Community Calendar

Springfield Public Schools Back to School Bash is an event for students and families to get resources and information to start a successful 2026-2027 school year.

This event will offer backpacks, hygiene kits, groceries, health services, connections to community resources and more! SPS is dedicated to providing district families with the support they need.

The event is open to all SPS students and families from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Free meals served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Springfield Police and Fire Departments battle it out on the basketball court on Friday, July 31 at Springfield Catholic High School! Doors open at 6:00pm and game is scheduled to start at 6:30p.m. Both departments are also competing to sell the most tickets, so make sure to let them know which team you are supporting!

Tickets are $5. Children 12 and under are free! (no ticket needed). You can purchase your tickets online or at the door the day of the event. Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks, so every ticket helps defend potential for kids in our community through mentorship!

Emancipation Celebration in Joplin, MO is the three-day cultural event (July 31-August 2, 2026) held the first weekend in August, commemorating African American freedom and achievement. The event will be held in Landreth Park (Joplin, MO). The celebration features a variety of free activities designed to engage people of all ages and backgrounds.

Celebrate Summerween at the Farmers Market! Farmers Market of the Ozarks is hosting its first ever Summerween event on August 1st, 8am to 1pm! Carve your own watermelons before market, then enter them into the Jack-o'-melon contest for a chance at prizes! Trick or treat around Market, build your own spooky s'mores, and play yard games, all while you do your regular Saturday morning shopping. Get ready for some summertime spooks with this first-annual event!

Adventure is calling!

Carson's Greenhouse & Gifts will kickoff their Outdoor Movie Series with the beloved classic The Goonies under the stars.

Bring your lawn chair or blanket, enjoy themed snacks and drinks available for purchase, snap a few fun photos, and settle in for a nostalgic summer movie night with family and friends.

Your ticket includes:
• Outdoor movie experience
• Family-friendly atmosphere
• Photo opportunities
• Themed concessions available for purchase

📍 Carson's Greenhouse & Gifts
233 E FR 192
Springfield, MO 65810

✨ Make it a tradition! Our Outdoor Movie Series continues with:
👻 Beetlejuice — September 4
🦖 Jurassic Park — October 2

🚔🎉 You're invited to 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝'𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔!
Grab your family, invite your neighbors, and join us for a FREE evening of food, fun, and community at Meador Park!

📅 Tuesday, August 11
🕔 5:00 to 7:00 PM
📍 Meador Park | 2500 S. Fremont

Come hungry! They'll be serving up free hot dogs and chips, plus sweet treats from Cold Patrol Ice Cream, Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, and Ozark Mountain Popcorn while supplies last.

There will be plenty to see and do throughout the evening, including free face painting, a balloon artist, a Springfield, MO Police Department drone demonstration, pickleball, Splash & Sizzle at the Meador Park Pool, a Springfield, MO Fire Department ladder truck with misting, and Springfield, MO Police Department vehicles to explore.

⚾ Then stick around for the Police vs. Fire Softball Game at 7:00 PM!

National Night Out is all about bringing neighbors together, meeting the people who help keep our community safe, and enjoying a fun summer evening.

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

The seventh annual Moon City board gaming convention! Returning to Hilton Garden Inn It will, of course, have the same great game library (with some new additions) as well as an extensive Play to Win selection, and more door prizes!

General Convention Information:

August 14th, 15th and 16th 2026
Hilton Garden Inn, 4155 S Nature Center Way, Springfield, MO 65804
Rooms will be available for $116/night + taxes and fees. Hotel reservations can be made by calling 417-875-8850 and asking for the MoonCity Con 2025 group block - or using this link. Reservations must be made no later than July 14, 2026 to take advantage of this discounted rate.

Pricing:

Attendees (Ages 14+): $60
Veterans / Active Duty: $50
Children under 14: welcome with an accompanying parent or guardian.

This year there will be a silent auction to benefit The Boys & Girls Club of Springfield. As well as offering the opportunity for attendees to purchase scholarship badges for the kids in the club so they can attend the event free of charge, to encourage future generations of board gamers.