Here are 25+ things to do around Springfield in April, including annual Earth Day Festival

Returning to the Ozarks this year, with the goal of advocating for the importance of sustainability, is Springfield's Earth Day Festival.

The plastic-free music and sustainability festival is Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Jordan Valley Park. This year's headlining musician is Langhorne Slim, a country, soul and indie singer-songwriter from Pennsylvania.

Other live entertainment will be provided by National Park Radio, Ha Ha Tonka, Molly Healey String Project, Rochara Knight and the Honey Doves, The Shandies, Dallas Jones, Patti Steel, Brandon Moore and Friends, and Springfield Aerial Fitness. A full schedule is available on the Earth Day Festival website at earthdayspringfieldmo.org/schedule.

Each year, proceeds from the Earth Day Festival benefit three local organizations. This year's benefactors are the James River Basin Partnership, Greater Ozarks Audubon and River Access Coalition.

Tickets for the Earth Day Festival are available on the festival's website. General admission tickets are $50 and VIP tickets are $75. VIP tickets include special entry, front-of-stage access and access to a VIP with its own bar. VIP ticketholders will also receive their own reusable metal water bottle.

In addition to the Earth Day Festival, the News-Leader compiled a list of nearly 30 other activities worth exploring throughout the Ozarks in April.

This list of events is not comprehensive for the month of April, as there are countless activities going on around the Ozarks. If you would like your event to be considered for the month of May, email event information to trending topics reporter Greta Cross at gcross@gannett.com by April 15. Events can also be self-listed on the News-Leader's Things to Do webpage year-round at news-leader.com/things-to-do/events.

Spring Nature at Night at Top of the Rock

When: Throughout April

Where: Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail at Top of the Rock at 150 Top of the Rock Road in Ridgedale

Throughout the month of April, Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail at Top of the Rock is hosting evening light tours. The tour will tell "... tales of the indigenous people of the Ozarks, the rapid decline and gradual return of North American bison and how different species work together to create a co-dependent ecosystem," according to the Big Cedar Lodge website.

Reservations can be made on the Big Cedar Lodge website. Tickets range between $39-44 for adults and are $19 for children. The tours begin at sunset and continue through 10 p.m.

Missouri State University's Senior Art Exhibition

When: Through April 3

Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway

Missouri State University's gerontology program debuted its 27th annual Senior Art Exhibition in March and will remain open through Wednesday, April 3. The juried arts exhibition features work from visual artists 60 and older. Each artist had the opportunity to submit two original pieces completed over the last three years.

The Senior Art Exhibition is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the fourth and fifth floors of Juanita K. Hammons Hall.

Missouri State University Opera Theater's "Ruddigore"

When: Friday, April 5 from 7:30-9 p.m.

Where: Ellis Hall at Missouri State University at 917 S. National Ave.

Missouri State University's Opera Theater is hosting a one-night production of "Ruddigore," a melodrama about farmer Robin Oakapple falling in love with Rose Maybud. But what Oakapple doesn't know is that his true love is a baron, cursed by a witch to commit a crime everyday. Tickets are available online. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and children.

Gillioz Jazz Festival

When: April 5-7

Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central East

The Gillioz Theatre is hosting its Jazz Festival the first weekend of April. The Gillioz lobby will be transformed into the Jazz Cafe, featuring artwork on display and bar and food truck offerings. The festival will feature the Hamm/Aho/Bohrisch Trio, Matt Harp Trio, John Stickler Trio, Bran Jester Trio and Arthur Duncan Trio on Saturday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. New Orleans-based Brandon Marsalis will headline the festival on Sunday at 8 p.m.

Tickets for Marsalis' performance are available on the Gillioz Theatre website, starting at $49.

Jurassic Quest

When: April 5-7

Where: Springfield Expo Center at 635 E. St. Louis St.

Jurassic Quest, an interactive dinosaur-themed event, is returning to Springfield. The three-day event features animatronic dinosaurs that guests can take photos with, "pet" and ride. Fossil digging, arts and crafts and other family-friendly activities will be available.

Tickets are available on the Jurassic Quest website. General admission tickets for attendees 11-64 are $22. Kids standard admission for children 2-10 is $22 and kids unlimited admission, which includes unlimited access to the event's activities, is $36. Senior admission is $19.

