Whether you're interested in seeing a musical performance, celebrating the start of fall or learning about leadership, there's a lot going on in the Ozarks this September. Here are 22 events to keep you busy this month.
Watch High Tide Theatrical's production of 'Ride the Cyclone'
When: Through Sept. 12
Where: Lightroom Lounge at Martha's Vineyard, 215 W. Olive St., Springfield
High Tide Theatrical presents a cult-favorite musical about a high school choir that dies in a freak roller-coaster accident and end up in a carnival-like limbo. There, a fortune-telling machine offers one of them the chance to return to life. For more information or tickets, visit HighTideSGF.org/shows-2026.
Hear The Wallflowers perform their classic album 'Bringing Down the Horse'
When: Sept. 1
Where: The Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, Springfield
The Wallflowers, a rock band headed by artist Bob
Dylan's son Jakob Dylan, will perform their critically acclaimed second album at The Gillioz in honor of its 30th anniversary. Known for songs like "One Headlight," 1996's "Bringing Down the Horse" album was certified quadruple platinum. For more information or tickets, visit GilliozTheatre.com
Remember Dolly Parton with a matinee of 'Steel Magnolias'
When: Sept. 2
Where: The Gillioz Theatre, 325 Park Central East, Springfield
The Gillioz Theatre is showing a matinee of "Steel Magnolias," a movie about a group of women in a small, close-knit southern community and how they deal with tragedy and joy in their lives. It was the fourth movie in which country artist Dolly Parton starred. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit GilliozTheatre.com.
Watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and more at Branson Wings of Pride
When: Sept. 5-7
Where: Branson Airport, 4000 Branson Blvd., Hollister
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, guests can watch precision aerobatics, parachute demonstrations and unique specialty acts at the Branson Wings of Pride Air Show this year. In addition to the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the U.S. Air Force C-17 Demonstration Team and two A-10 Thunderbolts from Whiteman Air Force Base will also be present. For more information, visit BransonWingsofPride.com. The Wings of Pride Air Show encourages people to purchase tickets and parking passes in advance.
Hear your favorite Grateful Dead tunes at Live From Downtown
When: Sept. 5
Where: Park Central Square, Springfield
Mr Charlie: The Music of the Grateful Dead will perform at this free, family-friendly concert that starts at 7 p.m. Guests should bring their own chairs if needed "or plan to dance," according to the Facebook event.
Take in the Springfield Little Theatre's production of epic musical 'Les Miserables'
When: Sept. 11-27
Where: Springfield Little Theatre, 311 E. Walnut St., Springfield
Springfield Little Theater is opening its 92nd season with "one of the most powerful musicals ever written," "Les Miserables." The musical, adapted from the Victor Hugo novel of the same name, follows the story of former convict Jean Valjean as he seeks a new life amidst hardship and revolution while being pursued by his past, and examines ideas about mercy, justice and redemption. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit SpringfieldLittleTheatre.org/show/les-miserables.
Japanese Fall Festival at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park
When: Sept. 11-13
Where: Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield
The Japanese Fall Festival hosted by the Springfield Sister Cities Association and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board is celebrating its 30th year. In addition to food and retail, the festival will also include a traditional dance team, calligraphers and taiko drummers, as well as cultural experiences and tea ceremonies. The festival will run from 5 to 10 p.m. Sept. 11, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 12 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 13. For more information and admission prices, visit PeaceThroughPeople.org/JFF.
Grieve the loss or celebrate the life of a pet with a memorial service
When: Sept. 12
Where: Kachel Fountain at Nathanael Greene Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield
Join other pet owners as they remember pets who have passed during the 2026 Springfield Pet Loss Memorial Service, which runs from 8:30 to 9 a.m. Everyone grieving the loss of a pet — whether recent or a year ago — is welcome to attend.
Sample local bites at the 12th Annual Missouri Food Truck Fest
When: Sept. 12
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, 3001 N. Grant St., Springfield
The Annual Missouri Food Truck Festival and Competition will feature live entertainment, food trucks with food from burgers to tacos, and vendors. Admission is free, and food and drink is available for purchase.
Check out patriotic flowers at 'Honor In Bloom' show
When: Sept. 12
Where: The Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield
Brentwood Garden Club and Hillbilly Garden Club will be putting on a flower show that is open to the public from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Library Center. The show's theme is patriotic in honor of America's semiquincentennial and includes floral designs as well as horticultural specimens. The event is free to the public.
