25+ things to do in April, including Easter egg hunts and spring festivals
Spring has sprung in the Ozarks, with many family-friendly activities moving outdoors for the month of April.
One of the larger events in April, celebrating its second year, is the Earth Day Music and Sustainability Festival on Saturday, April 22. The family-friendly festival is from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Jordan Valley Park. The leave-no-trace festival focuses on local and regional music, along with sustainability advocacy.
Following a successful first year, the festival welcomes the Ozark Mountain Daredevils as this year's headlining act. In addition to the OMD, Alyssa Galvan, Sister Lucille, Mark Barger, Opal Agafia, Dance Monkey Dance!, The Hillbenders and Brandon & Annabelle Moore will provide live entertainment.
General admission tickets are available online for $35 at earthdayspringfieldmo.org/tickets. All tickets benefit this year's three nonprofit beneficiaries: The Ozark Society Foundation, Springfield Compost Collective and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.
In addition the the Earth Day Music and Sustainability Festival, the News-Leader has compiled a list of over 25 activities throughout the month of April, including Easter festivities and local theater productions.
Easter Bunny Meet & Greet at Battlefield Mall
When: April 1-8
Where: Battlefield Mall at 2825 S. Glenstone Ave.
Battlefield Mall is hosting Easter Bunny meet and greets on Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., April 2-6 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and April 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Meet and greet tickets are available in person.
Cherry Blossom Kite and Piñata Festival
When: Saturday, April 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 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 festival includes performances by the Kizuna Japan America Friendship Club, Marimba Caliente, KC Tatsumaki Yosako and others. Authentic Japanese and Mexican snacks, candies, beverages and souvenirs will also be available for sale. Folks attending the festival may also enjoy free entry to the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and the historic Gray-Campbell Farmstead between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Ozarks Beerfest
When: Saturday, April 1 from noon to 4 p.m.
Where: Springfield Expo Center at 635 E. Saint Louis St.
Ozarks Beerfest is one of the region's largest beer festivals, featuring over 200 craft beers. The festival will also include food, games, contests, raffles, cornhole and live music.
Tickets are available online at ozarksbeerfest.com. General admission tickets are $35 in advance or $45 at the door. VIP tickets are $65 each. All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks.
Springfield Contemporary Theatre's 'Hedda Gabler'
When: April 2 and 6-9
Where: Springfield Contemporary Theatre Studio Theatre at 2025 E. Chestnut Expressway Suite D
Springfield Contemporary Theatre is finishing its intimate production of "Hedda Gabler" in early April. "Hedda Gabler," the main character, internally fights between gender norms within the institution of her recent marriage and independence.
Tickets are available online at bit.ly/3TTlUFK. Tickets are $35 for adults and $29 for seniors and students.
Easter Bunny Meet & Greets at Big Cedar Lodge
When: April 5-6, 10-12 from 5-7 p.m.
Where: Big Cedar Fun Mountain at 612 Devil's Pool Road in Ridgedale
The Easter Bunny and Bo Peep will be visiting Big Cedar Lodge's Fun Mountain throughout the month of April. Reservations include a 10-minute experience with the characters, including a professional portrait and snacks.
Reservations can be made online for $25 per child at bit.ly/3K2K11n/.
Puttin' for Poverty Tournament
When: Saturday, April 8 from 9:30-11 a.m.
Where: Fun Acre Mini Golf at 214 W. Glenwood St.
QPS is hosting a mini golf tournament to benefit the OACAC Greene County Center's poverty relief efforts. Round one is from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and round two is 10:30-11:30 a.m. For those looking for an advantage, they may bring non-perishable kids snacks for OACAC's People's Pantry to earn a one point deduction from their total score.
Indoor Easter Egg Hunt
When: Saturday, April 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Discovery Center at 438 E. St. Louis St.
The Discovery Center is hosting an all-day Easter egg hunt for families across its six floors. Eggs will be restocked every hour and may be traded in for prizes.
The Easter egg hunt is included with general admission of the Discovery Center. Admission is $10 for children 3-15 and $15 for adults.
Easter Sunrise Celebration
When: Sunday, April 9 at 6 a.m.
Where: Hammons Field at 955 E. Trafficway St.
The Springfield Sunrise Celebration Team is hosting an interdenominational community service at Hammons Field on Easter Sunday. Gates open at 6 a.m. and the service begins at 6:36 a.m., with the sunrise. The Salvation Army will be serving hot chocolate and coffee. The Easter Sunrise Celebration is a rain or shine event. In case of rain, the event will beheld inside the Hammons Training Center.
Missouri State University's 'In Vain'
When: April 13-15 at 7:30 p.m. and April 16 at 2:30 p.m.
Where: Missouri State's Coger Theatre at 1147 E. Grand St.
