Here are 21 things to do in July, including ways to celebrate Independence Day
The Ozarks' hottest month of the year is upon us, but luckily there are plenty of family-friendly activities through July that allow folks to cool off.
The month starts out with an array of Fourth of July-themed activities that carry on through the month. The Midtown Neighborhood Association's 32nd annual Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Parade and Celebration kicks off at the corner of Benton Avenue and Central Street at 10 a.m. The parade concludes at Washington Park, where there will be live music, games, a food truck and free frozen treats.
In addition to Fourth of July activities, the Ozark Empire Fair closes out the month with carnival rides, funnel cake and plenty of live music.
4th of July Wagon Parade
When: Saturday, July 1 from 10-11 a.m.
Where: Estes Farm's Cassidy Station at at 5176 N. Fremont Road in Nixa
Estes Farm is hosting its inaugural 4th of July Wagon Parade for children this weekend. The contestant with the best decorated wagon receives a $25 gift card to Andy's Frozen Custard and a Cassidy Station t-shirt. Following the parade, popsicles are served on the Cassidy Station patio.
Registration for the parade and contest is free but folks should reserve a spot online at bit.ly/431qIfd. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.
More: Ready for a Fourth of July fireworks show? Check out these local displays
Goat Hike
When: Sunday, July 2 from 7:30 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Where: Farmers Park at 2144 E. Republic Road
37 North Expeditions has partnered with Snake Mountain Pack Goats to host three unique hikes this summer. Participants hike a 3.5-mile loop around Devil's Den State park alongside goats that help lead the way and even carry some baggage. The hike concludes at Sassafras Winery.
Tickets are available for $89 per person online at bit.ly/3CNilJu. $25 of each ticket sale is donated back to Snake Mountain Pack Goats. A nonprofit, Snake Mountain Goats assists veterans who are disabled or have PTSD to get outside with the assistance of pack goats.
Racquet, White and Blue
When: Friday, July 7 from 2-4 p.m.
Where: Grant Beach Park at 1401 N. Grant Ave St.
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is hosting a free, patriotic-themed tennis celebration at Grant Bach Park. Coaches are on-site to help new players and all equipment is provided. Live music and snacks are also available.
Free screening of 'Top Gun: Maverick' at Founders Park
When: Friday, July 7 at 9 p.m.
Where: Founders Park at 330 E. Water St.
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is hosting its final movie screening of the summer, "Top Gun: Maverick." Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Admission is free and concessions are for sale.
Light the Way music festival
When: July 7-8
Where: Faith Family Farm at 2320 N. Riverside Road in Ozark
Light the Way Ministry is hosting its two-day Light the Way music festival in Ozark this month. Headlining musical acts include Newsboys, Matthew West, Anne Wilson, Colton Dixon and KB. Tickets are available on the Light the Way Ministry website at lightthewayministry.com/ozark. One-day passes are $55 and weekend passes are $79.
Based in Ozark, Light the Way Ministry is a nonprofit dedicated to spreading "the Light and Hope of Jesus Christ through the Largest Touring Christian Music Festival," according to the organization's website.
Michael Longfellow at Blue Room Comedy Club
When: July 7-8
Where: Blue Room Comedy Club at 420 W. College St.
A cast member of "Saturday Night Live," Michael Longfellow made his late-night debut on "Conan" in 2018. Last year, Longfellow was recognized as one of eight comedians chosen for the inaugural "Netflix Introducing..." at the Netflix Joke Festival.
Tickets are available on the Blue Room Comedy Club website at bit.ly/3NPPt9T. General admission is $25 and premium is $30.
Tent Theatre's 'Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery'
When: July 7-8 and 10-14
Where: Missouri State University Tent Theatre at 901 S. National Ave.
"Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery" follows detective Sherlock Holmes and associate Dr. Watson as they explore a suspected supernatural hellhound on the Baskerville estate. The play is a spin on Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles."
Tickets can be purchased online at bit.ly/3NvddOX, by phone at 417-836-7678 or in person at the Missouri State TIX box office in Great Southern Bank Arena or Craig Hall.
National Teddy Bear Picnic
When: Monday, Jul 10 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Springfield Botanical Gardens at 2400 S. Scenic Ave.
Folks are encouraged to bring their favorite teddy bear or stuffed animal to the Springfield-Greene County Park Board's National Teddy Bear Picnic. Concessions, crafts, games, a teddy bear parade and frozen treats will be available. The picnic is free but registration is required by July 3. Register online at bit.ly/3Jvg8WX.
Shark Week at Wonders of Wildlife
When: July 11-18
Where: Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium at 500 W. Sunshine St.
In honor of Shark Week, Wonders of Wildlife is hosting an array of "jawsome" experiences, including live shark feedings, educational activities and special shark-themed snacks. Patrons may enjoy Shark Week activities with admission to the museum and aquarium.
