Close out summer with these 20 September events, including the semi-annual Fall Book Sale
Christmas comes early for book lovers in Springfield, as the Springfield-Greene County Library District Friends of the Library gear up for the semi-annual book sale. Thousands of books, ranging from cookbooks and memoirs to young adult novels and comic books, will be available for purchase at the Fall Book Sale.
The Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 13, and runs through Sunday, Sept. 17, at the Ozarks Empire Fairgrounds E*Plex. All items will be half price on Saturday, Sept. 16, and folks who can shove as many books as they can into a bag may leave with spending only $1 or $5, depending on how big of a bag they choose to fill.
The book sale is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. The book sale is free, but only cash is accepted for purchases. An ATM is available inside the E*Plex.
Including the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale, the News-Leader compiled a list of 20 activities throughout the Ozarks in the month of September.
Springfield Contemporary Theatre's 'Big Fish'
When: Sept. 8-10, 14-17 and 21-24
Where: Historic Fox Theatre at 157 Park Central Square
Springfield Contemporary Theatre opens "Big Fish" on Friday, Sept. 8. Evening shows start at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows open at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online at bit.ly/3QZ0QOH. Tickets are $35 for adults, $32 for seniors and students, $30 on opening night and $12 for student rush.
The theatrical production of "Big Fish" is based on the novel by Daniel Wallace and film directed by Tim Burton. The production tells the story of Will Bloom re-telling the larger-than-life accounts of his father Edward Bloom, a traveling salesman.
Hispanic Heritage Month Party
When: Friday, Sept. 8 from 5-9 p.m.
Where: Keller Williams Realty at 1619 E. Independence St.
Keller Williams Realty is hosting its second annual Hispanic Heritage Month Party, which will feature live music, food and drinks, and family-friendly activities. The free event is a celebration of National Hispanic American Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.
Springfield Little Theatre's 'Fiddler on the Roof'
When: Sept. 8-24
Where: The Landers Theater at 311 E. Walnut St.
Springfield Little Theatre is kicking off its 2023-2024 season with "Fiddler on the Roof" this month. The theatrical production follows Tevye, a poor milkman who lives in the village of Anatevka with his five daughters. With the help of the local Jewish community, Tevye works hard to protect his daughters and instill traditional values despite growing anti-Semitism in Russia.
Tickets are available for "Fiddler on the Roof" on the Springfield Little Theatre website at bit.ly/3ORcBEd.
Free screening of 'St. Elmo's Fire' at Moxie Cinema
When: Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m.
Where: Moxie Cinema at 305 S. Campbell Ave. #101
In partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Library District, Moxie Cinema is hosting a free screening of "St. Elmo's Fire." Following the screening, folks are encouraged to stick around to participate in a short discussion.
Released in 1985, "St. Elmo's Fire" tells the story of a group of recent college graduates embarking on a series of misadventures. Directed by Joel Schumacher, "St. Elmo's Fire" stars Ally Sheedy, Andie MacDowell, Andrew McCarthy, Demi Moore, Emilio Estevez, Joyce Van Patten, Judd Nelson, Mare Winningham, Martin Balsam and Rob Lowe.
National Weather Service Open House
When: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: National Weather Service Office at 5805 State Highway EE
Springfield's National Weather Service Office is hosting a free open house for the whole family, which will include tours of the operation facility, an "Ask a Meteorologist" booth and a high-altitude weather balloon demonstration. Food trucks A.M. Donuts & Coffee and DNA's BBQ will be on site.
Missouri Food Truck Festival
When: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 3001 N. Grant Ave.
Springfield foodies aren't going to want to miss the ninth annual Missouri Food Truck Festival. The free, family-friendly event will feature a well-rounded collection of local food trucks and live music.
This year's participating food trucks will include Speedy's Craft Foods, Hershey's Mobile Ice Cream Parlor, London Calling, Infinite Kitchen, Andi's Snack Shack, Beaver Tails, Ghetto Tacos, Fat Tony Pizza Kitchen, Tinga Tacos, Not Cho Ordinary Taco, Suburban Snow, The Lunar Lunchbox, Boss Hog's BBQ, The Crape Shack, Twisted Kitchen Food Truck, Roadzarks Concessions, Doggy Style Hot Dogs, Q66 BBQ, Contorto, Fruity Patootie's, D's Cloud Food Truck, Daisy Duke and The Almighty Sando Shop.
