Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield’s Top Pet 2026 contest started today at 3:45 a.m.—pet owners may register to raise donations for housing support, child care and family resources.

Participants have until March 15 to sign up, with votes as $1 donations accepted until March 31 and winners announced April 1.

The Missouri House Budget Committee is reviewing a proposal to reallocate state funds among public universities based on enrollment, with Truman State University facing steep cuts while Missouri State and Ozark Technical College in Springfield gain boosts (the committee will meet again Wednesday to refine the plan).

Spring is coming in less than two weeks and lawn care experts warn that idle tools may need extra work to start like cleaning the carburetor — Steve Loftis advises that once equipment sits too long it may need a fuel stabilizer or cleaning to run well.

Local realtor Matt Baker warns that scammers are targeting a home he is selling in Ash Grove by posting fake rental ads on TikTok + advising potential renters to verify property ownership on the assessor's website and be cautious of high application fees, which have cost one renter $240.

Springfield Cardinals general manager Dan Reiter said the team will introduce new food items like grilled brats, walking tacos, and foot-long corn dogs plus upgrades like improved speakers and freshly painted dugout roofs at Hammons Field this season to honor the 2025 Texas League championship. The home opener is on April 7.

Brad Williams: The Tall Tales Tour

7-11 p.m. — Juanita K. Hammons Hall — Tickets from $69 — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian Brad Williams.

Shamrock Shuffle

8 AM – 12 PM — Park Central Square — Registration fees apply — Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the annual sprint through Downtown Springfield.

Missouri USA Wrestling - Sunday

7 a.m. – 8 p.m. — Ozark Empire Fairgrounds — $39 Adult, $28 Child — Experience an action-packed day of wrestling with weekend tickets available.

Springfield Carnival of Ink 2026

12-8 p.m. — Springfield Expo Center — $22.75-$66.00 — Explore the vibrant world of ink and art at this all-ages carnival.

Zach Rushing: The Redneck Logic Tour

7 PM — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of uncensored humor with comedian Zach Rushing as he shares his Southern tales.

Josh Blue Stand-Up Show

7-10:15 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Minimum 2-item purchase required — Experience the comedic genius of Josh Blue, renowned for his improvisational skills and unique humor.

Josh Blue Live Comedy Show

6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Experience Josh Blue's unique humor and engaging performance that breaks down stereotypes.

Todd Barry Live at Springfield Comedy Club

7-11 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Two-item minimum — Enjoy a night of smart, unpretentious humor from the master of deadpan comedy.