What's Happening in the Ozarks

‍FARMERS MARKETS

Fort Scott, KS: Opens May 2 at 8 a.m., 111 N. National Ave.

Pittsburg, KS: Saturdays 8 a.m.-noon April 18-Oct. 31, 119 E. 11^th St.

Carthage, MO: Open Wednesday and Saturday mornings, 122 Grant St.

Joplin, MO: Saturdays, 10 a.m-2 p.m., Empire Market, 931 E. Fourth St.

Lamar, MO: Tenth Street Community Farmers Market, 8 a.m.-noon, Moore Pavilion at 10^th and Poplar.

Neosho, MO: Opens May 2 in historic downtown Neosho, 9 a.m.-noon.

Webb City, MO: Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon year round; Tuesdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. mid-April-mid-October; and Thursdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. July only. 106 E. Tracy St.

Grove, OK: Saturdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. May 2-Oct. 3, 104 W. Third St.

Quapaw, OK: First and third Friday May-October, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 326 Main St.

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PERFORMANCES      

Pittsburg, KS

April 30–May 3: Oz, 7 p.m. (Sunday, 2 p.m.), Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium, 503 N. Pine St. Tickets: www.memorialauditorium.ludus.com/index.php. Floor $20, balcony $15, children (ages 5 and under) $8. More information: kayelewis_mrb@hotmail.com, 417-439-9549.

Joplin, MO

May 3: MSSU Choral Society Spring Concert, 3 p.m., First Community Church, 2007 E. 15th St. Free; donations appreciated. More information: wbloss@gmail.com, 417-208-9654.

May 9: A Night of Music for Raemon Wilson — Benefit Concert, 7 p.m., 3020 W. 26th St. More information: levi.music3@gmail.com.

May 14–17 & May 21-24: Shadowlands, 7 p.m. (Sunday, 2:30 p.m.), Stained Glass Theatre Joplin, 2101 Annie Baxter Ave. Tickets: stainedglasstheatrejoplin.simpletix.com. Adults $12, children (ages 4-14) $5, children ages 3 and under admitted for free. More information: ticketing@sgtjoplin.com, 417-553-4895.

May 14–17: Clark Gable Slept Here, 7:30 p.m. (Sunday, 2:30 p.m.), Joplin Little Theatre, 3009 W. First St. Rated R. Tickets: joplinlittletheatre.org or 417-623-3638. Adults $18, senior citizens/students $15. More information: info@joplinlittletheatre.org, 417-623-3638.

May 16: Arkansauce, 8 p.m. (gates 7 p.m.), Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Leggett & Platt Green, 212 W. Seventh St. Tickets: connect2culture.org, 417-621-9824 or at the box office inside the Cornell Complex (Tue.–Sat., 1–5 p.m.). Tickets: $20–$35. More information: lauren@connect2culture.org, 417-501-5550.

May 22: Rigoletto in Concert, 7 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. Seventh St. Visit Connect2Culture or heartlandoperatheatre.com for tickets and more information. Tickets: $50. More information: heartlandopera@gmail.com, 417-437-3964.

May 24: Sad Daddy, 4:30 p.m. (doors 4 p.m.), The Coda Concert House, 2120 E. 24th St. For reservations, email info@codaconcerthouse.com. In response, a confirmation email with the address, directions, parking, etc., will be sent. All proceeds benefit the artist performing. Suggested donation: $35. More information: info@codaconcerthouse.com.

Neosho, MO

April 30 & May 1: Student Showcase, 7 p.m., Crowder College, 601 Laclede Ave. Free. More information: AnnieSmith@crowder.edu, 417-455-5458.

May 21: Big Spring Park Free Concert Series: Molly Healey, 6:30 p.m., Big Spring Park. This is a bring your own chair event. Free. More information: neoshoartscouncil@gmail.com.

EXHIBITS

Joplin, MO

Through May 2: PhotoSpiva 2026, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St. Free; donations appreciated. More information: sconroy@spivaarts.org, 417-623-0183.

Through May 28: Paintings by Rachel Cabral, Joplin Public Library, Bramlage & Willcoxon Foundation Gallery, 1901 E. 20th St. Free. More information: jill@postartlibrary.org, 417-623-7953 X1041.

Through May 31: Paintings by Connie Miller at Vino Noir – Wine & Cocktail Bar, 530 S. Main St. Free. More information: lteeter00@gmail.com.

Through May 31: Through the Glass: Reverse Painting on Vintage Windows by Julie Catlett, Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St. Free. More information: jill@postartlibrary.org, 417-623-7953 X1041.

May 7–23: PhotoSpiva Kids & Teens, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St. Free; donations appreciated. More information: sconroy@spivaarts.org, 417-623-0183.

