Gobble Gobble.
Springfield’s 30th annual Turkey Trot kicks off at 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 28 — Thanksgiving morning. The 5K race (3.1 miles) starts at the intersection of St. Louis Street and John Q. Hammons Parkway, near Hammons Tower, and concludes on Kimbrough Street, between the Abou Ben Adhem Shrine and Billiard’s. Turkey Trot is held rain, snow or shine.
Each year, the Turkey Trot supports the Springfield-Greene County Park Board Youth Recreation Scholarship Fund, the Developmental Center of the Ozarks and Ozarks Food Harvest. The scholarship fund allows youth who qualify for free and reduced meals to participate in Park Board programs, sports, summer camps and other fee-based activities. Since 2009, nearly 10,000 scholarships have been awarded. The Developmental Center of the Ozarks provides therapy and educational support to infants and children with development disabilities or delays, in addition to inclusive childcare and preschool.
The Turkey Trot offers four categories: Elite (competitive runners with a pace of 21 minutes or better for men and 24 minutes or better for women), Runner (runners without walking breaks), Family/Walker (participants who plan on walking or running in a group) and Dog (participants with dogs on a leash). Strollers are allowed in the Family/Walker and Dog categories.
Prizes are awarded to the top three male and female finishers, in addition to the top male and female finishers in the Masters Division (40 and up), Grand Masters Division (60 and up) and individual age divisions. Age divisions are broken down into five-year increments, starting at 9 and under and spanning to 84 and up. The awards ceremony will be held at the Springfield Expo Center after the race.
Additionally, costume contests are held via the Turkey Trot social media. Folks should share photos of their costumes to the Turkey Trot SGF Facebook Page the day of the race. Awards will be presented to the Best Dressed Individual, Best Dressed Group, Cutest Dog and Largest Group or Family.
Preliminary race times will be posted online at mtecresults.com/race/leaderboard/14580. Participants will also receive their final times via email.
Early-bird registration is open through Friday, Nov. 22. Early-bird registration is $25 per adult and $20 per child. On-site registration is $35 per adult and $30 per child. On-site registration is available Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and 6-7:15 a.m. the morning of the event at the Springfield Expo Center. Registration for children under 12 is free. Packet pickup will be available at the Springfield Expo Center on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Each participant will receive a Turkey Trot T-shirt.
Participants are encouraged to bring canned food donations for Ozarks Food Harvest to packet pickup or race day for drop off at the Springfield Expo Center.
In addition to the Turkey Trot, the News-Leader compiled a list of more than 25 activities around Springfield for the month of November.
This list of events is not comprehensive for the month of November, as there are countless activities going on around the Ozarks. Events can also be self-listed on the News-Leader’s Things to Do webpage year-round at news-leader.com/things-to-do/events.
Concerts at The Shoe Tree Listening Room
Where: The Shoe Tree Listening Room at 1342 E. St. Louis St.
When:
- Nov. 1: Erick Leick All Souls Day Holloweird Darktackular!
- Nov. 10: Melinda Mullins and The Layton Hollow Gals Johnny Mullins Collection Vol. 2
Tickets are available on the Arrow Creative Reuse website.
Acts at Blue Room Comedy Club
Where: Blue Room Comedy Club at 420 W. College St.
When:
- Nov. 1-2: Margaret Cho
- Nov. 10: Yakov Smirnoff
- Nov. 13: Dustin Nickerson
- Nov. 15-15: Lucas Zelnick
- Nov. 15-16: Drew Lynch
- Nov. 29-30: AJ Finney
All tickets are available on the Blue Room Comedy Club website at blueroomcomedyclub.com/home.
Tour of the Globe
When: 5-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1
Where: Jim D. Morris Center at 301 S. Jefferson Ave.
Missouri State University’s International Programs is hosting its annual Tour of the Globe with the theme Cultural Kaleidoscope this year. The program will feature a blend of traditional music, dance and art. Entry is free.