The facility will have limited seating, so folks are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Animals will not be allowed at the festival.
Brew at the Zoo
When: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 5-9 p.m.
Where: Dickerson Park Zoo at 1401 W. Norton Road
Deemed "Springfield's Most Exotic Beer Festival," Brew at the Zoo benefits the Friends of the Zoo organization. Located on the Tropical Asia lawn, the Beer Garden will feature Mother's Brewing Company, Great Escape Beer Works, Wire Road Brewing Company and Show-Me Brewing. Tinga Tacos and Bush Country Cafe food trucks will also be on site. The event is for adults 21 and up only; no children will be allowed.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite at bit.ly/3RfygJd. General admission tickets are $50, which include a tasting mug. VIP tickets are $90, which include a tasting mug, food voucher for the food trucks, giraffe deck and petting zoo food and one-on-one chats with the keepers. VIP ticketholders receive early access from 5-6 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils at Drury University
When: Saturday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m.
Where: O'Reilly Family Event Center at 935 N. Summit Ave.
The Ozark Mountain Daredevils are headlining Drury University's 150th anniversary, alongside The HillBenders, Molly Healey String Project, The Shandies, Justin Larkin, Lyle Strickland and others. Tickets are available online between $20-59 at bit.ly/3sxUtry.
The Daredevils are offering a VIP Experience the day before the concert, Friday, Sept. 15 from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Judy Thompson Executive Conference Center. The event will feature a presentation by Michael Kuelker, author of "The Ozark Mountain Daredevils On Record," and Q&A with musicians John Dillion and Michael "Supe" Granada manager Dwight Glenn. Tickets for the VIP Experience are available online for $75 at bit.ly/3YUTOMT.
More: The Ozark Mountain Daredevils kick off Drury University's 150th anniversary this fall
Missouri's Bearded Queen Pageant
When: Saturday, Sept. 16 from 6-9 p.m.
Where: Martha's Vineyard at 219 W. Olive St.
The second annual Missouri Bearded Queen Pageant will be held at Martha's Vineyard. Current reigning Bearded Queen Natalia Masters will hand over her title at the drag queen pageant that is open to the public. The winner will receive the 2023 title, $500 cash, a crown, sash, jewelry and luggage set.
The pageant will be hosted by Springfield drag queen Vivian Powers and Miss Gay Missouri America Akasha Royale.
Chappell Roan at Gillioz Theatre
When: Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 6-10 p.m.
Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central East
L.A.-based queer, pop musician Chappell Roan is hosting a free album release concert at Gillioz Theatre. Though the concert will be free, all donations collected will benefit The GLO Center. The show will serve as the kick off for the release of Roan's new album, "The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess."
More: Pop musician Chappell Roan is hosting a free concert benefiting The GLO Center next month
Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
When: Thursday, Sept. 21 at 8:45 p.m.
Where: The Old Glass Place at 521 E. St. Louis St.
Candlelight Concerts are coming to Springfield, debuting A Tribute to Taylor Swift performance at The Old Glass Place. Hosted by Fever Up, Candlelight Concerts are gaining national recognition for their multi-sensory musical experience.
The Listeso String Quartet will perform 12 Swift covers throughout a 65-minute performance. Tickets are available online between $31-51 at feverup.com/m/135224.
More: Taylor Swift isn't coming to Springfield, but here are other ways to celebrate her tour
National Hunting & Fishing Day at Wonders of Wildlife
When: Saturday, Sept. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium at 500 W. Sunshine St.
Wonders of Wildlife is celebrating National Hunting & Fishing Day with free family-friendly events in the front lawn, including archery and casting.