May 8–18: Central Ozark Conference Competitive Art Show, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St. Free; donations appreciated. More information: sconroy@spivaarts.org, 417-623-0183.

May 30–July 25: Reflections of 66 by VC Torneden, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St. Free; donations appreciated. More information: sconroy@spivaarts.org, 417-623-0183.

May 30–July 25: Watercolor USA 2026, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St. Free; donations appreciated. More information: sconroy@spivaarts.org, 417-623-0183.

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EVENTS

Pittsburg, KS

May 28-31: Mining History Association’s 36th Annual Conference in Pittsburg. Registration for one-day tickets or the full conference is open to both MHA members and locals who want to learn more about their region’s history. More information: http://www.mininghistoryassociation.org/.

Carl Junction, MO

First Saturday of the Month: Carl Junction Lions Breakfast, 8-11 a.m., Carl Junction Community Center, 303 N. Main St. Proceeds go to various community organizations and projects. Adults and children 11-up, $7; children ages 3-10, $3; children 3-under eat free. Info: 417-649-7237.

Monday, Wednesday & Friday Pickleball, 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays; noon-3 p.m. Thursdays; and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. Yoga at 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Carl Junction Community Center, 303 N. Main St. Info: 417-649-7237.

Carthage, MO

May 3: Dumpster Day, 1-4 p.m., Fair Acres Sports Complex parking area, 800 George E. Phelps Blvd. More information: visioncarthage.org or 417-674-3328.

Joplin, MO

Through May 8: Schroeder Family Exploreum, 300 S. Main, has a new robot mascot that innovators, thinkers and creators are encouraged to help name by submitting one original name idea to neely@creativelearningalliance.org with the subject line “Mascot Contest.” 

May 1: May First Friday: Swing Dancing & Live Jazz!, 7–10 p.m., Main Event, 611 S. Main St. Dance lesson at 7 p.m., social dance at 8 p.m. Tickets: visit vsmjoplin.com/tickets. Adults at the door $20, adults in advance $18, students at the door $10, students in advance $8. More information: vsmjoplin@gmail.com, 316-243-8175.

May 2: Ozarks Gateway Master Gardeners Association Annual Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at the greenhouse behind Crosslines at 320 S. School Ave. Find a wide variety of healthy plants for sale, including vegetable plants, annuals, perennials and native plants. Beginning at 9:15 a.m., there will be short, educational sessions on topics like growing succulents, beginner gardening basics, native plants and landscape gardening.

May 2: Downtown Lofts Tour, 2-6 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person. Purchase tickets at https://www.eventeny.com/events/2026-downtown-lofts-tour-18798. Separate tickets are available for TipTop Toast: A VIP Reception Under the Stars, to be held on the roof of the historic Columbian Building, 418 S. Main St., 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $75 each and limited in quantity.

May 7: Spiva Center for the Arts Club 609 Benefit Day, 11 a.m.–9 p.m., Club 609, 609 S. Main St. More information: spiva@spivaarts.org, 417-623-0183.

May 7: Local Color Art Gallery & Studio Spring Open House, 5–8 p.m., Local Color Art Gallery & Studio, 1027 S. Main St. Free. More information: localcolorartgallery@gmail.com, 417-553-0835.

May 7: First Thursday ArtWalk, 5:30–8:30 p.m., downtown Joplin on South Main St. This event is held the first Thursday of the month, March through October. Map of participating locations is available at facebook.com/FirstThursdayArtWalkJoplin. Free. More information: firstthursdayartwalkjoplin@gmail.com, 417-438-5931.

May 10: Second Sunday at Spiva | Galleries Open, 1-4 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, 212 W. Seventh St. Free; donations appreciated. More information: spiva@spivaarts.org, 417-623-0183.

May 13 & 14: Missouri Historic Preservation Symposium. Opening reception at 6:30 p.m. on May 13 at the newly restored Schifferdecker and Zelleken homes; symposium and a Buchanan Home centennial celebration May 14 at Missouri Southern State University. Register at mostateparks.com/event/third-annual-missouri-preservation-symposium. Standard $25, student $10. More information: tisha.holden@dnr.mo.gov, 573-751-6510.

May 14: Joplin Writers' Guild, 6 p.m., Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St. Open to the public. Dues are $10 for the year, but anyone interested can attend their first meeting free. More information: s.v.farnsworth@gmail.com, 417-691-0480.

May 16: The Murphysburg Treasure Hunt, 10 a.m., Joplin City Hall, 602 S. Main St. The first participant to successfully solve all riddles and scan the final QR code wins the grand prize of $1,000! Learn more and sign up at murphysburg.org. Cost: $35. More information: murphysburg@gmail.com, 417-208-9376.