Springfield Ballet Free Boys Workshop
When: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
Where: Creamery Arts Center at 411 N. Sherman Parkway
Springfield Ballet instructor and former professional dancer Joshua Velazquez is offering a free ballet workshop just for boys ages 7-12. No dance experience is required. To register, visit the Springfield Ballet website at springfieldballet.org/Workshops.
Moxie Mornings
When: 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
Where: Moxie Cinema at 305 S. Campbell Ave. Suite #101
Moxie Cinema’s Moxie Mornings is an hour-long kid-friendly program. Throughout the morning, children ages 2-6 watch short films and complete a hands-on art project. Admission is free.
Wingapalooza
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2
Where: Springfield Expo Center at 635 E. St. Louis St.
The Sertoma Clubs’ Wingapalooza is back. In its 24th year, Wingapalooza invites restaurants and corporate teams to compete for the honor of “Best Wings in Springfield.” Since its establishment, the event has raised nearly $975,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield, as well as other organizations in the area.
Live music will be provided by Psychobilly Cadillac, Dirty Saints, Midwest Thick, New Waves and Jenna & Jacke. Food trucks, local bars and corporate sauce teams will also be at Wingapalooza.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite, starting at $20.
Garloween
When: noon Saturday, Nov. 2
Where: Flotsam Farm at 13962 MO-181 in Tecumseh
Flotsam Farm’s annual Garloween is a garlic-themed Halloween party full of live music, dancing, and food. A haunted house will also be available. This year’s live music will be provided by The Owlettes, Sarah Kay, Enheduanna, Turtle Soup, Creek Stink and Broken Knuckle. The party is free, open to all ages, and folks are welcome to camp at the farm on Saturday night.
Bass Pro Shops Conservation Marathon
When: 7 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3
Where: Bass Pro Shops at 1935 S. Campbell Ave.
The annual Bass Pro Shops Fitness Series Conservation Marathon (26.2 miles) is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Local, regional, national and international runners participate in the marathon each year.
The marathon starts at Bass Pro Shops on Campbell Avenue and concludes at the John A. and Genny Morris Conservation Center at 600 W. Sunshine St. The route, marked with white fish painted on the roads, winds through Springfield neighborhoods, parts of Route 66, Missouri State University’s campus and downtown. All runners and walkers should be at the designated start line 30 minutes before the race begins.
The marathon route is not completely closed off to traffic, but it will be controlled by police officers. The course will close at 1:30 p.m. Participants who are still in the course at that time should move to a sidewalk in busy areas. Aid services, however, will remain open for self service until the final runner/walker finishes.
In addition to the full marathon, the Maynard Cohick Half-Marathon (13.1 miles), Commercial Metals of Springfield (CMC) Recycling 5K (3.1 miles) and Conservation Marathon Relay will be available on Sunday, Nov. 3.
In each race category, the top three male and female runners will receive the following:
- 1st Place: $1,000
- 2nd Place: $500
- 3rd Place: $250
The award ceremony will take place inside the Sportsman’s Lodge between 10:30-11 a.m.
Registration is $115 per person starting Nov. 1. Registration is available on the Bass Pro Shops Fitness Series website or onsite. Pre-race day packet pickup will be available from 2-6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, at the John A. and Genny Morris Conservation Center.
‘Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical’
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 4, 6 and 7
Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway
The Great Southern Bank Arena Broadway Season continues with “Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical.” Tickets are available on the Missouri State TIX website, starting at $56.
Taste of the Ozarks
When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7
Where: Oasis Convention Center at 2550 N. Glenstone Ave.
Taste of the Ozarks is one of the largest fundraisers for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks, all set to a red carpet Hollywood theme. The event features food from 12 local restaurants, a silent auction, red carpet photo booth, live music and programming. Tickets are available for $100 and only 500 tickets are available for the event. Tickets are available on the Taste of the Ozarks website.