Sock and Undie Rundie

When: Saturday, April 6 at 8 a.m.

Where: Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park at 3825 W. Farm Road 146

FosterAdopt Connect's Sock and Undie Rundie serves as a fundraiser for the organization. Participants are encouraged to bring socks, underwear and hygiene products, which will be donated to youth in foster care.

Registration is available on the FosterAdopt Connect website. 5K, 10K and half marathon races are available.

Cherry Blossom Kite and Piñata Festival

When: Saturday, April 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Springfield Botanical Gardens at 2400 S. Scenic Ave.

The Springfield Sister Cities Association is hosting its annual Cherry Blossom Kite and Piñata Festival the first weekend of April. The free event is a celebration of both Japanese and Mexican culture.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own kites to fly and lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy live Japanese and Mexican performances. Kite kits will be available for purchase, too. A mini market featuring snacks, candies, beverages and souvenirs will also be available.

The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden and Gray-Campbell Farmstead will be open for free admission during the festival. The stroll garden will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the farmstead 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Springfield Symphony Orchestra's "Unfinished Business"

When: Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway

Springfield Symphony Orchestra's "Unfinished Business" will feature Franz Schubert's "Symphony No. 8 - Unfinished," Elizabeth Raum's "Concerto for Bass Trombone and Orchestra," Charles Ives' "Postlude in F," David Baker's "Concert Piece for Trombone and String Orchestra" and Jean Sibelius' "Karalia Suite." Tickets are available on the Missouri State TIX website.

Baker Creek Tulip Festival

When: April 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company at 2278 Baker Creek Road in Mansfield

Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company's Tulip Festival will feature expert guest speakers, local food, vendors, live entertainment, and greenhouse and garden tours. Admission is free but parking is $15 per vehicle. Advanced parking tickets can be purchased on the Rare Seeds website.

Spring Awakening Picnic

When: Sunday, April 7 from 2-6 p.m.

Where: Dunnegan Memorial Park at 601 MO-83 in Bolivar

Ensembles of the Past, a business that specializes in historical clothing and garments, is hosting a Spring Awakening Picnic in Bolivar. The theme of the picnic is Classic Literature, so participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite character from a classic work written by authors like Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, William Shakespeare or Nathaniel Hawthorne. Refreshments will be served.

Tickets are available for $45 on the Ensembles of the Past website until April 3. This is a family-friendly event.

Harlem Globetrotters

When: Monday, April 8 at 7 p.m.

Where: Great Southern Bank Arena at 685 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway

The Harlem Globetrotters are making a stop in Springfield this April for a match against their rivals, the Washington Generals. Tickets are available on the Missouri State TIX website.

Free screening of 'The Host' at Moxie Cinema

When: Wednesday, April 10 at 7 p.m.

Where: Moxie Cinema at 305 S. Campbell Ave. Suite 101

A collaboration between Moxie Cinema and the Springfield-Greene County Library District, "The Host" will be shown free through the FilmStubs series. Each month, the two organizations host a few movie screening, followed by a public discussion. Directed by Bong Joon Ho, "The Host" is about a family who tries to rescue a victim after a monster emerges from Seoul's Han River.

Live music at The Shoe Tree Listening Room

When:

• Thursday, April 11 at 7 p.m.: Bluegrass Jam (free)

• Saturday, April 13 at 7 p.m.: Front Porch ($20 admission)

• Saturday, April 20 at 7 p.m.: Auntie Em and The Tornadoes ($20 admission)

• Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m.: Acoustic Pickin' Party (free)

• Friday, April 26 at 7 p.m.: Dance Monkey Dance! ($20 admission)

Where: The Shoe Tree Listening Room at 1342 E. St. Louis St.

More information and tickets are available on the Arrow Creative Reuse website.

More: Shoe Tree Listening Room aims to be 'community place' with local music, pickin' jams

Screening of "Indigo Girls: It's Only Life After All" at Moxie Cinema

When: Thursday, April 11 at 7 p.m.

