Outdoor shows, parades, monster trucks and hot air balloons among things to do in June
Following a year and a half of construction, Missouri State University's Theatre and Dance Department can finally enjoy its first summer season in the new John Goodman Amphitheatre.
While an open house was held at the amphitheater during the university's Homecoming weekend festivities during the fall 2022 semester, the first summer performance under the permanent tent structure premieres late June.
Tent Theatre opens "Anything Goes" on Friday, June 23 at 8 p.m. The show continues June 24 and 26 and July 1. The production follows a group of character aboard the S.S. American, which has set sail from New York to London.
As for the rest of the summer season, Tent Theatre will produce "Ken Ludwig's Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery" on July 7-8 and 10-14 and "The Prom" on July 21-22 and 24-29.
Tickets for Tent Theatre productions are available online at bit.ly/3MU1JFS, by phone at 417-836-7678 or in person at the Missouri State TIX box office located in Great Southern Bank Arena and Craig Hall. The box offices are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tent Theatre is a 60-year-old Missouri State tradition, formerly held under a temporary outdoor tent outside Craig Hall during the summer months. The construction of the John Goodman Amphitheatre cost over $5 million with over half supported by private donations.
In addition to "Anything Goes," the News-Leader compiled a list of summer activities to explore in June, including free movie screening and concerts, fun runs and craft fairs.
More: Tickets now on sale for MSU Tent Theatre season, alumni reunion set for June 24
Free screening of '50 First Dates' at Founders Park
When: Friday, June 2 at dusk
Where: Founders Park at 330 E. Water St.
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is hosting its second Free Movies in the Park screening the first Friday of June. Released in 2004, "50 First Dates" tells the story of Playboy veteran Henry who falls in love with Lucy, who experiences short-term memory loss. In effort to win her over, Henry must "woo" her each morning. Starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, "50 First Dates" runs about an hour and 45 minutes. If it rains, the screening will be canceled.
Rock & Gem Fair
When: June 2-3 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church at 815 E. Farm Road 182
The Ozarks Gem & Mineral Society is hosting its annual Rock & Gem Fair this month. Rocks, gems, minerals, fossils, geodes and jewelry will be on display and for sale. Entry is free.
O'Reilly Auto Parts Outlaw Nationals
When: June 2-3 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 3001 N. Grant Ave.
O'Reilly Auto Parts is hosting its two-day Outlaw Nationals monster truck show the first weekend of June. Before the show, folks can meet the drivers and get autographs and photos in the pit from 6-7 p.m.
Tickets are available on Stubwire at bit.ly/42btm1o. General admission tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children ages 3-11. Reserved seating tickets are $30 in advance and $35 day-of.
Downtown Dog Run & Summer Pet Party
When: Saturday, June 3 at 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Park Central Square in downtown Springfield
Dog lovers rejoice! The Downtown Dog Run & Summer Pet Party is the first weekend of June. Folks may participate in a 5K or the one-mile Mutt Mile through downtown Springfield. Races begin at 8:30 a.m. and awards will be given to the top three participants for male and female categories. Following the races, a pet party will be held at Park Central Square, featuring food and live music. One lucky canine will take home the Best Dressed Pet title, so make sure they come in their best attire.
Registration for the 5K and Mutt Mile is available online at bit.ly/3ODQO4g. Admission to the pet party is free.
SATO48 Recognition and Award Ceremony
When: Saturday, June 3 at 6 p.m.
Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central Square
The annual SATO48 Recognition and Award Ceremony will recognize the best local filmmakers who participated in this year's competition. SATO48 serves as a 48-hour short film competition. Participants are tasked to create a concept, produce and edit a five-minute film in just 48 hours over one weekend including specific elements that are unique each year.
The Recognition and Award Ceremony is a red-carpet event where the winning short films will be screening. Tickets are available for $10 on the Gillioz Theatre website at bit.ly/425QzSS.
Free Wednesday concerts at Founders Park
When: June 7, 14, 21 and 28 at noon
Where: Founders Park at 330 E. Water St.
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is hosting free weekly concerts at Founders Park through the month of June. American country blues band Mike Mac & The Sidemen kicks off the month on June 7, Springfield Little Theater perform June 14, Jazz! perform June 21 and Americana band Bear Brass & Heat Cat5 of the 135th Army Band perform June 28.
Missouri Junker Days
When: June 9-10
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds E* Plex at 3001 N. Grant St.
Missouri Junker Days is a two-day vendor event, and there's a little something for everyone. This year, over 150 booths will be set up, featuring handmade arts and crafts, vintage items, overstock and boutiques. Free goodie bags will be distributed to the first 50 shoppers each day. Missouri Junker Days is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, June 9 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 10. Admission is $5.
Ozarks BBQ Fest
When: June 9-10
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 3001 N. Grant St.
