are traveling Route 66 to introduce Japanese culture through their performances.

· Two groups of taiko drummers – returning favorites St. Louis Osuwa Taiko and the new Forest of Nukumori, a Japanese family of five whose father trained with a renowned drumming group in Japan.

· Springfield’s own Japanese cultural performers – the Kizuna Japan America Friendship Group; fun dance cover groups KiRi KiRi, Summer Magic, MoonMagic Dance; and Springfield Cosplay hosting a hologram show on Saturday evening.

· World-renowned large-scale calligrapher Seiran Chiba, who will make a return visit from her home in Fukushima, Japan.

· Several advanced archery students from Japan demonstrating Kyūdō, a martial art that emphasizes both accuracy and character development.

· The largest number of food, retail and information booths to date. Two food courts will feature expanded sweet and savory offerings reflecting Asian and U.S. tastes.

The History Museum on the Square will host a Service Fair September 6 on Park Central Square, featuring more than two dozen local organizations to share their missions and how to get involved.

This year’s event also coincides with a special milestone: The History Museum on the Square is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Throughout 2025–2026, the museum will honor five decades of preserving and sharing the stories that shape our region with a full year of exhibitions, programs, and community events.

Springfield Sister Cities Association and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board will host the 29th annual Japanese Fall Festival September 5-7 at the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park.

The festival celebrates Springfield's long relationship with Sister City Isesaki, Japan with authentic cultural experiences for all ages, including:

· Samurai Sword Soul returning as the headline entertainer with its theatrical mix of humor, drama and authentic sword-fighting arts performed in a contemporary artistic style.

· New participants Bentenya, a group of Japanese Chindon Girls who are traveling Route 66 to introduce Japanese culture through their performances.

· Two groups of taiko drummers – returning favorites St. Louis Osuwa Taiko and the new Forest of Nukumori, a Japanese family of five whose father trained with a renowned drumming group in Japan.

· Springfield’s own Japanese cultural performers – the Kizuna Japan America Friendship Group; fun dance cover groups KiRi KiRi, Summer Magic, MoonMagic Dance; and Springfield Cosplay hosting a hologram show on Saturday evening.

· World-renowned large-scale calligrapher Seiran Chiba, who will make a return visit from her home in Fukushima, Japan.

· Several advanced archery students from Japan demonstrating Kyūdō, a martial art that emphasizes both accuracy and character development.

· The largest number of food, retail and information booths to date. Two food courts will feature expanded sweet and savory offerings reflecting Asian and U.S. tastes.

The 20th annual Shakin' in the Shell Fest will be held September 12-13 at Chamber Park in Shell Knob.

Activities include a car show, dinosaurs, live music, a salute to veterans, games, food and more.

Information at https://shellknob.com/shakin-in-the-shell

The Shakin’ in the Shell Fest in Shell Knob will feature the first Jam Fest September 13 with music from the Tablerockers at 3:30 pm and MoArk Mojo at 7 pm.

Information at https://shellknob.com/shakin-jam-fest