Ozark Lyric Opera’s ‘The Tender Land’
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10
Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central East
Ozark Lyric Opera’s 2024-2024 season continues with “The Tender Land.” Set in 1930s rural America, “The Tender Land” tells the story of a young woman and her family at the moment of a big decision. The woman, Laurie, is about to graduate and feels uncertain about her place in the world, despite her family’s support. “The Tender Land” is a coming-of-age tale that intertwines fun, dancing, thanksgiving and becoming.
Tickets are available online, starting at $15.
Mother and Son Olympics
When: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9
Where: Pat Jones YMCA at 1901 E. Republic Road
The Pat Jones YMCA is hosting an afternoon bonding event for mothers and sons. Activities like a plunger race, cup game, corn hole, junk in the trunk and blind fold will be available. Age groups will be split into 5-10, 11-17 and 18 and up. Children must compete in at least five games. Gold, silver and bronze winners will be awarded. A taco bar, photo booth and dance floor will also be available
Tickets are available on the Pat Jones YMCA website for $30 per team.
Temple Israel Artfest
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10
Where: Temple Israel at 5910 S. Farm Road 193 in Rogersville
Temple Israel is hosting an art festival with vendors, Jewish pastries, and holiday gifts. Rabbi Sam will be available to chat with guests.
Free screening of ‘Big Night’ at Moxie Cinema
When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13
Where: Moxie Cinema at 305 S. Campbell Ave. Suite #101
The Springfield-Greene County Library District and Moxie Cinema are hosting a free screening of the 1996 movie, “Big Night” as part of the FilmStubs series. Set in 1950s New Jersey, “Big Night” follows two brothers who run an Italian restaurant. As business starts to dwindle at the hands of competition, the brothers team up to create an incredible evening of food. The R-rated movie features Tony Shalhoub and Stanley Tucci and runs 109 minutes. Tickets are available at the Moxie.
417 Christmas Market
When: Nov. 15-16
Where: Springfield Expo Center at 635 E. St. Louis St.
Midwest Events & Promotions is hosting a two-day Christmas market featuring more than 200 vendors. The market will be open noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. Free photos with Santa Claus, food trucks and family-friendly holiday activities will also be available. Entry is $5 per person and free for children 12 and under.
Dining for Diabetes
When: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15
Where: Monett City Park Casino at 101 S. Lincoln Ave. in Monett
The CoxHealth Foundation and Cox Monett Hospital are hosting their 23rd annual Dining for Diabetes fundraiser as a way to raise money for locals who need insulin, other supplies and necessary services. The diner benefits residents in Barry and Lawrence counties.
The holiday-themed dinner will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus, a silent auction, a cash bar, a cookie-decoration station and of course, food. Tickets are $25 per person and are available for purchase on the CoxHealth Foundation website.
Turkey Slam Pickleball Tournament
When: Nov. 16-17
Where: Pat Jones YMCA at 1901 E. Republic Road
Pat Jones YMCA’s Turkey Slam Pickleball Tournament will be held in a doubles round robin style. The women’s tournament will start at 8 a.m. on Nov. 16 and the men’s tournament will start at 1 p.m. Nov. 17. Registration is $30 for YMCA members and $35 for non-members.
Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Lullaby of Broadway’
When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Missouri State University’s Theatre and Dance Department are collaborating to produce a concert version of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s 1945 “Carousel.” Tickets are available on the Missouri State TIX website, starting at $53.
Elderberry Syrup 101 workshop
When: 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Nov. 17
Where: The Workshop at Finley Farms at 840 Finley Farms Lane in Ozark
Herbalist Liesel McCleary is hosting a workshop centered around elderberry syrup at Finley Farms. Participants will learn about immune-boosting herbs that can enhance elderberry syrup and tips for forage and growing elderberries. Participants will leave with one bottle of elderberry syrup, plus recipes and resources. The workshop is open to all ages. Registration is available on the Finley Farms website for $30.
