Know of an event not listed here? Email submissions by 9 a.m. Wednesdays to news@westplainsdailyquill.net with “CALENDAR” in the subject line. Three sentence maximum must include event description, date, time, location, cost and source for more information. Weekly events will be printed for no more than a month at a time unless renewed by the host. Call the Quill, 417-256-9191 with questions. Unless otherwise noted, events are in West Plains.
TODAY
Sept. 26 (9 a.m.-6 p.m.) The annual Wilder Days Festival in Mansfield will continue for its second day on Mansfield’s square, 100 E. Park Square. Food and craft vendors, live music living history demos and family-friendly activities will be included in the festivities. Today’s highlights also include the Little Laura and Farmer Boy Contest and the community parade. Tours of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum and Mansfield Area Historical Museum will be offered.
Sept. 26 (10 a.m.) The Boys & Girls Club of the Greater West Plains Area, 613 W. First St., will host the third annual Chaz Coats Memorial Dice Run. Kickstands go up at 10 a.m. with the last bike in at 2:30 p.m. Held to honor the memory of Chaz Coats and raise awareness for suicide prevention, the event includes a 50/50 drawing, silent auction, live music, food and drinks. Proceeds benefit suicide prevention efforts and scholarships for local youth; to register or learn more, call 417-204-2582 or visit BGCWP.COM.
Sept. 26 (10:30 a.m.) The Book Shop, 5 Court Square, will host a story hour with local author Tara Shahan, who will read the book she penned as B. Eleanor Angle, “Baylor’s Big Adventures: Papa and Baylor Go Fishing.” Attendees can meet Cheddar the Bear, enjoy a free children’s coloring page and receive a special keepsake with the purchase of a signed book.
Sept. 26; Oct 3 (1-2 p.m.) The Rich in Faith organization will hold weekly Relief Stops in People’s Park, 1100 Broadway, near the bus stop. Supplies will be offered for those experiencing homelessness, such as portable food, summer care items (e.g.: sunscreen, rain poncho, bug spray) and personal hygiene items. For more information, email richinfaithwp@gmail.com.
Sept. 26 (5:30-11 p.m.) The West Plains Education Foundation will host Zizzers Community Homecoming at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. A cocktail hour will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner. From 8 to 11 p.m. the event offers music and fun. Tickets are $50 each and available at the civic center box office.
SUNDAY
Sept. 27 (3-5 p.m.) Mysbox Productions presents an afternoon of improvisational performances at the Yellow House Community Arts Center, 209 W. Trish Knight St. Attendees can expect audience-driven comedy and unexpected moments through interactive improv games, audience participation and suggestions, and funny challenges with spontaneous characters. Admission is by donation.
Sept. 27 (3-5 p.m.) The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer a program, “Intro to Shotgun – Shoot Flying Targets,” at the Rover Gun Club, 7974 M Highway in Alton. The course is an introductory program for those who are new to shooting sports, and will cover safety and appropriate guns and ammunition. Participants will practice shooting flying targets. Firearms and ammunition will be provided, or participants can bring their own. Participants must be 12 or older. Register online at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/220826.
MONDAY
Sept. 28-30: A three-day grazing school will take place in Shannon County at a location to be determined. Producers can learn strategies that often result in a net return of $40 to $60 per acre. To register or for more information, contact Melissa Welch at the Shannon County SWCD by calling 573-226-5663.
TUESDAY
Sept. 29; Oct. 6 (7-9 p.m.) The Ozark AcousChicks women’s a cappella chorus rehearses at First Church of God, 1700 Wayhaven Drive. Visitors are welcome. For more information call 661-303-8686.
WEDNESDAY
Sept. 30, Oct. 28, Nov. 25 & Dec. 30 (6 p.m.) Trinity Worship Center, 1807 E. K Highway, offers free dinner and testimonies on the last Wednesday of every month. All are welcome.
THURSDAY
Oct. 1 (4-7 p.m.) The West Plains Downtown Stroll theme is “Hometown Heritage.” This month’s stroll precedes the two-day Dolly & Porter Fest. Businesses will be open for extended hours.
Oct. 1 (6 p.m.) The United Federated Republican Women will hold their monthly meeting at Ozarks Brewing Company, 1872 S. U.S. 63. Local podcaster and lobbyist Devan Daniels will be the guest speaker, and is expected to discuss lobbying. The group meets on the first Thursday of each month. All are welcome.
