The Yellow House Community Arts Center is thrilled to announce the 3rd Annual August Bazaar, a vibrant and joyous celebration taking place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Aug. 17 at 209 W. Trish Knight St, West Plains. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a fantastic lineup of activities, live music, delicious food, and unique art vendors. more

The Historic Avenue Theatre is thrilled to announce a spectacular event that will set the town of West Plains ablaze with excitement: "Elvis on the Avenue!" Mark your calendars for August 17th, starting at 11 AM and running until the fun is done! This electrifying celebration is an absolute must-attend for all Elvis fans and anyone looking for an unforgettable day of entertainment and community spirit. more

Ozark Artery has announced the winners of the "Conversation Starters Art and Sensory Experience” Art Show on exhibit at the Yellow House, 209 W. Trish Knight St.  more

The American Slip Company will host a Fired Arts Expo starting at 9 a.m. each day from Thursday through July 20 at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. more

My introduction to folklorist Vance Randolph was some 50 years ago when my dad shared with me his copy of “Ozarks Magic and Folklore,”a 1964 Dover Publications reprint of Randolph’s 1947 tome, “Ozarks Superstitions.” more

Thursday night, the heart of West Plains came alive with the inaugural "Sounds Downtown" event, hosted by the West Plains Downtown Revitalization. Held in the charming Luster Arcade just off Court Square, this new initiative promises to become a staple of our community’s social calendar. With live music, family fun, and a vibrant atmosphere, "Sounds Downtown" is set to bring our downtown area back to life, one musical note at a time. more

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, theatre lovers of all ages, brace yourselves for an extraordinary experience that will whisk you away to a world of wonder and delight! The historic Avenue Theatre, nestled in the heart of beautiful downtown West Plains, is beyond excited to announce the highly anticipated performance of “Mary Poppins.” This is not just a show; it's an event that promises to make your summer absolutely unforgettable. more

West Plains Council on the Arts is hosting an exhibition of works by members of the West Plains Photography Club through July 6 at the West Plains Civic Center. Photos are displayed in the gallery on the mezzanine and can be seen during regular civic center hours. more

Just in time to celebrate the arrival of summer, the Southern Ozarks Community Orchestra will present a concert, “Garden Party,” on June 15 at the historic Star Theatre in downtown Willow Springs. more

Arts Alliance member events and activities: more

International talent Mean Mary will perform at 7 p.m. June 29 at The Yellow House Community Arts Center, 209 W. Trish Knight St., West Plains. more

On May 2, U.S. Rep. Jason Smith (MO-8) held a reception in Perryville to recognize high school students from Missouri’s 8th Congressional District who made it to the final round of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition. At the event, Smith announced that Miah Bressie, a senior at Houston High School, took home first place for her piece, “Mistique.” more

May is an exciting time of year. Students and teachers are wrapping up the school year, and summer vacation is approaching. more

Arts Alliance member events and activities: more

Local artist Barbara Williams will present “What Rock Buildings Say About the People of the Ozarks” at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Ozarks Heritage Research Center (OHRC). more

ALTON — Winners in Alton Elementary School’s recent "Under the Sea" themed art show are among entries from 280 students. The event showcased the work of all students in the school and was part of an elaborate and colorful display by art teacher Annie Whitten that filled the halls of the school and ended with an awards ceremony. more

Headliners announced for this year’s Old-Time Music, Ozarks Heritage Festival are CJ Newsom’s Classic Country from Branson with Terry Wayne Sanders, performing at 8 p.m. June 7, and Big Smith of Springfield, set to play at 8 p.m. June 8. Both performances will be held in the West Plains Civic Center theater.  more

The West Plains Council on the Arts and Ozarks Healthcare Behavioral Health Center (BHC) have again partnered to bring a themed collection of submissions by area residents to the West Plains Civic Center. WPCA will host the exhibition of works from Monday through May 17 in the gallery on the mezzanine in the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. The gallery is open to the public during regular civic center hours. more

The Lincoln School is set to welcome former West Plains resident Beverly Short for a captivating two-day event featuring a book discussion and a theatrical performance. The events will showcase her multi-faceted career and her latest artistic achievements. more

The 30th annual Old-Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival will celebrate Missouri culture June 7 and 8 in downtown West Plains, and as part of the festivities, the pie competition will return for a fifth year. more