40+ things to do in February, including craft workshops, musicals and the circus
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
It may be the shortest month, but Springfield is not short of things to do this February, with craft workshops, Broadway musical productions and stand-up comedy shows rounding out the calendar.
Several location productions open in February, including Springfield Little Theatre's "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" and Springfield Contemporary Theatre's "The Color Purple." For foodies interested in full-day experiences, the Sertoma Chili Cook-Off and Beer Wine Cheese and Chocolate Festival are returning this year. And when it comes to the whole family, the Carden International Circus will be in town for the first half of the month.
The News-Leader compiled a list of more than 40 things to do in Springfield throughout the month, including both free and paid experiences.
Galentine's Plant pARTy
When: Thursday, Feb. 2 from 6-7 p.m.
Where: Mama Jean's Natural Market at 228 W. Sunshine St.
Mama Jean's Natural Market is partnering with Grow for Good 417 to host a plant party. Each guest will choose a heart-shaped planter and three plants to take home. Free wine sampling will also be available.
Tickets are available for $40 online at bit.ly/3HycPfZ. A portion of the event's sales will be donated to Eden Village.
Springfield Little Theatre's 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'
When: Feb. 2-12
Where: The Landers Theatre at 311 E. Walnut St.
Springfield Little Theatre is putting on the 1968 musical "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" through mid-February. The production follows Caractacus Potts, an eccentric inventor, who, while restoring an old race car, discovers it has magic powers. Trouble ensues when the production's antagonist Baron Bomburst wants the flying car for himself. "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" is rated G, suitable for all ages.
Tickets are available online at sforce.co/3kLXPDi.
Carden International Circus
When: Feb. 2-12
Where: Abou Ben Adhem Shrine Mosque at 601 E. St. Louis St.
The Carden International Circus is hosting 18 shows in Springfield throughout the month of February. The show will feature aerialists, elephants, camels, horses, llamas and other animals.
Adult tickets are $12.50 each and each adult ticket comes with one free children's ticket. The first 100 guests who purchase a ticket online will receive an adult ticket for a reduced price of $9.99. Tickets are available online at tickets.spectacularcircus.com/affiliate/website.
Brendan Schaub at Blue Room Comedy Club
When: Feb. 3-4
Where: Blue Room Comedy Club at 420 W. College St.
Brendan Schaub, also known as Thiccc Boy, is a stand-up comedian, podcast host and television personality. He hosts podcasts, "Food Truck Diaries," "Calabasas Fight Competition," "The Schaub Show" and "The Fighter and the Kid." Schaub has also been featured on Comedy Central's "100 Best Roasts," MTV's "MTV’s Ridiculousness with Rob Dyredek" and "Hotboxin' With Mike Tyson."
Tickets are available online at bit.ly/3JkytGI. General tickets are $30 and premium tickets are $50.
Frosty Fun
When: Saturday, Feb. 4 from 10-11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Northview Center at 301 E. Talmage St.
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is hosting a winter-themed STEM party, including dry art ice and other demonstrations with Professor Powers of Professor Powers Science Symposium.
Register online for $5 per child at bit.ly/3HtIG12.
Frozen Painting Party
When: Saturday Feb. 4 from 10-11 a.m. and 11 a.m. to noon
Where: Artistree Pottery at 1423 E. Cherry St. Suite 103
Artistree Pottery is hosting a Frozen Painting Party with Elsa and Olaf of Princesses of the 417. The party will include pottery paintings, treats and photos of Elsa and Olaf.
Call Artistree Pottery at 417-368-0004 to register. Painter admission is $20, which includes one piece of pottery to paint. Non-painter admission is $8.
Hike and Beer Tasting at Lake Springfield
When: Saturday, Feb. 4 from 5-7 p.m.
Where: Lake Springfield Boathouse at 2312 Lake Springfield Park Road
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is hosting a hike and beer tasting event at Lake Springfield. The 30-minute hike will conclude at the boathouse where local dark beers and sweet treats will be available.
Call the Lake Springfield Boathouse at 417-891-1550 to register. Admission is $30 per person.
Knotty Valentine Macramé Wall Hanging workshop
When: Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Mother's Brewing Company
Mother's Brewing Company is hosting a macramé wall hanging workshop, which includes all the necessary supplies, in-person instruction and one Mother's beverage.
