There’s nothing quite like summer in the 417, and this year it’s flying by. Don’t whip out your sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes just yet — there is still plenty of time to enjoy some classic Springfield summertime outings. From pizza baked under the stars to indoor yard games at a hip new bar, there is something here for you. Springfield has no shortage of local innovators, entrepreneurs, and creatives. Celebrate the local spirit this summer and bask in the glow of living in one of the coolest cities in the Midwest. We’ve rounded up five summertime must do’s at a variety of price-points so you can soak up the sun before it sets.
Millsap Farms Pizza Club
We don’t know about you, but we’ve never met a pizza we didn’t like. The farm-fresh, wood-fired pizza at Millsap Farms is certainly no exception. The members of the Pizza Club at Millsap Farms fire up their Horno wood-fired earthen oven every Thursday night, w eather permitting. The pizzas are made, baked and topped, all in the open air and with ingredients sourced from Millsap Farms. For just $14 you can buy a slice (or two or three) of happiness, enjoy the beautiful Ozarks outdoors, and listen to local music under the stars.
Lavender Falls
For summer-weary Springfieldians who want to escape the city for a bit and find serenity,we’ve got the place for you. Located just outside of Clever, MO between rolling hills and a natural spring, you’ll find Lavender Falls, and yes, it’s as magical as it sounds. Lavender Falls is a lavender farm, where they use their harvest to create the best holistic relaxation products available in the Midwest. They also just opened a cafe on-site this summer, which serves up tantalizing shareables and small plates like goat cheese with lavender honey and cedar plank salmon.
Urban Roots Farm
Did you know that downtown Springfield is home to a micro-farm? It is! Nestled in the middle of historic homes and a bustling urban community is Urban Roots Farm, a Certified Naturally Grown four-season vegetable farm. Urban Roots offers a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) subscription program and an honor-system FarmStand on-site. Every year, Urban Roots Farm celebrates real and excellent food at their Farm to Table Dinner. This year, the Farm to Table Dinner will be held on September 13 and 14. All of the food is prepared on-site by a local chef, following days of preparation. Enjoy live music, and delicious real food and local beer and wine. Tickets are available starting July 26.
Parties in the Park
Come on down to one of the coolest parties this side of the James River! One Thursday night a month during the summer months, Farmers Park hosts Parties in the Park. Farmers Park is a mixed-use development located in southeast Springfield that celebrates sustainability and community. Parties in the Park is a family-friendly event with a plethora of local food trucks and beverage vendors and live music for the adults. For the kiddos, there is a splash pad and a variety of kid-friendly fun like face-painting and live entertainment. A $5 donation will get you in the door, and for the August 29 party, all proceeds go to the Springfield Little Theater!
Best of Luck Beer Hall
When the humid dog days of summer get us down, we beat the heat at Best of Luck Beer Hall. This unique space offers 40 drinks on tap, including beer, wine and draft punch, and elevated, mouth-watering bar food. The best part? Indoor yard games. Best of Luck has a super-cool indoor yard where for $10 per hour, you and your friends can play classic yard games like Bocce and Cornhole until your heart’s content. Best of Luck Beer Hall is located in the heart of downtown Springfield, on Jefferson right behind Zayka.
Are you new to town and searching for what to do in Springfield, MO, this summer? What are you waiting for? Go on out there and see what our community has to offer, you’ll understand why thousands of people happily call Springfield home.
Do you want to learn more about fun things to do in Springfield, MO? Download our relocation guide and discover the greatness of Springfield all year round.
