Photo courtesy Stone Hill FarmHead to a local flower farm, like Stone Hill Farm pictured above, and pick a summery bouquet this week.
Lifestyle
This Week in Springfield, Missouri
Find the best things to do this weekend in Springfield and around southwest Missouri.
by Katie Pollock Estes
Jul 31 2025 at 8 a.m.
417 Magazine just had our monthly all-staff meeting-slash-celebration yesterday. Grooms Office Environments hosted us in their beautiful space, so we decided to play off their name and have a wedding-themed event. It was a hoot! We had staffers dressed up in bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses or decked out in bachelorette party silliness. The event prompted a conversation in the editorial department about wedding flowers and how they are some of the most gorgeous parts of any big event. (The fave among our teammates: hydrangeas and ranunculus! 🤩). Good news for us and other local flower fans: I just saw that Stone Hill Farm in Ozark is getting ready to open up for flower picking starting in August (i.e this weekend!). For $40, you can fill a bucket with fragrant beauties like zinnias, dahlias, cosmos and more. It’s one of several places around the Ozarks where you can pick fresh flowers to brighten up your home, and it’s a welcome late-summer treat. Usually this time of year, things are beginning to dry up outside, and summer’s lush greenery starts to look a little crispy. It’s such a welcome mood-lifter to add bright flowers at their colorful peak to the mix.
Through August 3: Ozark Empire Fair
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
This year, the Ozark Empire Fair turns 88 years old. And there’s plenty of fun planned, from midway games, carnival rides and over-the-top snacks to magic acts, stunt shows and a petting zoo. Grandstand shows include Matthew West with Riley Clemmons on July 27 and State Champs on July 29.
August 1: First Friday Art Walk
Downtown Springfield
See art by local and regional artists as you stroll through downtown Springfield galleries and shops, like Missouri State University’s Brick City Gallery, the Creamery Arts Center, Fresh Gallery, Obelisk Home and lots more.
August 1–2, 7–9, 14–16: Into the Woods
Martha’s Vineyard
Watch High Tide Theatrical perform the classic musical Into the Woods, featuring music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The musical weaves together familiar fairy tale characters.
August 2: Artsy Alley
Park Central Square
Stroll through Park Central Square and see the work of local artisans on display and up for sale. It’s a great way to find a bit of locally made art to zhuzh up your home.
August 2: Brunching Around the World
Vino Cellars
The theme for this multi-course meal is Provence in the Morning. Guests get to taste French-inspired breakfast eats, like savory herb scones with lavender-honey butter and an orange blossom yogurt dish with apricot compote.
August 2: Creed: Summer of '99 Tour
Thunder Ridge Nature Arena
Hear some of the band Creed’s career fan favorites, like “With Arms Wide Open” and “Higher.” There are several seating options, from general admission lawn seats to premium experiences.
August 2: Tart it Up!
Pickwick & Cherry
In this hands-on class, you’ll learn to make a colorful Polish Royal Mazurka tart (that looks like stained glass!), an apple tarte tatin, a lemon-meringue tart and fruit tarts.
August 5: Dallas Jones & Friends
Reynolds Auditorium
Local musician Dallas Jones is joined on stage by his friends and fellow performers for unique events that are part singing, part storytelling and all musical goodness. Plus, they help raise money for one of Springfield’s longest-running arts institutions: Proceeds benefit Springfield Little Theatre and its education programs.
Where’s 417?
We’re always looking for new photos, and you can help! Whether you’re at home or abroad, submit your snaps of where you're reading 417 Magazine and you could see yourself in a future issue.
Want more info?
Need to know more about what's going on in 417-land right now? Check out the calendar for local resources. Visit our Events & Promotions page to stay up to date on the latest 417 events, contests, promotions and more!
I’m Katie Pollock Estes, and I’m 417’s Editorial Director. I’ve been here almost 19 years, spending my workdays hunting for the best things to do and people to know in the Ozarks—and working with writers to share it all with you. Got a tip? Email me your story ideas for Datebook and 417 Magazine!
