Be sure to check the “event details” link for up-to-date information from the organizers.
I send a “things to do” email every Sunday night to tons of moms in the Springfield, Mo. area. It’s full of free, often outdoorsy ideas that always match the season we’re in.
Thursday, July 30–Saturday, Aug. 8 — Ozark Empire Fair. One of Springfield’s biggest summer events returns with 10 days of carnival rides, fair food, livestock shows, live entertainment and more. Whether your kids come for rides, baby animals and giant pumpkins, or you come for funnel cakes and nostalgia, there’s enough to fill an entire day. Special events throughout the fair include the O’Reilly Outlaw Nationals Monster Truck Show, demolition derby, rodeo, concerts, cooking contests and dozens of youth and agricultural exhibits, so it’s worth checking the daily schedule before you go. July 30–Aug. 8 (Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, 3001 N. Grant Ave., Springfield). Admission required; some grandstand events require separate tickets. Event details.
Saturday, Aug. 1 — Watch monster trucks crush, roar and fly through Springfield’s biggest fairgrounds arena. The O’Reilly Outlaw Nationals Monster Truck Show returns to the Ozark Empire Fair with giant trucks, high-flying stunts and plenty of engine-rattling excitement. Families can also meet the drivers and see the trucks up close during the free Pit Party and autograph session from 5:30–6:30 p.m. before the show. Show at 7 p.m. (Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, 3001 N. Grant Ave., Springfield). Tickets required; fair admission also required. Event details.
Friday–Sunday, July 31–Aug. 2 — Experience one of Springfield’s longest-running community traditions. Park Day Reunion has brought generations of families back to Silver Springs Park each summer since the 1950s. What began as a reunion for Springfield’s Black community has grown into a weekend of parades, picnics, music, sports competitions and family activities that welcomes the broader community while honoring an important piece of the city’s history. Event details.
Saturday, Aug. 1 — Be among the first families to explore BookMarx’s expanded children’s section. Downtown’s independent bookstore recently expanded, and along with its much-talked-about video rental section, it now has a larger children’s area. This special storytime celebrates the new space with Missouri Poet Laureate David L. Harrison reading his picture book “Rum Pum Pum,” followed by a themed craft led by a local art store. It’s a fun excuse to check out this bookstore’s recent expansions! Craft at 11:30 a.m.; storytime at noon. (BookMarx, 325 E. Walnut St., Springfield). Free. Event details.
Saturday, Aug. 1 — Celebrate Halloween a little early with watermelon carving, trick-or-treating and spooky summer fun. Farmers Market of the Ozarks is blending two favorite seasons for its first-ever Summerween celebration. Families can carve watermelons for a jack-o’-melon contest, trick-or-treat through the market, build spooky s’mores, play yard games and browse the market’s regular lineup of local vendors. Costumes are encouraged, making this a fun way to scratch the Halloween itch without waiting until October. 8 a.m.–1 p.m. (Farmers Market of the Ozarks, 2144 E. Republic Road, Springfield). Free. Event details.
Sunday, Aug. 2 — Introduce your kids to a ’90s classic on Springfield’s most beautiful movie screen. Gillioz Theatre’s Cinema Sundays series continues with a free showing of “Jumanji” (1995), the Robin Williams adventure that has entertained families for generations. The no-cost tickets also include free popcorn and a nonalcoholic drink, making this an easy, budget-friendly afternoon downtown. Doors open at 1 p.m., and the movie begins at 2 p.m. (Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, Springfield). Free. Event details.
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