Joe Bonamassa
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20
Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway
Joe Bonamassa, a renowned guitarist and singer-songwriter, is visiting Springfield again. Guitar World Magazine cited him as “the world’s biggest blues guitarist” and he has received 27 #1 Billboard Blues Albums. Tickets are available on the Missouri State TIX website, ranging between $63-$168.
RaeLynn — A Benefit for Harmony House
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21
Where: Aetos Center for the Performing Arts at 514 S. Nicholas Road in Nixa
“The Voice” contestant RaeLynn is performing at the Aetos Center for the Performing Arts as a benefit for Harmony House, the largest domestic violence shelter in southwest Missouri. RaeLynn performed on season two of the competitive television show.
Tickets are available on the Aetos website, starting at $20 for reserved floor seats. VIP meet-and-greet tickets are $60.
FEZtival of Trees
When: Nov. 22-24
Where: Abou Ben Adhem Shrine at 601 E. St. Louis St.
The Abou Ben Adhem Shriners are hosting their seventh annual FEZtival of Trees, one of the organization’s largest fundraisers. The shrine will be turned into a winter wonderland full of decorated Christmas trees. Folks may purchase raffle tickets for $1 for the chance to win one (or many) of the trees. A craft and vendor village will also be set up for early holiday shopping. Local live entertainment will be held on the shrine’s stage. Admission is $5 and children 12 and under get in free.
Pop Evil and Bad Wolves — The Animal Instinct Tour
When: 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22
Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central East
Pop Evil, a modern rock band, and Bad Wolves, a hard rock group, have teamed up for The Animal Instinct Tour. Pop Evil is known for singles like “Torn to Pieces,” “Trenches” and “Footsteps,” and Bad Wolves is known for “Zombie,” “Sober” and “Hear Me Now.” The co-headliners will be joined by openers Sierra Pilot and Oni. Tickets are available online, starting at $35.
Springfield Little Theatre’s ‘A Christmas Carol’
When: Nov. 22-Dec. 8
Where: The Landers Theatre at 311 E. Walnut St.
Springfield Little Theatre is celebrating the holiday season with “A Christmas Carol,” an adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel. The musical’s runtime is about two hours with one 15-minute intermission. Tickets are available on the Springfield Little Theatre website, starting at $28.
The Mayor’s Tree Lighting Holiday Show
When: Saturday Nov. 23
Where: Park Central Square
Now a holiday tradition, Springfield Mayor Ken McClure will honor the holiday season by “lighting” the Mayor’s Tree in Park Central Square. Live entertainment, carriage rides and light refreshments will be provided.
‘Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet’
When: 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24
Where: Gillioz Theatre at 325 Park Central East
“Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet” is a holiday classic, based on the 1892 two-act ballet by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Tickets are available online, starting at $25. Premium tickets include a premium nutcracker ornament, collectible book and pre-show Q&A with an artist.
‘A Magical Cirque Christmas’
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26
Where: Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts at 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway
The one-night only “A Magical Cirque Christmas” production is a good way for the whole family to get in the Christmas spirit. Tickets are available on the Missouri State TIX website, ranging between $52-$118.
Gardens Aglow
When: Nov. 29-Dec. 29
Where: Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at 2400 S. Scenic Ave.
Back for another year is the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden’s Gardens Aglow. Throughout the event, more than 200,000 lights accent the stroll garden for a magical getaway. Light features include RGB lights, light tunnels, firecracker lights, framed installations, water feature lights and string lights.
Gardens Aglow is open Nov. 29-Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, Dec. 13-15, Dec. 18-23 and Dec. 26-29 from 5-8:30 p.m. Advance admission is $5 per adult and $3 per child ages 3-12. Day-of admission is $7 per adult and $4 per child. Pets are welcome.
Greta Cross is the trending topics reporter for the Springfield News-Leader. She has more than five years of journalism experience covering everything from Ozarks history to Springfield’s LGBTQIA+ community. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@news-leader.com.