Barbecue fans can't pass up this year's Ozarks BBQ Fest. Barbecue sampling is open from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, June 9 and 1-6 p.m. on Saturday, June 10. On Friday, guests may enjoy live music from The Grasshopper Unit: A Beastie Boys Tribute and Red Light Runner. Saturday's festivities kick off with a Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned BBQ competition. Live music will be provided by Turner Hunter Electric and Bad Mojo.
Tickets are available online on Stubwire at bit.ly/3WAJFDP. General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. Parking is $5 per vehicle.
More: Looking for outdoor music this summer? 29 festivals in Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma
Springfield Little Theatre's 'Beauty and the Beast'
When: June 9-25
Where: The Landers Theatre at 311 E. Walnut St.
Springfield Little Theatre presents Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" this month. Tickets are available on the Springfield Little Theatre website at bit.ly/43p5mJ7. Ticket prices range from $17-37.
Pickwick Street Fair
When: Saturday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Pickwick Avenue near intersection with Cherry Street
The third annual Pickwick Street Fair will feature over 50 local artists, musicians and eateries. The family-friendly event is free.
Ozarks Pridefest
When: Saturday, June 10
Where: Park Central Square
The annual Ozarks Pridefest is a celebration of the local LGBTQIA+ community. "RuPaul's Drag Race" finalist and Springfield native drag queen Crystal Methyd is headlining the event at 4 p.m. on the main stage at Park Central Square.
Pridefest kicks off with the annual parade at 11:45 a.m. The parade will begin at the Springfield Municipal Court parking lot and proceed along North Benton Avenue before turning onto East St. Louis Street and finishing at Park Central Square. Prior to Methyd's performance, attendees may enjoy drag performances from local entertainers, a performance by the Men's Chorus of the Ozarks and family-friendly activities.
Stomp the Blues Out of Homelessness
When: Saturday, June 10 at 1:30 p.m.
Where: 220 W. Plainview Road
The Stomp the Blues Out of Homelessness blues music festival is celebrating its 12th year. This year's headliner is blues vocalist and keyboardist Eliza Neals. She will be joined by Dana Fuchs, Danielle Nicole and Albert Cummings.
Tickets are available on the Stomp the Blues Out of Homelessness website at bit.ly/45vCUHA. Proceeds from the festival benefit Women In Need of the Ozarks, The Rare Breed, Laura's Home, Darr House and Play It Forward SWMO.
The Doobie Brothers
When: Thursday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Great Southern Bank Arena at 685 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway
American rock band The Doobie Brothers are performing at Great Southern Bank Arena this month. Tickets are available online at bit.ly/428iSji. Tickets range from $32-122.
Hot Air Balloon Glow
When: Friday, June 16 from 5-11 p.m.
Where: Finley River Park at 891-961 N. Riverside Road in Ozark
Ozark's 17th annual Hot Air Balloon Glow is a festivity held within the Sertoma Duck Race Festival. From 8-9:30 p.m., the hot-air balloons will be tethered to the ground so attendees can watch as they inflate. The balloons will not be launched, as hot-air balloons do not fly after dark. The Hot Air Balloon Glow is free to watch, but the Sertoma Duck Race Festival does charge $10 for parking.
Juneteenth Parade
When: Saturday, June 17 at 12 p.m.
Where: Jordan Valley Ice Park at 635 E. Trafficway St.
United Community Change, a social justice organization, is hosting its first Juneteenth Parade this year. The parade will start at Jordan Valley Park. Bands, dance groups, businesses and families interested in walking in the parade should complete the United Community Change registration form at bit.ly/3IBEkWX.
Juneteenth is a national holiday celebrating the last day enslaved people learned of the Emancipation Proclamation. It was first recognized as a national holiday in 2021.
Marcus King at Gillioz Theatre
When: Tuesday, June 20 at 8 p.m.
Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central Square
Marcus King is a country, soul and Americana musician from South Carolina. Some of his more popular songs include "Stubborn Pride," "Goodbye Carolina" and "Wildflowers & Wine." Soul and country singer Maggie Rose will open the show. Door opens at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are available on the Gillioz Theatre website at bit.ly/4374N7g.
Roxxxy Andrews at Martha's Vineyard
When: Wednesday, June 21 at 7 p.m.
Where: Martha's Vineyard 219 W. Olive St.
Hard Candy Springfield presents drag queen Roxxxy Andrew at Martha's Vineyard later this month. Andrews was a contestant on season five of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and second two of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars." Doors open at 7 p.m., VIP meet and greet starts at 8 p.m. and the drag show starts at 9 p.m. The event is for adults 18 and up.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite at bit.ly/3MrG71W. General admission tickets are $20 and VIP tickets are $30.
Intro to Natural Dyes: Eco Printing at Finley Farms
When: Sunday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Farmstead Building at Finley Farms at 802 Finley Farms Lane in Ozark
Local artist Ashleigh Hawkins is hosting a hands-on workshop about using native wildflowers to create eco prints on bandanas. Registration is available for $75 per person online at bit.ly/3IGEYCy.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: 18 summer activities to do in, around Springfield this June