Where: Moxie Cinema at 305 S. Campbell Ave. Suite 101

The Moxie Cinema is screening the new documentary, "Indigo Girls: It's Only Life After All" for one night. The documentary is about the folk rock duo Indigo Girls, known for singles like "Closer to Fine," "Dear Mr. President," and "Water is Wide." Tickets are available for $15 on the Moxie Cinema website.

Missouri State's "A Killer Party: A Murder Mystery Musical"

When: April 11-14

Where: Coger Theatre in Craig Hall at 1147 Grand St.

Missouri State University's Theatre and Dance Department's final production of the semester is "A Killer Party: A Murder Mystery Musical." The musical follows detective Justine Case, who works to solve the murder case of Varthur McArthur, who dies during a murder mystery dinner party.

Tickets are available on the Missouri Sate TIX website. Tickets are $24 for adults and $22 for seniors and students.

Springfield Little Theatre's "Mary Poppins JR."

When: April 11-12

Where: The Landers Theatre at 311 E. Walnut St.

Springfield Little Theatre opens "Mary Poppins JR" on Thursday, April 11. The award-winning Broadway musical is based on the 1964 Walt Disney movie. Tickets are available on the Springfield Little Theatre website, starting at $28. Evening productions start at 7:30 p.m. and weekend matinee productions start at 2 p.m.

Lost Spanish Treasure Hunt & Faire

When: April 12-13

Where: Chateau Charmant at 1700 Martins Branch Road in Fordland

The Chateau Charmant, an event venue in Fordland, is hosting its Lost Spanish Treasure Hunt & Faire, which is both a Renaissance festival and artisan marketplace. The 65-acre faire will feature three stages, a 13th-century castle, an arts and crafts fair, tournaments and games, food and workshops.

In addition to the faire, all attendees are encouraged to find the Treasure of Amaro Pargo, which is hidden on the grounds. The attendees who finds the treasure will receive its contents of $500. Attendees will receive clues for its whereabouts upon admission.

Tickets are available on the Chateau Charmant website. One day tickets are $17.50 for adults, $15,50 for seniors and students, and $12.50 for children. Two-day passes are $26.50 for adults, $22.50 for seniors and students, and $15.50 for children. Proceeds from the faire will benefit a local nonprofit.

A.J. Croce at Gillioz Theatre

When: Friday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central East

American singer-songwriter A.J. Croce, known for singles like "Name of the Game," "Cures Just Like Medicine" and "Hung Up" is bringing his 50th anniversary tour to the Gillioz Theatre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available on the Gillioz Theatre website, ranging between $49.50-$79.50.

Great Southern Bank Broadway Season: "Come From Away"

When: April 12-13

Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway

The production a part of the Great Southern Bank Broadway Season is "Come From Away." The musical is based on the true story of how 38 planes carrying more than 6,500 passengers and crew were forced to land at the Gander International Airport in Newfoundland following the events of 9/11. With a population of 10,000, the sheer amount of additional people proved to be a challenge for the city of Gander. These "visitors" were deemed the "Come From Aways" and remained in the city until Sept. 16, according to the "Come From Away" production website.

Tickets are available on the Missouri State TIX website, starting at $56.

More: Midwest actress reflects on landing first Broadway-touring role, coming to SGF in April

Spring Spark

When: Saturday, April 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Phelps Grove Park at 1371 S. Virginia Ave.

Spark, a loose organization aiming to foster a sense of belonging and community through public gatherings in Springfield, is hosting a family-friendly outing in April. Spring Spark will feature live music from i.V. King and Robot, The Fancy Animal, a yogurt bar and bubble blowing. The event is free and open to the public but RSVPing is encouraged.

Ozark Lyric Opera's "The Black Rider: The Casting of the Magic Bullets"

When: Friday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 21 at 2:30 p.m.

Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central East

Ozark Lyric Opera is presenting two nights of "The Black Rider: The Casting of the Magic Bullets." The opera tells the story of a clerk named Wilhelm who is in love with a huntsman's daughter and must prove his worth as a marksman. Wilhelm is offered magic bullets by the Devil named Pegleg, whom he believes he can control. The opera is based on elements of German folklore and the real life of co-writer William Burroughs.

Tickets are available on the Gillioz Theatre website, starting at $27.