May 18: Downtown Poetry Reading and Open Mic, 6–8 p.m., Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 S. Joplin Ave. Open mic sign-up begins at 6 p.m. Featured reader begins at 6:15 p.m. Open mic readings follow at 7 p.m. Free. More information: downtownpoetry@gmail.com.

May 19: An Afternoon with Ricky Tims: The Music In My Quilt, 1:15–2:30 p.m., First Community Church, 2007 E. 15th St. Register at joplinareaquilters.com. Cost: Non-members $20, Guild members admitted for free. More information: joplinareaquilters.com/contact.

May 21: Third Thursday, 5:30–8:30 p.m., downtown Joplin on South Main St. Free. More information: lori@downtownjoplin.com, 417-501-9649.

May 28: Closing Reception: Paintings by Rachel Cabral, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Joplin Public Library, Bramlage & Willcoxon Foundation Gallery, 1901 E. 20th St. Free. More information: jill@postartlibrary.org, 417-623-7953 X1041.

Lamar, MO

May 2: Truman Day, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Harry S Truman Birthplace, 11^th and Truman streets. Baby and dog show, live music performed by Benjamin Stanley Owens, a patriotic parade at 2 p.m., plus craft and food vendors, and much more. Information: https://www.bartoncounty.com/truman-day/.

May 9: Master Gardener Plant Sale, 8 a.m. until sold out, Moore Pavilion, 10^th& Poplar St. More information: 417-682-3579.

‍Neosho, MO

May 2: Makers in Bloom, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Falcon Lake Farm, 8250 Irene Ln. Find more info here.

Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, 201 W. Riviera Dr., Joplin, MO

Your local connection to Missouri’s fish, forests and wildlife. Check out the native plants, landscaping and exhibits, or hike the trails. Purchase a fishing or hunting permit, attend a nature program or watch for wildlife along the trails and banks of Shoal Creek. Enjoy a variety of free public programs throughout the year. Education center is open Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday and most state holidays. Call 417-629-3434, email Shoal.Creek@mdc.mo.gov or visit mdc.mo.gov/events for upcoming events. The parking lot, grounds and trail are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.

May 2: Birds & Brews, 9–11 a.m. Ages: 14 and older. Registration required. Hosted by the Missouri Department of Conservation, Ozark Gateway Audubon Chapter and Wildcat Glades Nature Group.

May 23: Spring Native Plant Sale, 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. Ages: Families. No registration required.

May 29: Little Acorns: Beautiful Blooms, 10:30-11 a.m. Recommended for ages 3-7. Registration required.

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George Washington Carver National Monument Visitor Center Free Programs

Two miles west of Diamond, MO, on Highway V, one-quarter mile south on Carver Road. Visitor center and park grounds open daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 417-325-4151 or visit www.nps.gov/gwca. *Programs will be presented outside on park grounds.

May 2 & 3: To Fill the Empty Dinner Pail, 1 p.m.

May 9 & 10: Peanut Provisions, 1 p.m.

May 16 & 17: Film: “Mr. Civil Rights: Thurgood Marshall and the NAACP” (60 minutes), 1 p.m.

May 23: Birds on the Move, 10 a.m.

May 30 & 31: The Jesup Wagon, 1 p.m.

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CLASSES

artCentral Carthage, 1110 E. 13^th St., Carthage, MO

May 2: Jewelry Club, 1–3 p.m. Registration required; register at zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/march-jewelry-club. Cost: $15. More information: artcentral1110@gmail.com, 417-358-4404.

Local Color Art Gallery & Studio, 1027 S. Main St., Joplin, MO

A cooperative of local artists showcasing their art in the gallery and often working in the studio at the historical Gryphon Building in downtown Joplin. We offer art classes to adults and children. Call Local Color Art Gallery & Studio at 417-553-0835 to register for classes or for further inquiries.

Tuesdays: Beginner’s Watercolor Class with Barb Hicklin (ages 8+), 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Bring your own supplies. Cost $20.

May 1, 15 & 29: Impasto Oil Painting with Tricia Courtney, 2-5 p.m. Bring your own supplies (i.e. canvas board, oil paint, brushes, palette/painting knife). Reservations required; reserve your spot by visiting Local Color Art Gallery & Studio in person or by contacting courtney.tricia@gmail.com or at 417-627-4542. Cost: $20.

May 7 & 21: Impasto Oil Painting with Tricia Courtney, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring your own supplies (i.e. canvas board, oil paint, brushes, palette/painting knife). Reservations required; reserve your spot by visiting Local Color Art Gallery & Studio in person or by contacting courtney.tricia@gmail.com or at 417-627-4542. Cost: $20.