Tickets are available for $40 online at bit.ly/3wGUuIs.
Galentines Craft Night
When: Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Springfield Botanical Center at 2400 S. Scenic Ave.
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is hosting a craft night for the ladies. Each participant will create a lettered wall hanging and receive one drink voucher. Charcuterie boards, wine and beer will be available. The event is for adults 21 and up.
Register online for $40 at bit.ly/3YdjAui.
Valentine Riso Workshop
When: Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Culture Flock at 3938 S. Lone Pine Ave. Suite 102
Only six spots are available for Culture Flock's Valentine Riso Workshop. Each guest will make and print 20 identical cards with envelopes using a risograph. Described as a cross between "old-school office copier" and screen printing machine, a risograph is often used for high-volume photocopying and printing.
Tickets are available for $35 online at bit.ly/3Hf2y85.
Ashley Gavin at Blue Room Comedy Club
When: Wednesday, Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Where: Blue Room Comedy Club at 420 W. College St.
Ashley Gavin is a New York-based stand-up comedian. She has been featured on the YouTube channel "Netflix is a joke," Hulu and Comedy Central. She is popularly known for her podcast, "We're Having Gay Sex." Gavin was the first openly gay comedian to ever perform for Carnival Cruise Line.
Tickets are available online at bit.ly/3HzthO6. General tickets are $25 and premium tickets are $45.
Jackie Fabulous at Blue Room Comedy Club
When: Feb. 9-11
Where: Blue Room Comedy Club at 420 W. College St.
Jackie Fabulous is a stand-up comedian, writer, actress, producer and motivational speaker. She is popularly known for being a semi-finalist on the 2019 season of "America's Got Talent." Over the years, her comedy has been featured on "The Arsenio Hall Show," "Gotham Comedy Live," "Last Comic Standing" and Kevin Hart's LOL Network.
Tickets are available online at bit.ly/3jbr1Do. General tickets are $25 and premium tickets are $30.
Galentine's Coffee Plant pARTy
When: Thursday, Feb. 9 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Artistree Pottery at 1423 E. Cherry St. Suite 103
Artistree Pottery is hosting its second annual coffee plant party this year. Each guest will receive a coffee mug to paint, which can be used as a planter.
To register, call Artistree Pottery at 417-368-0004 or complete an online sign-up form at bit.ly/3j4RrGV. Admission is $35. A portion of the event's sales will be donated to Eden Village.
Hand drum making class
When: Friday, Feb. 10 at 5 p.m.
Where: Drew Lewis Foundation at The Fairbanks at 1126 N. Broadway Ave.
At the Drew Lewis Foundation, the American Indian Center of Springfield is hosting a hand drum making class. Participants will learn how to make a drum and be able to take it home.
To register, email springfieldindiancenter1@gmail.com. Registration is $30.
Couple Valentine's Charcuterie and Cocktail Class
When: Friday, Feb 10 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Where: Edible Art at 3167 W. Republic Road
Edible Art and 417 Cocktails are partnering to offer a hands-on charcuterie and cocktail class in preparation for Valentine's Day.
Tickets are available for $99 online at bit.ly/3WNweyL.
Springfield Contemporary Theatre's 'The Color Purple'
When: Feb. 10-12, 16-19 and 23-26 (evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.)
Where: The Historic Fox Theatre at 157 Park Central Square
Springfield Cotemporary Theatre and the Mosaic Arts Collective are co-presenting "The Color Purple," based on Alice Walker's novel. The story follows Celie, a teenager who is torn from her sister and forced into an abusive marriage. Over 40 years, Celie faces despair and repression but she also discovers a group of friends who inspire her to find her voice. "The Color Purple" has been nominated for 11 Tony Awards.
Tickets are available online at bit.ly/3Jw5hwR. Admission is $35 for adults, $32 for seniors and students, $30 on opening night and $12 for children ages 12 and under.
Indoor Triathlon
When: Saturday, Feb. 11 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Chesterfield Family Center at 2511 W. Republic Road
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is hosting its fifth annual indoor triathlon. The one-hour triathlon includes a 10-minute swim, 30-minute spin bike ride and 20-minute treadmill run.