A Day for the 'Cat In The Hat'
When: Friday, July 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: The Judy at 237 S. Florence Ave.
One of Springfield Little Theatre's Friday Fun Day is all about "Cat In The Hat." Throughout the day, participants enjoy "Cat In The Hat" themed theatre games, photos, contests, prizes, movies and karaoke. Each participant will go home with a gift bag. Registration is available for $50 per child online at bit.ly/3NQfHcc.
'Killer Queen: A Tribute to Queen'
When: Friday, July 14 at 7 p.m.
Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central East
Killer Queen, a British Queen tribute band, is bringing its show to the Gillioz Theatre stage this month. Doors for the concert open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available online at bit.ly/441SsBB. Tickets range from $50-80.
Putting For Strays
When: July 17 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Getaway Golf at 3833 E. Sunshine St.
The Humane Society of Southwest Missouri is hosting its inaugural Putting For Strays, a mini golf tournament benefiting animals in need. Registration for the tournament opens at 4:30 p.m., games start at 5:30 p.m. and the tournament concludes at 9 p.m. Team registration is available online at e.givesmart.com/events/vOM/. Registration is $60 per team.
'Pleasantville' at Moxie Cinema
When: Wednesday, July 12 at 7 p.m.
Where: Moxie Cinema at 305 S. Campbell Ave.
In partnership with the Friends of the Library, Moxie Cinema is hosting a free screening of the 1998 film "Plesantville." Directed by Gary Ross, Tobey Maguire and Reese Witherspoon bring living color to their suburb trapped in a black and white utopia. Following the screening, guests can hang around for a discussion about the film.
Ozark Boosters Club Pro Rodeo
When: July 21-22
Where: Ozark Boosters Club Arena at 1200 N. Riverside Road in Ozark
The Ozark Boosters Club is hosting its 68th annual rodeo this year with contestants competing in bull riding, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, ranch bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping, ladies breakaway roping, barrel racing and over 40 calf roping.
Tickets are available for purchase from Apple Markets in Ozark, Clever and Sparta and the Family center Farm & Home in Ozark. Advance tickets are $12 per adult and $5 per child. Children under five are free.
Springfield Little Theatre's 'Mean Girls, JR.'
When: July 21-22
Where: The Landers Theatre at 311 E. Walnut St.
Springfield Little Theatre Education Department presents "Means Girls, JR." as part of the department's Summer Youth Program Summer Series. Tickets are available online at bit.ly/46pbfs6.
Young Lions Obstacle Course Family Festival
When: Saturday, July 22
Where: Nixa Community Center at 701 N. Taylor Way in Nixa
The Young Lions Obstacle Course is a one-mile course featuring 10 different unique obstacles. Children ages five through 17 are eligible to participate. In addition to the course, the festival features inflatables, games, interactive booths and more.
Registration is available online for $25 per children at bit.ly/3JA7Xsx.
Movies on The Patio
When: Saturday, July 22 from 7-10 p.m.
Where: The Barley House at Moon Town Crossing at 3060 N. Kentwood Ave.
The Moon Town Crossing presents "The Sandlot" for its July Movies on The Patio screening. Before the show, attendees may enjoy yard games, concessions and alcoholic drinks. Folks are encouraged to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs for the movie. Tickets are available online for $7.50 at bit.ly/432sE6Y.
Tent Theatre's 'The Prom'
When: July 21-22 and 24-29
Where: Missouri State University Tent Theatre at 901 S. National Ave.
Written by Bob Martin, "The Prom" tells the story of a lesbian couple banned from their conservative high school prom. In response to a Tweet posed by one of the high schoolers, four Broadway actors "come to the rescue."
Tickets can be purchased online at bit.ly/3NvddOX, by phone at 417-836-7678 or in person at the Missouri State TIX box office in Great Southern Bank Arena or Craig Hall.
Back to School Bash
When: Saturday, July 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Springfield Expo Center at 635 E. St. Louis St.
Springfield Public Schools' Back to School Bash provides families and students with resources and information for the upcoming school year. Backpacks, hygiene kits, groceries, immunizations and other supplies are available.
Those wishing to volunteer for the Back to School Bash should complete the necessary paperwork by July 14. Volunteer applications are available online at bit.ly/3NNSyY0.
Ozark Empire Fair
When: July 27-Aug. 5
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 3001 N. Grant Ave.
The 87th annual Ozark Empire Fairgrounds closes out the month of July. This year's live music performers include Rick Springfield, Parmalee, Casting Crowns and Colt Ford with Stoney LaRue. More information about admission prices, hours of operation, family-friendly activities and food is available online at ozarkempirefair.com/p/fair.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: 21 things to do in July, how to celebrate Independence Day
