Good morning, Springfield.

Primrose Park will open on May 1 at CoxHealth South campus at 851 E.

Primrose St. and transform the unused parking lot into a pop-up community space with green areas, shaded seating, pickleball, cornhole, and live music until May 20 — CoxHealth will host a community-wide pop-up party on May 9 from 6-8 p.m.

Sunny Garrison, a Springfield man with a long criminal history, was charged with arson after setting a building on fire at a closed car dealership on East Kearney Street — investigators are examining his possible link to a second fire at the same location.

A 2.1-mile family-friendly hike leads to Magnolia Falls, a hidden grotto with a 26-foot waterfall in the Upper Buffalo Wilderness near Mossville.

Local residents can drive in about 2 hours via AR 43 and AR 21 to park along a gravel road — the trail is marked by a brown Wilderness Access sign.

The City of Springfield introduced the 'Help Without the Hazard' initiative Monday to lower accidents by safely connecting pedestrians with needed help— the program is a joint effort with the police and local service providers.

Local residents are urged to support community groups that offer food, shelter and job assistance.

A section of Campbell Avenue between Water Street and Mill Street in downtown Springfield will close for six months starting Monday for the Renew Jordan Creek project — which aims to restore a buried creek to reduce flooding — and detours will direct northbound traffic along College Street, Grant Avenue, and Chestnut Expressway.

Springfield City Council on April 21 sent back plans for Hidden Gem Estates at 6116 S.

Farm Road 175 to the Planning and Zoning Commission after family members of Doran Cemetery raised concerns about losing easy access, and Tag Property Development LLC must now work with the family to adjust the project — the commission will review any changes before the proposal returns to council.

Local garden centers like Schaffitzel’s Flowers and Greenhouses and Carson’s Nurseries are busy as warm weather inspires Springfield residents to pick plants and seeds to enhance their yards.

The nursery staff help shoppers plan garden layouts (for example, choosing between sun and shade) and offer advice on growing vegetables (such as tomatoes and peppers).

A panel including Jackie Stiles, Tom Ladd, Rance Burger and Ryan Collingwood will choose a top male and female Citizen Athlete for the 2024—2025 school year—each athlete will receive a $1,000 scholarship courtesy of TelComm Credit Union at the June 10 banquet at Twin Oaks Country Club. The winners will be informed in May.

Brown Bag Concert Series: Missouri State Opera Theatre

12-1 p.m. — John Goodman Amphitheatre — Free entry — Experience the award-winning Missouri State Opera Theatre in a captivating performance showcasing student talent.

Taco de SOMO 2025

6-9 p.m. — Farmers Park Apartments — Free entry — Enjoy a taco festival where local chefs compete for the title of Taco Champion while supporting a great cause.

Jeremy Camp Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — $25 to $149.75 — Experience the uplifting music of Jeremy Camp with a night of inspirational songs and stories.

Payton Smith Live Concert

7 PM - 1 AM — Midnight Rodeo — Ticket info available — Experience the rising star Payton Smith and his captivating blend of country music.

Acres Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — The Regency Live — Ticket prices not listed — Experience the passionate live performance of Acres that resonates with the audience from start to finish.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bobby Rush Live

7:30-9 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Reserved seating — Experience the electrifying blues mastery of Grammy-winning legends Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Bobby Rush.

Movie Matinee: Three Amigos

2-4 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket & Concession Voucher combo available — Enjoy a classic comedy featuring three silent film stars mistaken for heroes.

Danae Hays at Gillioz Theatre

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Gillioz Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an entertaining theater experience with Danae Hays in Springfield.

Springfield, MO Brick Convention LEGO Fan Expo

10 AM – 5 PM — Springfield Expo Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the greatest LEGO fan event with creative building activities for all ages.

Disney's The Little Mermaid

2-6 p.m. — Springfield Little Theatre — G rated — Dive into a dazzling underwater adventure with Ariel and her friends in this enchanting musical.