Good morning, Springfield.

After Tuesday's hail storm, Springfield repair shops are overwhelmed with calls for windshield and roof repairs.

Auto Glass Now and Hammer’s Autoworks saw record call volumes + technicians arrived from out of town, while rental car availability remains scarce.

Two downtown landmarks – Shrine Mosque built in the 1920s with a 2,000-seat venue and Gillioz Theatre restored by locals and nearing its 100th anniversary – helped put Springfield on the Route 66 map and continue drawing visitors today.

Gigs in the Garden returns with free concerts at the Botanical Gardens on four Sundays in May starting with Bentenya on May 3 and featuring family activities with a Membership Celebration on May 17, all supporting local culture and the Sister Cities Association’s Traveling Musician Fund.

Actor John Goodman returned on Thursday, Apr.

30, to host the Route 66 Centennial Celebration Kickoff concert and will ride the MSU float in Friday night's parade. He recalled hitchhiking on Route 66 plus credited his MSU experience with sparking his acting career.

Springfield celebrated 100 years since a telegram named Route 66 as public art installations + a time capsule were showcased at the Birthplace Plaza dedication event downtown on Thursday, April 30.

The centennial milestone highlighted the Mother Road’s historical importance with strong community engagement.

The Timken plant, a major manufacturer and employer in Springfield, will close permanently in the second half of this year after selling its belts division to Gates (it laid off about 40% of its workforce last year, affecting roughly 100 people).

Governor Mike Kehoe visited Springfield on Thursday to highlight Route 66’s cultural impact—promoting its influence on music and local stories—and noted MoDOT’s work on I-44 improvements that include bridge replacement and pedestrian trail enhancements, to be finished in May 2027.

Several Mizzou football players were drafted in the NFL Draft, sparking pride among fans—while the baseball team celebrated its first SEC home win to boost team momentum.

Let's Drive Campaign

12-1 p.m. — The Library Center — Free entry — Attend a class to transform your business ideas into actionable plans with expert guidance.

Comedian Shelly Belly

6-10 p.m. — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of relatable laughs with the renowned comedian Shelly Belly in an intimate setting.

Springfield Indian Artifact Show

May 8-9 — Ozark Empire Fairgrounds — Entry fee may apply — Explore prehistoric artifacts and connect with local history enthusiasts.

William Montgomery Live Comedy Show

6:00 PM - 12:45 AM — Springfield Comedy Club — Ticket price varies — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian William Montgomery, known for his appearances on the hit podcast 'Kill Tony'.

Hometown Half Marathon & 5k/10k - Springfield

7-10 a.m. — Truman Elementary School — Registration required — Run through Springfield in a fun-filled family event with races for all ages.

43rd Mid America Street Rod Nationals

May 22 - 24 — Ozark Empire Fairgrounds — Varies by activity — Celebrate classic cars and street rod culture with a weekend full of fun for car enthusiasts and families alike.

Honor Flight 5K for Flights

8-11 a.m. — Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park — Entry starting at $25 — Participate to honor veterans and support their journey to memorials in Washington, D.C.

Ginger Billy Live Comedy Show

6 PM – 12 AM — Springfield, MO — Ticket prices vary — Experience the unique humor of Ginger Billy, a viral sensation from rural South Carolina.

Overnight Ghost Hunt at Pythian Castle

7 PM-3 AM — Pythian Castle — Entry fee applies — Explore the historic Pythian Castle through guided investigations and storytelling.