The competition is based on total distance traveled. Competitors will be placed in heats with staggering start times throughout the day. Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female competitors in the evening. All participants will receive a t-shirt.
Register online at bit.ly/3HqD33V. Registration is $40 for park members and $50 for non-members.
Beer Wine Cheese and Chocolate Festival
When: Saturday, Feb. 11
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds and Event Center at 3001 N. Grant Ave.
The Beer Wine Cheese and Chocolate Festival is celebrating its tenth year. Guests may enjoy live music, educational seminars and live cooking demonstration from local chefs.
Tickets are available online for $30 at bit.ly/3JlRzMF.
Moonlight Masquerade Adult Prom
When: Saturday, Feb. 11 from 7-10 p.m.
Where: The Barley House at Moon Town Crossing at 3060 N. Kentwood Ave.
The Barley House is hosting its second annual adult prom and masquerade ball for adults over 21. Between 7-8 p.m., beer, wine and appetizers will be provided. Local '90s cover band The Mixtapes will provide entertainment.
Tickets are available online for $50 at bit.ly/3XLuBTC.
Missouri Comic Con
When: Feb. 11-12
Where: Springfield Expo Center at 635 E. St. Louis St.
Missouri Comic Con is a two-day, weekend event featuring vendors, artists and fan groups. This year's guest line-up includes Doug Jones, Johnny Yong Bosch, Lou Ferrigno, Corey Taylor, Mick Foley, Jim Cummings, Karan Ashley, Judith Hoag and others.
Tickets are available online at bit.ly/3Rkiv1e. General admission is $25 per day and weekend general admission is $40.
D&D at Mother's Brewing Company
When: Sunday, Feb. 12 from 4-8 p.m.
Where: Mother's Brewing Company at 215 S. Grant Ave.
Mother's Brewing Company, Meta Games and VisionCon are hosting monthly Dungeons and Dragons game nights. Folks are invited to join small groups or bring a party of up to five people. Each table will be participating in the same adventure. Players are allowed and encouraged to bring pre-made characters.
Tickets are available for $10 online at bit.ly/3wEqsF0. Each ticket comes with one beer, cider, seltzer or non-alcoholic drink and two player re-rolls. This event is for 18 and up but children are welcome to spectate with a guardian.
Love in the Wild
When: Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 6-10 p.m.
Where: Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium at 500 W. Sunshine St.
Wonders of Wildlife is hosting an after-hours Valentine's Day celebration, including cocktails, a guide tour and three-course dinner at Nature's Best.
Registration must be completed online at bit.ly/3kUbQyX. Registration includes two drink vouchers, three-course dinner for two, digital photos and an admission ticket of choice to Wonders of Wildlife, Dogwood Canyon or Top of the Rock. Registration is $225 and closed Feb. 12 at midnight.
Valentine's Date Night Creating
When: Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: Creative Escape Glass at 1700 S. Campbell Ave.
At Creative Escape Glass' Valentine's date night, couples may create a large plate or tray project together or two smaller separate projects. No glass experience is required.
To register, call or text 417-693-4991 or email info@creativeescapeglass.com. Registration is $125 per couple.
Valentine Dinner & Dance at Pythian Castle
When: Tuesday, Feb. 14 from 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Pythian Castle at 1451 E. Pythian St.
Annually, Pythian Castle hosts a Valentine's Day dinner followed by slow dancing lessons.
Register online for $47.65 per person at pythiancastle.com/ or at the door for $49.73 per person.
Couples Craft Night
When: Wednesday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m.
Where: Springfield Botanical Center at 2400 S. Scenic Ave.
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is hosting a craft night for couples. Participants may create a painting together and enjoy charcuterie boards, beer and wine. Each participant receives one drink voucher.
Register by Feb. 8 online for $80 per couple at bit.ly/3wMApAt.
Rob Leines at Mother's Brewing Company
When: Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m.
Where: Mother's Brewing Company at 215 S. Grant Ave.
Rob Leines is a southern rock artist with an "outlaw country attitude." Previously, he toured twice with singer-songwriter Dwight Yoakam.
Tickets are available for $8 online at bit.ly/3Y7nm8f.
