Community Calendar

Explore the trails of Compton Hollow Conservation Area. Meet at the Nature Center and carpool to the area. Bring a snack, water, and wear comfortable hiking shoes. The hike is 3 miles and rated moderate in difficulty. Ages 18 and up. Registration required. Register online at mdc.mo.gov/SouthwestEvents or call 417-888-4237 for more information.

Grace United Methodist Church, 600 S. Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO is having a QUILT AND CRAFT SALE, October 16 & 17, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Items to be sold: quilts, woven rag rugs, silk flowers, plants, quilted purses, landscape pictures, jewelry, cards, shelf sitters, ornaments, wreaths, crocheted items and much, much more! Lunch available for purchase. Don’t forget to register for the HUGE door prize - all proceeds made by the church’s machine quilters goes directly to support the church.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Community Partnership of the Ozarks 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠1 Celebrate 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 and the difference we can make when people, resources, and opportunities come together. Engage with fellow community members, hear inspiring stories, and discover how your support is vital in driving positive change in the Ozarks.

* Monday, October 19, 2026 | 11:30 A.M. - 1:00 P.M.
* Oasis Hotel & Conv. Center, Ascend Hotel Collection (Springfield)
* 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲. Scan the QR code or register at tinyurl.com/cpoannualmeeting26

Together, celebrate our shared commitment to building resilient children, healthy families, and strong neighborhoods & communities.

To learn more about Community Partnership of the Ozarks, visit www.cpozarks.org.

Join Springfield Center for Dyslexia and Learning for our Annual Oktoberfest Benefit on Wednesday, October 21, from 5–8 p.m. at 4 By 4 Brewing Company – Fremont Hills!

Celebrate Dyslexia Awareness Month and SCDL’s 11th anniversary with an evening of live music, food, local craft beer, games, raffles, children’s activities, and inspiring student success stories.

Bring your family and friends for a fun evening supporting a great cause. Proceeds help provide scholarships for students who need access to evidence-based dyslexia intervention services.

Wednesday, October 21 | 5–8 p.m.
4 By 4 Brewing Company – Fremont Hills
Open to the community!

Slow Viewing is a supportive practice for anyone who wants to develop their skills of interpretation, observation, and discussing art. Guests spend an hour carefully observing and speaking about the works on view, resulting in a deeper understanding of how they and others relate to the artwork and to each other.

Slow Viewing is free and open to the public. Slow Viewing is facilitated by artist and educator Shauna LeAnn Smith and requires no specialized art historical or art interpretation knowledge. Individual sessions will be held at various community locations. Space per site may be limited so pre-registration is required.

Slow Viewing with Springfield Regional Arts Council: The Best of Missouri Hands Exhibition, The Creamery Arts Center
Thursday, July 16, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Slow Viewing with Evangel University: Spring by Denton Highfield, Lawrence and Alletha Barnett Fine Arts Center
Thursday, August 20, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Slow Viewing with Missouri State University: Crossroads, Brick City Gallery
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Slow Viewing with Missouri State University: Biennial Faculty Exhibition, Robert & Margaret Carolla Arts Exhibition Center
Thursday, October 22, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Slow Viewing takes a hiatus November-December 2026 and will return in January 2027. Please check back for updates, schedule, and registration information.

Pets and Pumpkins has one of the LARGEST costume parades in Missouri. Hosted by TAME Magazine, both pets and people are invited to enter the walking parade/contest. The costume parade line-up begins at approximately 2:15pm on Park Central East next to Civil Kitchen.

Pets and Pumpkins is a “Rain or Shine” event. The cost is $2.00 each for all attendees (kids, pets, & adults). With paid admission, attendees can take part in ALL the activities at no additional cost, including the walking parade and costume contest!

Besides all the fun, one of the BEST things about Pets and Pumpkins is that almost 100% of the gate fee is donated to local, non-profit children and animal organizations. The event helps support organizations dedicated to helping children in foster care and those working hard to save the lives of homeless animals.

Join us on Saturday, October 24, at the Springfield Expo Center for Ozarks Beerfest, the region's largest beer festival! Enjoy unlimited samples of more than 150 craft beers, seltzers, ciders, and flavored malt beverages while experiencing an afternoon of great food, live music, games, raffles, and fun. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks and help create life-changing mentoring relationships for local youth.

The GLO Market is a monthly event supporting local queer-owned businesses and resources. The market showcases local talent from artists and entrepreneurs.