Good morning, Springfield.

WAVE Springfield will host a women's photo scavenger hunt on July 18 at Big Momma's Coffee & Espresso Bar on Historic Commercial Street.

Participants will join teams to complete photo challenges at local shops & public art before gathering for prizes.

Springfield Restaurant Week begins Friday and runs through July 19; more than a dozen local restaurants will offer exclusive menus and treats (with proceeds supporting Ozarks Food Harvest and the Missouri Restaurant Association Educational Foundation) in an event aimed at boosting local dining.

The Birthplace of Route 66 Festival will return downtown on Aug.

7-8, featuring 600 classic cars, live entertainment, and centennial events along the historic Route 66 corridor. Visitors will enjoy car displays, motorcycle shows, vendor booths, food trucks + family-friendly activities that highlight Springfield’s role in the highway’s legacy.

Former Gov. Jay Nixon read the Declaration of Independence (marking 250 years of American independence) yesterday at the Historic Greene County Courthouse.

The event featured patriotic music and an ice cream social co-hosted by local women's clubs.

Springfield unveiled its new regional cultural plan — 'This Place We Make' — yesterday at the Creamery Arts Center, designed to boost arts engagement, strengthen the creative sector and create sustainable infrastructure connecting downtown, Commercial Street and Moon City district. Community leaders supported the plan.

Ozarks Tech (community college) on July 8 outlined pathways for students to attend Mizzou’s School of Medicine in Springfield; the program guides students from associate degrees to bachelor studies and pre-admission steps.

Springfield Public Schools is near the final stretch of Proposition S projects as two new middle schools open in August.

Pipkin Middle School will host an International Baccalaureate program while Reed Middle School will offer fine and performing arts, with most projects wrapping up by late 2028.

Missouri State University named Mark Danes as its new vice president for marketing and communications on July 8 & he will report for work on July 27 to help rebrand the university and reach an enrollment goal.

Cattle producers in Springfield have raised concerns about an invasive Asian Longhorn tick that is causing cattle deaths.

Experts say the parasite spread by the tick damages red blood cells, prompting ranchers to remove tick habitats & take preventive measures.

Drake Baldwin, a Missouri State standout with the Braves, is set to start as the NL catcher (in his second season) in the All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 14 at Citizens Bank Park.

Four other former Bears are also showcasing their MLB talent this season.

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame will reopen next month on Aug.

12 in its new downtown headquarters at 431 West Walnut St. where fans can explore rotating exhibits on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Springfield's top minor-league prospects Rainiel Rodriguez and Liam Doyle will head to Philadelphia on Sunday, July 12 for the MLB Futures Game — an event where family and friends can watch them play among the best players in the minors.

Bill Voorhis is adjusting to his new role as Kickapoo High football coach in south Springfield after an 11-season run at Fair Grove, aiming to build confidence with a 12-assistant staff.

The team will start a preseason jamboree on Aug. 21 before an Aug. 28 home game vs. Joplin.

Family Fishing Fun Night

6-9 p.m. — Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park — $10/person (own gear) or $15/person (rental) — Enjoy a relaxing evening of catch-and-release fishing, a Cow Train, and more at a scenic park.

Springfield Junior City Championship

Eligible for Junior Golf Scoreboard points — Bill & Payne Stewart Golf Course — Entry fee applies — Compete in a prestigious junior golf tournament.

Houndmouth Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Gillioz Theatre — General admission available — Experience Houndmouth’s emotionally resonant music from their new album 'Lordy' in a historic venue.

Ozarks Lunkers 2026 Season

7:05 PM — Wilson Logistics Arena — Tickets from $55 — Catch the excitement as the Ozarks Lunkers take on Arkansas in this thrilling season match.

Dinner in a Cave with Springfield Community Gardens

5:30-8 p.m. — Crystal Cave — Proceeds benefit local non-profit — Experience a unique underground dinner with locally sourced cuisine and live music.

Nike Baseball Camp for Kids

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Route 66 Stadium — $299 for three days — Young athletes enhance their skills with professional coaching from the Springfield Cardinals.

Underoath Concert

7:00 – 9:30 PM — The Venue on Sunset — Tickets from $80 — Underoath delivers an unforgettable live music experience in Springfield.