May 8: Watercolor Painting with Joan Allen (ages 8+), 10 a.m.–noon & 1–3 p.m. Reservations required; call 417-553-0835 or visit Local Color Art Gallery & Studio during regular business hours to reserve your spot. Cost: $18 with your own supplies, $30 with supplies provided.

May 9: Saturday Painting Class (ages 8+), 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m. Cost includes all materials. Registration required; visit Local Color during regular business hours or call 417-553-0835 to sign up. Cost: $30.

Create N Sip Studios, 1505 W. 10th St., Joplin, MO

Wednesdays: Wine'd Down Wednesday, 5-9 p.m. Prices vary depending on chosen project. Cost: $28–$58. Information: coleman@creatensip.com, 417-680-5434.

Saturdays: Saturday Morning Choose Your Canvas, 10 a.m. Prices vary depending on chosen project. Cost: $28–$176. Information: coleman@creatensip.com, 417-680-5434.

Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin, MO‍

More information: dhernandez@spivaarts.org, 417-621-9813.

Tuesdays: Creation Station (ages 6-11), 4-5:15 p.m. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/event/creation-station-with-emily-cole. Cost: $10.

Tuesdays: Mini Makers: Tuesday Edition (ages 2-5), 4–5:15 p.m. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/series/mini-makers. Cost:$10.

May 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29: Studio 55: Guided Class (ages 55+), 2–4 p.m. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org and use code 5off55 at checkout for 50% off. Cost: $10 per session.

May 2: Watercolor Bouquets with Rachel (ages 14+), 12:30–2:30 p.m. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/event/watercolor-bouquets-with-rachel. Cost: $35.

May 9: Ceramic Birdhouses with Daria (ages 12+), 1:30–4 p.m. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/event/ceramic-birdhouses-with-daria. Cost: $60.

May 23: Floating Cup Pour with Debbie (ages 8+), 2:30–4 p.m. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/event/floating-cup-pour-with-debbie. Cost: $40.

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ArtForms Gallery Workshops, 620 N. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS‍

ArtForms Gallery is a co-op of artists offering monthly workshops ranging from acrylic painting, watercolor, glass fusing, pottery, metalsmithing, jewelry, textiles, kids’ art and more. Call ArtForms Gallery to register for any artist’s workshop. Refunds/Cancellations: Decisions regarding refunds and cancellations are determined by the artist leading the workshop. For more information, call 620-240-0165, check out our Facebook page at ArtFormsGallery620/ or see our website at www.artforms-gallery.com.

Every Tuesday: Art Exploration, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Free. Bring your materials and create with us.

May 2 & 9 (two-part class): Make Ceramic Story Beads, noon- 2 p.m. All materials provided. Fee: $45, pay at time of registration to reserve your seat. Class size: 8. Ages: 12 years and older.

May 3: Recycled Windchimes, 1-4 p.m. Fee: $45, pay at time of registration to guarantee your seat. Ages: 14+. Class size: 12.  

May 8: Pressed Flower Bookmark, 5-6 p.m. All materials provided to make twobookmarks.Fee: $25, pay at time of registration to reserve your seat. Classsize: 14. Ages: 8-108.

May 9: “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” Neurographic Geographic Work, 2-4 p.m. Fee: $35, pay at time of registration to guarantee your seat. Ages: 9+. Class size: 12.

May 17: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall Mosaic Glass Mirrors, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Fee: $75, pay at time of registration to guarantee your seat. Ages: 16+. Class size: 6.  

May 23: Umbrella Flower Bouquet, 1-3 p.m. Fee: $40, pay at time of registration to reserve your seat. Ages: 8+. Class size: 14.

May 27 and June 4, 11, 18 & 25: Stained Glass, May 27: 3-6 p.m., all other dates, noon-3 p.m. Five-week class. Fee: $150, pay at time of registration to reserve your seat. Ages: 16+. Class size: 8.

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Dream Theatre Co., 124 S. Main St, Joplin, MO

Mondays & Wednesdays through May 15: The Acting Academy Youth Program, 4–6 p.m. Registration required; email becki.dreamtheatre@gmail.com with your student's full name and age to reserve their spot. Cost: $120 per month. Information: becki.dreamtheatre@gmail.com, 417-553-3742.

Judy’s Ballroom Dance, 3950 E. Newman Rd., Joplin, MO

Mondays-Fridays: Judy's Ballroom Dance Private Lessons. Call 417-392-0215 to book your private lesson. Cost: $50 per hour. Information: schneider-j@mssu.edu, 417-392-0215.

Tanglefooter's Round Dance Club, 1802 W. Second St., Joplin, MO

Mondays: Tanglefooter's Round Dance Club, 7-8 p.m. Learn choreographed ballroom dancing. Ages 14-up are welcome. Cost: Individual $7.50, couple $15. Information: mike@gfeneosho.com, 417-529-0686.