Missouri State's theatre and dance department is opening the world premiere of "In Vain" in mid-April. The production was written by Cristina Pippa.
Tickets are available online at bit.ly/3FmU2Ut. Tickets are $24 for adults and $22 for seniors and Missouri State students.
Erik Griffin at Blue Room Comedy Club
When: April 13-15
Where: Blue Room Comedy Club at 420 W. College St.
Erik Griffin is an actor, veteran stand-up comedian, writer and podcaster, popularly known as Montez Walker on Comedy Central's "Workaholics" and a regular character in Showtime's "I'm Dying Up Here." Griffin has also been featured in Netflix's "Murder Mystery" alongside Adam Sandler.
Tickets are available online at bit.ly/42Sjhb8. General admission tickets are $25 and premium tickets are $30.
Springfield Little Theatre's 'Pippin'
When: April 14-30
Where: The Landers Theatre at 311 E. Walnut St.
Springfield Little Theatre opens "Pippin" on Friday, April 14. "Pippin" tells the story of a Frankish prince in search of his purpose in life. Springfield Little Theatre's revival of the production is a circus-inspired version and will include performances by 417 Aerial, a local circus arts studio.
Tickets are available online between $17-37 at springfieldlittletheatre.org/show/pippin/.
The GLO Center's Rainbow Kids One Year Celebration
When: Saturday, April 15 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Where: Andy B's at 1127 E. Battlefield Road
The GLO Center's Rainbow Kids program is celebrating its one year anniversary at Andy B's. Free pizza, cake, bowling and arcade games are available for LGBTQIA+ children ages 5-11 and their family members. Guardians must accompany their children throughout the event. Families should RSVP by April 10. To RSVP, contact Hoogstraet at 573-337-1599 or youthcoordinator@theglocenter.org.
The Rainbow Kids program was established in spring 2022 by youth coordinator Amy Hoogstraet. The program serves LGBTQIA+ youth ages 5-11 through family-friendly events.
More: Parents speak out after Greene County Commission denies ARPA grant funding to GLO Center
Queen City Quest
When: Saturday, April 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Commercial Street and North Springfield
The History Museum on the Square is hosting its third annual Queen City Quest, a scavenger hunt held throughout Commercial Street and North Springfield. Teams of up to four will compete in the across-town challenge using GooseChase, a free mobile app. Prizes will be available for the top scoring teams and the team with the best themed costumes.
Registration is available online for $100 per team at bit.ly/3FPbb9F. Queen City Quest is a fundraising event for the history museum.
Show-Me Gourd Society Art Festival
When: April 15-16
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 3001 N. Grant Ave.
The Show-Me Gourd Society is hosting its annual art festival at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds. The festival includes nationally-recognized gourd artists selling work, gourd supply vendors, workshops, competitions and a fine art raffle.
The festival is open Saturday, April 15 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sunday, April 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5 for both days and children under 12 are free. Parking is free.
Seasonal Herbal Remedies Workshop
When: April 16 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: The Workshop at Finely Farms at 802 Finley Farms Lane in Ozark
Herbalist Lesel McCleary is hosting a seasonal herbal remedies workshop for folks to learn about health-supporting plants in the spring. Participants will learn about spring herbal preparations, actions and applications and will leave with recipes and other resources. Herbal tea will be provided.
Registration is available online for $25 at bit.ly/3nzB3zN.
Drag Brunch at Mother's Brewing Company
When: Sunday, April 16 at 1 p.m.
Where: Barrel House at Mother's Brewing Company at 215 S. Grant Ave.
The Haus of Nebula is hosting its monthly drag brunch at Mother's Brewing Company the third weekend of April. Each attendee will have the choice of one free draught beverage and Bloody Mary or Mimosa.
Tickets are available online for $20 at bit.ly/3ZtPSRT.
More: For decades, Springfield drag queens have been in national spotlight for resilience, passion
Harmony House's Purple Party
When: Tuesday, April 18 at 6 p.m.
Where: Oasis Hotel and Convention Center at 2546 N. Glenstone Ave.
Harmony House is hosting its eighth annual Purple Party this year, a fundraising event for the nonprofit. The party features a performance by Members Only, a gem raffle, a heads or tails competition, a silent auction, a cash bar and the Harmony House Hero competition. Local breweries and coffee shops will compete in the Hero competition, based on the battle of the bands' Battle of the Brews.
Tickets are available online at bit.ly/3Ln1brC. Individual tickets are $50 each.
'Legally Blond The Musical'
When: Tuesday, April 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway
For one night, Springfieldians may enjoy "Legally Blond The Musical," based on the 2001 comedy romance film. The musical follows the story of a young woman, Elle Woods, who overcomes stereotypes, sexism and scandal to reach her dreams.