The Hips with Roxie and the Moon King to perform at Live From Downtown
When: Sept. 12
Where: Park Central Square, Springfield
This free, family-friendly concert starts at 7 p.m. Guests should bring their own chairs if needed "or plan to dance," according to the Facebook event.
Participate in the NAMI Neon Night Run/Walk
When: Sept. 12
Where: Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, 3825 W. Farm Road 146, Springfield
Whether you want to do a 5K or a mile, participants will light up the night with the National Alliance on Mental Illness's annual event for suicide prevention. All proceeds from the event will benefit NAMI Southwest Missouri. For more information or to sign up, visit RunSignUp.com/Race/MO/Springfield/NAMINEONNightKRunWalk.
Rock out with Guns N' Roses at Thunder Ridge Arena
When: Sept. 12
Where: Thunder Ridge Nature Arena, 190 State Highway 86, Ridgedale
As part of its 2026 world tour, rock band Guns N' Roses is performing at Thunder Ridge Nature Arena. According to a press release, shows include performances of fan favorites as well as "gems from their back catalogue." Tickets are on sale now. For tickets or more information, visit ThunderRidgeNatureArena.com.
See Black Flag at the Regency Live
When: Sept. 15
Where: The Regency Live, 307 Park Central East, Springfield
Enjoy a night of music from Black Flag, one of the first hardcore punk bands, at the Regency Live starting at 8 p.m. The band is touring with a new lineup that includes founding guitarist Greg Ginn. For more information, visit TheRegencyLive.com/events.
Experience a different version of the Cinderella story at the Gillioz Theatre
When: Sept. 18, 20
Where: The Gillioz Theatre
No fairy godmother here! Ozarks Lyric Opera is performing Italian composer Gioachino Rossini's "Cinderella" ("La Cenerentola"), which tells the classic fairy tale with a few key changes. The opera will be performed in Italian with English supertitles. For more information, visit OzarksLyricOpera.com/cinderella.
Usher in fall with Marshfield Harvest Days
When: Sept. 18-19
Where: 101 S. Crittenden St., Marshfield
Guests can enjoy craft vendors, food trucks, a fall baking contest and a "Punkin' Chuckin' Contest" at Marshfield Harvest Days.
Return to Cider Days on Walnut Street
When: Sept. 19-20
Where: Walnut Street, Springfield
Cider Days returns to Walnut Street 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The street festival includes artists, crafters, live music, performances, food and apple cider. Admission is $5 and children 5 and younger are free.
The Lonesome Express with Hot Club of the Ozarks to perform at Live From Downtown
When: Sept. 19
Where: Park Central Square, Springfield
This free, family-friendly concert starts at 7 p.m. Guests should bring their own chairs if needed "or plan to dance," according to the Facebook event.
Experience life as an Ozarks pioneer at the Gray/Campbell farmstead
When: Sept. 19
Where: Gray/Campbell Farmstead at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave, Springfield
Curious about what life was like in the 1860s? Take a trip back in time during the 1860s Lifestyle Expo. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., guests can listen to music, see cooking and crafting demonstrations, play games and tour historic buildings. The event is free.
Practice hands-on discovery, creative thinking with Building Leadership Excellence: A Lego Serious Play-based workshop
When: Sept. 23
Where: The eFactory, 405 N. Jefferson Ave., Springfield
Looking for a different approach to leadership? The "Building Leadership Excellence" event that uses Lego Serious Play goes beyond traditional training methods with highly interactive approaches incorporating the iconic plastic building blocks. For more information or to register, go to efactory.MissouriState.edu/events/building-leadership-excellence-a-lego-serious-play-based-workshop. Cost is $249 per attendee.
Support the community with Rockin' Rogersville
When: Sept. 26
Where: 9404 E. State Highway 60, Rogersville
The Community Foundation of Rogersville is hosting its annual Rockin' Rogersville event starting at 2:30 p.m. The day will feature food trucks, a kids zone, live music, local artisans and crafters, and fireworks. Admission is $10 for people 8 years of age and older — kids 8 and younger get in free with a paying adult.
The New Waves to perform at Live From Downtown
When: Sept. 26
Where: Park Central Square, Springfield
This free, family-friendly concert starts at 7 p.m. Guests should bring their own chairs if needed "or plan to dance," according to the Facebook event.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Here are 22 Ozarks events to fill your calendar this September