Owl Prowl: Nature Walk and Hot Chocolate Bar
When: Friday, Feb. 17 from 5:30-7 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m.
Where: Lake Springfield Boathouse at 2312 Lake Springfield Park Road
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is hosting a staff-guided hike for children interested in listening to owls in the wild, followed by a hot chocolate bar inside the boathouse. Dickerson Park Zoo will be on-site with owls for children to see up close.
Register online for $5 at bit.ly/3Dz6gZj or call the Lake Springfield Boathouse at 417-891-1550.
Exile at Gillioz Theatre
When: Friday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central East
Exile is an American band known for its hit single "Kiss You All Over," released in 1978. Throughout the '80s and '90s, the band re-launched as a country act and in 2008 the band's five original members re-formed after a short hiatus.
Tickets are available between $27.50-37.50 online at bit.ly/3jh0g0g.
D. L. Hughley at Blue Room Comedy Club
When: Feb. 17-19
Where: Blue Room Comedy Club at 420 W. College St.
D.L. Hughley is an actor and stand-up comedian, best known as the original host of BET's "ComicView" and his roles in "The Hughleys," "The DL Hughley Show" and "The Original Kings of Comedy." Today, he can be heard on his afternoon radio show, "The D.L. Hughley Show," syndicated in over 60 cities nationwide.
Tickets are available online at bit.ly/3wGfbEw. General tickets are $40 and premium tickets are $50.
KY3 Women's Show
When: Saturday, Feb. 18 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 3001 N. Grant Ave.
Convoy of Hope's Convoy:Women and KY3 are presenting their second annual Women's Show. The show will feature local businesses, makeup, hair and cooking demonstrations, a mimosa bar and sweet treats, a fashion show and stage performances.
Admission is $5 at the door and parking is free.
Sertoma Chili Cook-Off
When: Saturday, Feb. 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Springfield Expo Center at 635 E. St. Louis St.
The Springfield Area Sertoma Clubs are hosting their 41st annual Chili Cook-Off in February, benefiting Boys & Girls Club of Springfield. The cook-off will feature dozens of local businesses, serving a wide variety of chili recipes. Hunter Hathcoat, Chuck Briseno, Red Light Runner, Damsel and Members Only will provide live music.
Tickets are available online at bit.ly/3JrnBH7. General admission is $20 and VIP admission is 50. VIP admission include stage-side band viewing, discounted drinks and access to VIP, crowd-free areas.
Trae Crowder at Blue Room Comedy Club
When: Feb. 18-19
Where: Blue Room Comedy Club at 420 W. College St.
Trae Crowder is popularly known for his comedic porch rant YouTube videos, "Liberal Redneck." Since the start of his YouTube career, Crowder released his book "The Liberal Redneck Manifesto: Draggin Dixie Outta The Dark," toured a sold-out comedy show and appeared on several television shows, including HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher" and ABC's "Nightline."
Tickets are available online at bit.ly/3Jqw5hP. General tickets are $25 and premium tickets are $30.
'Hamilton' at Juanita K. Hammons
When: Feb. 22-March 5
Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway
The Broadway musical of "Hamilton" is coming to Missouri State University's campus. The production tells the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton with a modern twist. The musical has won a Tony Grammy, Oliver Awards, Pulitzer Price for Drama and a special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.
Tickets are available online between $39-179 at bit.ly/3wIg7rG.
Ashley McBryde at Gillioz Theatre
When: Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m.
Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central East
Ashley McBryde is a country music singer-songwriter, known for her hit "Never Wanted To Be That Girl." She was born in Arkansas and later moved to Nashville to pursue her music career.
Tickets are available between $35-79 online at bit.ly/3jeSKTA.
Winter Twilight Hike
When: Friday, Feb. 24 between 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Lake Springfield Boathouse at 2312 Lake Springfield Park Road
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is hosting a staff-guided hike at Lake Springfield. Hot chocolate and treats will be available afterward at the boathouse.
Register online for $5 at bit.ly/3jnZrmo.
Jurassic Quest
When: Feb. 24-26
Where: Springfield Expo Center at 635 E. St Louis St.