Tickets are available online at bit.ly/3TQ8cDD. Tickets range between $27-77.
MOORE Overloading & Off-Road Expo
When: April 21-22
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 3001 N. Grant Ave.
The MOORE Overloading & Off-Road Expo is considered one of the Midwest's best adventure travel consumer shows, with international vendors focused on travel gear and equipment, educational workshop and live entertainment.
Tickets are available online at mooreexpo.com/expo/moore-expo-2023/. General admission is $35.
Chris Redd at Blue Room Comedy Club
When: April 21-22
Where: Blue Room Comedy Club at 420 W. College St.
Chris Redd is a stand-up comedian and actor, performing in five season of "Saturday Night Live." In 2018, Redd received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for his "Saturday Night Live" song "Come Back, Barack."
Tickets are available online at bit.ly/3TT2fWo. General admission tickets are $25 and premium tickets are $30.
Pat Jones YMCA Outdoor Sprint Triathlon
When: Saturday, April 22 at 8 a.m.
Where: Pat Jones YMCA at 1901 E. Republic Road
Pat Jones YMCA is hosting its inaugural Outdoor Sprint Triathlon, a short-distance triathlon consisting of a 300-meter indoor swim, 20-kilometer bike ride and 5-kilometer run. This sprint triathlon is half the distance of an Olympic triathlon and less than a quarter of the distance of an Iron Man.
Registration is available online at runsignup.com/Race/MO/Springfield/YMCARACE.
Springfield Symphony Orchestra's 'Fairy Tale Romance'
When: Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra and St. Louis Ballet are collaborating for a one-night performance of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake."
Tickets are available online at bit.ly/3ZlU3it. Tickets range between $35-60.
C-Art
When: Sunday, April 23 from 1-4 p.m.
Where: Commercial Street
Commercial Street businesses are coming together once again to host the second C-Art event, a collection of live music and local art.
More: Commercial Street businesses prepare for new, seasonal 'art stroll' to debut next month
Chelcie Lynn's 2 Fingers and a 12 Pack Tour
When: Thursday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central East
Chelcie Lynn is a YouTuber, actress, stand-up comedian and former Vine content creator. Lynn is taking her tour 2 Fingers and a 12 Pack across the country.
Tickets are available online at bit.ly/3znzbg9.
The GLO Center's Youth Enchanted Fairy Forest Prom
When: Friday, April 28 from 6-9 p.m.
Where: 425 Downtown and Catering at 425 W. Walnut St.
The GLO Center's annual youth prom is open to youth ages 12-18. A DJ, free photographs and appetizers will be available for guests. Tickets are $15, cash only. All proceeds benefit The GLO Center's Youth Group.
Art in Bloom
When: April 28-30
Where: Springfield Art Museum at 1111 E. Brookside Drive
The Springfield Art Museum's annual Art in Boom event feature fine art, flowers and fashion. Floral and fashion designers from throughout the region are invited to present work in the museum.
Floral arranging workshops will be offered Saturday, April 29 from 2-4 p.m. and Sunday, April 30 from 2-4 p.m. Registration is available online at sgfmuseum.org/229/Art-In-Bloom. Free events throughout Art in Bloom include public viewing, a family-friendly art class and a Grow for Good 417 pop-up shop.
More: 100-year-old florist receives Springfield Art Museum's Art In Bloom People's Choice Award
Boy Band Review benefiting "Care to Learn Nixa"
When: Saturday, April 29 at 7 p.m.
Where: Aetos Center for the Performing Arts at 514 S. Nicholas Road, Nixa
Re-live the glory days of 90's boy bands with the music of NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, New Kids on the Block, as well as Jonas Brothers and One Direction with proceeds benefiting Care to Learn Nixa.
For tickets, call (614)-414-6899 or go online to https://www.itickets.com/events/466684.
Tour de Crawdad
When: Saturday, April 29 from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Mother's Brewing Company at 215 S. Grant Ave.
Mother's Brewing Company is hosting its 10th annual Tour de Crawdad this April, benefiting Champions Committed to Kids. Participants may choose between 25-mile, 40-mile and 65-mile routes, followed by an authentic crawdad boil with sides. Live music will be held between 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mother's Brewing Company.
Registration is available online at bit.ly/3TRO6sy through April 28 at 8 a.m.
May Day Baskets Workshop
When: April 30 from 2-4 p.m.
Where: The Workshop at Finley Farms at 802 Finley Farms Lane in Ozark
The Workshop at Finley Farms is hosting a workshop to craft May Day baskets using gathering flowers, trinkets and other small presents. May Day baskets are to be hung on the doors of family, friends and neighbors.
Registration is available online for $55 at bit.ly/3U1iIrF.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: 25 things to do in April, including festivals, theater productions