Lit-Fest

When: Saturday, April 20 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Farmers Market of the Ozarks at 2144 E. Republic Road

Farmers Market of the Ozarks' Lit-Fest will feature local authors, with story time at the top of each hour. Open-mic poetry will also be ongoing throughout the day.

David Archuleta at Aetos in Nixa

When: Saturday, April 20 at 7 p.m.

Where: Aetos Center for the Performing Arts at 514 S. Nicholas Road in Nixa

Pop musician David Archuleta, known for singles like "Crush," is performing in Nixa. Tickets are available on the Aetos website. Tickets are $50 for balcony, $65 for floor and $75 for VIP floor access.

Art In Bloom

When: April 24-28

Where: Springfield Art Museum at 1111 E. Brookside Drive

The Springfield Art Museum's final Art In Bloom before next year's renovations begin is in late April. Art In Bloom is one of the museum's signature events, celebrating fine art, flowers and fashion. Floral and fashion designers are invited to create projects based on works throughout the museum. Local vendors Heirloom Seed Library, Fiddly Pig, Sunday Flower Company and Grow for Good 417 will be at the museum throughout the event, too.

This year's free events include the following:

• Fashion Design Public Viewing: Wednesday, April 24 through Friday, April 26 from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 28 from 1-5 p.m.

• Floral Design Public Viewing: Wednesday, April 24 through Friday, April 26 from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 28 from 1-5 p.m.

• Family Art-Making Fun: Wednesday, April 24 through Friday, April 26 from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 28 from 1-5 p.m.

• Family Nature-Making Fun: Wednesday, April 24 from 4-6 p.m.

This year's paid events include the following:

• Paint by Ink Watercolor Workshop (learn how to paint their own watercolor botanical artwork): Wednesday, April 24 from 5-7 p.m. ($50)

• Botanical Print & Flower Pounding Workshop (learn the art of botanical printmaking and flower pounding): Thursday, April 25 from 5-7 p.m. ($50)

• Embroidery Pin/Brooch Workshop (learn how to make a pin or brooch inspired by the floral arrangements in the museum): Friday, April 26 from 4-7 p.m. ($50)

• Floral Design Workshop (learn how to create a floral arrangement inspired by Bradi Barth's "September Night"): Sunday, April 28 from 2-4 p.m. ($50)

Breaking Benjamin at Black Oak Amphitheatre

When: Wednesday, April 24 at 7 p.m.

Where: Black Oak Amphitheatre at 1728 State Highway H in Lampe

Rock band Breaking Benjamin will perform at the Black Oak Amphitheatre in April. Breaking Benjamin is known for singles like "I Will Not Bow," "So Cold" and "Breath." The rock band will be joined by guests Daughtry and Catch Your Breath. Tickets are available on the venue's website, starting at $49.50.

Special Olympics Missouri's Hero Hustle

When: Saturday, April 27 at 7 a.m.

Where: Missouri Sports Hall of Fame at 3861 E. Stan Musial Drive

Special Olympics Missouri's Hero Hustle is a race that serves as a fundraiser for the organization. Registration is available on the Price Cutter website. 5K, 10K and one-mile races are available.

Ozarks Beerfest

When: Saturday, April 27 from 1-4 p.m.

Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 3001 N. Grant Ave.

The annual Ozarks Beerfest is the region's largest beer festival, featuring more than 200 craft brews, along with seltzers, ciders and non-alcoholic beers. Nick, Ruell and Ned the Band will provide live entertainment, in addition to several activities, like a beer walk (similar to a cake walk) and beer stein holding contest. Tickets are available on the Ozarks Beerfest website, starting at $35.

Lebanon Concert Association presents Brandon and James

When: Saturday, April 27 at 7 p.m.

Where: Kenneth E. Cowan Civic Center at  500 E. Elm St. in Lebanon

The Lebanon Concert Association is hosting tenor and "America's Got Talent" contestant Brandon James and cellist and pianist James Clark for its upcoming concert. The two will be joined by "American Idol" contestant Effie Passero, who has performed with Post-Modern Jukebox. Tickets are $25 at the door.

Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretacrossphoto. Story idea? Email her at gcross@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Here are 25+ activities happening around Springfield in April