Community Calendar

Adults are invited to attend Queer Life in the Ozarks: Preserving the LGBTQIA+ Community at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, in the Library Center auditorium, 4653 S. Campbell Ave.

The Ozarks Lesbian and Gay Archives (OLGA) at Missouri State University preserves a rich history of queer life in the Ozarks, gathered from scrapbooks, letters, organizational records and more. Archivist Tracie Gieselman France, former GLO Center executive director Lou Hood, and USA TODAY national reporter Greta Cross will discuss the creation of OLGA, the role of written records in connecting the community, and ongoing efforts to capture and share queer history for future generations.

This program is a Preserving the Ozarks event. Explore the people, places and events that shaped the region — and how their stories live on today. Visit thelibrary.org/preserve or call 417-882-0714 for more information about this and other free programs.

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater
Book by Doug Wright

Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and Disney film that was produced by Howard Ashman and John Musker and written and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements. Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.
Disney's The Little Mermaid is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

RUNTIME: Approx. 2 hours and 35 minutes, including one-fifteen minute intermission
RATING: G, suitable for all audiences
LOCATION: The Landers Theatre

TICKET PRICES
ADULTS $17.00 - $40.00
SENIORS (62+)/ STUDENT /MILITARY $17.00 - $40.00
CHILDREN (ages 12 and under) $17.00 - $40.00
For special pricing for groups of 10+ visit our Group Sales page.
+$5 per ticket processing fee
+$3 per order Landers Theatre Historic Building Preservation fee
+$2 per order Springfield Little Theatre Endowment Fund

The Springfield Vegan Chef Challenge will be held during the month of May with a celebration of new vegan dishes across town. Businesses across the area will showcase special vegan menu items, giving everyone the opportunity to explore creative plant-based dishes crafted by talented local chefs.

🗓 How It Works:
- Visit participating restaurants throughout Springfield
- Try their exclusive vegan offerings
- Share your experience—vote, comment, post photos of your favorite meals, and tag us at @veganchefchallengeMW

This event is open to everyone—not just vegans.

Caves are unique habitats that provide either permanent or temporary homes for a number of wildlife species.

People can learn more about caves and the animals that live in them at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) virtual program “Caves: Springtime in the Dark” on May 23. This free online program, which will be from 3-4 p.m., is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center. This program is open to all ages. People can register at:

https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/207656

At this event, MDC Naturalist J.D. Kennedy will discuss cave habitats and what happens in a Missouri cave during spring. He will talk about how spring is the time bats emerge from caves. He will also have fun facts about other animals that utilize caves throughout the year.

Though this program is free, registration is required. Register by using the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period when participants can interact with the presenters.

People can stay informed about upcoming programs at MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center and other MDC facilities by signing up for text alerts and e-mail bulletins. People who have questions about upcoming events or how to sign up for text alerts from the nature center can call 417-888-4237.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual and in-person programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.

Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater
Book by Doug Wright

Based on the Hans Christian Andersen story and Disney film that was produced by Howard Ashman and John Musker and written and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements. Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.
Disney's The Little Mermaid is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

RUNTIME: Approx. 2 hours and 35 minutes, including one-fifteen minute intermission
RATING: G, suitable for all audiences
LOCATION: The Landers Theatre

TICKET PRICES
ADULTS $17.00 - $40.00
SENIORS (62+)/ STUDENT /MILITARY $17.00 - $40.00
CHILDREN (ages 12 and under) $17.00 - $40.00
For special pricing for groups of 10+ visit our Group Sales page.
+$5 per ticket processing fee
+$3 per order Landers Theatre Historic Building Preservation fee
+$2 per order Springfield Little Theatre Endowment Fund

The Springfield Vegan Chef Challenge will be held during the month of May with a celebration of new vegan dishes across town. Businesses across the area will showcase special vegan menu items, giving everyone the opportunity to explore creative plant-based dishes crafted by talented local chefs.

🗓 How It Works:
- Visit participating restaurants throughout Springfield
- Try their exclusive vegan offerings
- Share your experience—vote, comment, post photos of your favorite meals, and tag us at @veganchefchallengeMW

This event is open to everyone—not just vegans.

The Missouri Prairie Foundation will host a native plant sale May 24 at Mother's Brewing Company with a variety of native wildflowers, grasses, sedges, vines, shrubs and trees supplied by two Grow Native! professional members.

The team at Bennett Spring State Park will host a program about turtle species of Missouri at the nature center on May 24 for all ages.

Roll for adventure—let the Dungeon Masters guide you through the process of building worlds, writing compelling stories and dangerous battles.

Recommended for adults 18 years and older.

Stockton State Park will kick off summer with a concert from the Sucia Rosa Band in the East Campground. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The event is free and open to the public. Food will be available for purchase and donations will be collected for the band.