Jurassic Quest is a touring dinosaur experience, coming to Springfield in late-February. The weekend-long event features life-size animatronics, including a 50-foot tall Megalodon. Children may ride some of the animatronic dinosaurs, explore dinosaur-themed bounce houses, create a dinosaur craft or dig for fossils.
Tickets are available online at bit.ly/3kOjTgB. Standard admission for both children and adults is $22 per day. Unlimited admission for children is $36 per day, which includes unlimited access to dinosaur rides, Jurassic Jeeps, fossil digging, and all dinosaur inflatable attractions.
Lawn & Garden Show
When: Feb. 24-26
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 3001 N. Grant Ave.
The Lawn & Garden Show is celebrating its 33rd year. The show will feature over 100 exhibitors, offering products and services like trees, seeds, landscape design, installation services, mowers, tree and lawn care services, pools and spas, foundations, patio furniture, yard accessories and more. This year's guest speaker is Carol Reese, a horticulture specialist at the University of Tennessee.
Admission is $5 at the door and parking is free.
Running from the Yeti
When: Saturday, Feb. 25 at 8:20 a.m.
Where: Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park at 3825 W. Farm Road 146
Heartland Racing Co. is hosting Running from the Yeti, which offers 5K, 10K, half marathon and full marathon races.
Registration is available online at bit.ly/3HRE7iN. Registration is $45 for the 5K, $55 for the 10K, $70 for the half marathon and $85 for the full marathon.
Clothing Swap at The GLO Center
When: Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: The GLO Center at 518 E. Commercial St.
The GLO Center's Young Adult Group is hosting a gender-inclusive clothing swap. Donations are not required to enjoy games and snacks throughout the day.
The GLO Center is in need of accessories, masculine clothing and shoes and plus-sized clothing.
Rainbow Kids Art Museum Outing
When: Saturday, Feb. 25 from 3-5 p.m.
Where: Springfield Art Museum at 111 E. Brookside Drive
The GLO Center's Rainbow Kids program for February is at the Springfield Art Museum. LGBTQIA+ children ages 5-11, and their friends of the same age, are invited to take a tour of the museum, enjoy a treat and complete a craft. Each child must be accompanied by an adult throughout the entire event.
To RSVP, contact Youth Coordinator Amy Hoogstraet at youthcoordinator@glocenter.org by Feb. 21.
Kayaking Skills at Chesterfield Pool
When: Saturday, Feb. 25 from 5-7 p.m.
Where: Chesterfield Family Center at 2511 W. Republic Road
It may be chilly outside, but the Chesterfield Family Center is giving folks the opportunity to brush up on their kayaking before summer. Folks may practice paddle skills, entering and exiting the boat and using a throw rope. Kayaks are provided.
Register online at bit.ly/3HmMH7D or call Outdoor Initiatives at 417-833-8647. Registration is $25 for park members and $35 for non-members.
Daddy Daughter Dance
When: Saturday, Feb. 25 between 6-9 p.m.
Where: Doling Family Center at 301 E. Talmage St.
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is hosting a fairy tale-themed Daddy Daughter Dance in the Northview Center Ballroom at the Doling Family Center. Girls are invited to bring their dads, stepdad, grandpas, uncles or other special guys.
Register online for $40 per couple at bit.ly/3WUWU0K or call the Doling Family Center at 417-837-5900. Additional girls are $15 each.
Show Me Reptile & Exotics Show
When: Feb. 25-26 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Corwin Arena at Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 3001 N. Grant Ave.
The Show Me Reptile & Exotics Show is a touring act featuring reptiles, amphibians and other mammals. Attendees will have the opportunity to view and touch live animals.
Tickets are available for $7 online at bit.ly/3kSo1we.
If you can't make it out, don't worry. The Show Me Reptile Show will be back in Springfield on June 3, Sept. 23 and Nov. 11.
Haus of Nebula Drag Brunch
When: Sunday, Feb 26 at 1 p.m.
Where: Mother's Brewing Company at 215 S. Grant Ave.
Springfield drag queen house, Haus of Nebula, is hosting its monthly drag brunch at the end of each month.
Tickets are available for $20 online at bit.ly/3wGPcwp. Tickets include one Mother's draft beverage and Bloody Mary or mimosa.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: February things to do, including Valentine's Day events