Ancient Aliens Live at Gillioz Theatre
When: Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central East
"Ancient Aliens" is coming to Springfield. Show hosts Giorgio Tsoukalos, William Henry, Nick Pope and David Childress will discuss extraterrestrial theories throughout the 90-minute live show. First aired on The History Channel in 2009, "Ancient Aliens" investigates the potential of extraterrestrial life on Earth. Tickets are available online between $45-99 at bit.ly/3QWA6OI.
Navigating the Now with NPR's Yuki Noguchi
When: Thursday, Sept. 28 at 12:30 p.m.
Where: Missouri State University Plaster Student Union at 1110 E. Madison St.
Ozarks Public Broadcasting is hosting NPR's Yuki Noguchi as a part of Missouri State University's Public Affairs Conference. Based in Washington D.C., Noguchi is a correspondent on the news organization's Science Desk.
Springfield Area 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
When: Saturday, Sept. 30 at 8:30 a.m.
Where: Missouri State University Robert W. Plaster Stadium at 1015 Grand St.
The annual Springfield Area 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb will be held at Missouri State University again this year. Firefighters and civilians from all over are welcome to participate in the climb that honors the 343 members of the Fire Department of New York who died on Sept. 11, 2001. Held at Robert W. Plaster Stadium, the climb includes a total of 110 stories, representing the number of floors of the Twin Towers.
Last year's climb raised over $40,000 for the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, according to a news release. All registration fees and donations benefit the organization that benefits families who have lost firefighters in the line of duty.
Springfield CultureFest
When: Saturday, Sept. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: C-Street City Market at 321 E. Commercial St.
Springfield's annual CultureFest is a celebration of the city's rich, diverse population. The free, family-friendly event will feature local musicians, dancers and artisans showcasing their talents.
HERmonious Music Festival
When: Saturday, Sept. 30 at noon
Where: Tie & Timber Beer Co. at 1451 E. Cherry St.
Tie & Timber Beer Co. is hosting its third annual HERmonious Music Festival, celebrating Springfield's female musicians. This year's lineup includes Ozark Mountain Strings from 4-5 p.m., The Shandies from 5:15-6:15 p.m., Decidedly Darling from 6:30-7:45 p.m. and Kristi Merideth performing Amy Winehouse covers from 8-9:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 presale and $15 the day of. All ticket proceeds will benefit Women in Need of the Ozarks, a local organization that helps single, working mothers who are not receiving any form of public assistance.
Springfield Brewing Company's Tour De Brew
When: Saturday, Sept. 30 from noon to 8 p.m.
Where: Downtown Springfield
Springfield Brewing Company is hosting its fourth annual Tour De Brew this fall. Starting at Springfield Brewing Company, the free bike ride starts at Springfield Brewing Company and tours several breweries. Two courses will be offered, a 22.5-mile course and a short downtown course. The longer course will stop by Hold Fast Brewing, 4 By 4 Brewing Company, Great Escape Beer Works, Show Me Brewing, Tie & Timber Brew Co., White River Brewing Company and Mother's Brewing Company. The shorter course will solely stop by the downtown locations.
The course will not be marked, so participants are encouraged to print their own maps or download the route on their phones.
99x: Seaside Dreams
When: Saturday, Sept. 30 from 5:30-11 p.m.
Where: Springfield Art Museum at 1111 E. Brookside Drive
The Springfield Art Museum is gearing up for its seventh annual 99 Times Party fundraiser. Benefiting Friends of the Springfield Art Museum, each year's 99 Times Party has a different theme, in which the art museum is transformed into a magical, interactive world. This year's theme is Seaside Dreams.
Seaside Dreams is inspired by the ethereal work of artist Will Barnet, featured in the art museum's permanent collection. Barnet was popularly known for his watercolor paintings and drawings of humans and animals in dreamlike worlds.
This year's 99 Time Party will kick off with a seated dinner and couture runway fashion show. Folks may then enjoy a cocktail and dance party and interactive experience.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite between $100-250 at bit.ly/3qOLfqk. $100 tickets include access to the cocktail party and interactive experience. $250 tickets include access to the cocktail party, interactive experience, seated dinner and fashion show.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Check out these 20 events happening in Springfield this September