FRIDAY
Oct. 2 & 3: A two-day yard and bake sale will be hosted by Well House of Hope at 1713 E. U.S. 160 in support of a coworker, Denisse, who is being treated for Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Friday sale hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 (10 a.m.) The Spring River Gem & Mineral Club will meet at the Thunderbird Center in Cherokee Village, Ark. Kent Adler, Lyon College Director of Advancement of Scottish Heritage, will present “Scottish Heritage in North-Central Arkansas,” featuring live bagpipe playing.
Oct. 2 (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) OzSBI and Missouri Enterprise will host a free Manufacturing Day Roundtable. Simon Siebert and Dr. Sean Siebert will offer practical examples and demonstrations regarding Applied AI and its use to solve manufacturing challenges. Registration is required and may be completed at crm.ozsbi.com/events.
Oct. 2 & 3: A two-day Dolly and Porter Days festival will be held in downtown West Plains from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. The free family-friendly event celebrates country music legends Dolly Parton and Porter Wagner, a West Plains native. Activities include music, contests including a Dolly and Porter look-alike competition, fiber arts and food trucks. Vendors may apply for a both at westplainsdowntown.com under “Events.”
NEXT WEEK
Oct. 3 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) The Bear City Fall Festival will take place on Main Street from Ferguson to Cherry, including all side streets from First to Third; the Willow Springs Chamber has requested street closures for this area from 4 a.m.-4 p.m.
Oct. 3 (10-11:30 a.m.) The Lincoln School Project will host a book launch, discussion and signing with Dr. Gary Kremer, co-author of “Missouri’s Black Heritage,” third edition. Books will be sold and signed onsite at the Lincoln School, 1400 Pony Thomas St.
Oct. 3 (6 p.m.) The Ozarks Healthcare Foundation will host the Blue Jean Ball at Silver Springs Ranch, Private Road 8900. The event begins at 6 p.m. and features dinner, drinks, a silent auction and dancing. Live musical entertainment will be provided by the Liz Moriando Band.
Oct. 3 (7 p.m.) The Yellow House Community Arts Center, 209 W. Trish Knight St., will host an evening of “loud” live music featuring Truckface, Blanket of M, The Employees, and Action (Get Action). Admission is by donation.
Oct. 4 (1-4 p.m.) The annual Regal-Beloit/Marathon employee reunion will be held at the People’s Park pavilion, 1100 W. Broadway. Attendees are invited to bring a dish and encouraged to inform anyone who does not have social media of the event.
Oct. 4 (3 p.m.) The Missouri State University-West Plains University Community Orchestra will present “Autumn Reflections: Blockbusters and Beyond” at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. The concert is free to the public; donations will be accepted.
Oct. 6 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare will host a flu shot clinic at its Mtn. Grove clinic, 500 E. 19th St. No appointment needed. COVID-19, pneumonia, tetanus, shingles and RSV vaccines are also available.
Oct. (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare will host a flu shot clinic at its Thayer clinic, 1375 Nettleton Ave. No appointment needed. COVID-19, pneumonia, tetanus, shingles and RSV vaccines are also available.
Oct. 7 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare will host a flu shot clinic at its Mtn. View clinic, 220 N. Elm St. No appointment needed. COVID-19, pneumonia, tetanus, shingles and RSV vaccines are also available.
Oct. 7 (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) Baxter Health will host its 45th annual Health Fair & Expo at the new Mtn. Home (Ark.) Community Center, 1 Community Center Drive. The event is free to the public and offers health screenings, educational exhibits and demonstrations, and opportunities to connect with providers and community health partners.
Oct. 8 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare will host a flu shot clinic at its Alton clinic, 100 Medical Drive. No appointment needed. COVID-19, pneumonia, tetanus, shingles and RSV vaccines are also available.
Oct. 8-10: Grizzly Athletics at Missouri State University-West Plains will host a college rodeo at the Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds. This National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association (NIRA) sanctioned event will feature the Grizzly Rodeo team competing against 18 regional teams in events such as bull riding, barrel racing, and roping. For more information, or for businesses interested in advertising opportunities, contact head coach Matt Hughes at MatthewHughes@MissouriState.edu.
Oct. 8 (6 p.m.) A free Sound Bath to the Community event will be held at The Back Lot on Luster Arcade off Court Square. The event will include The Flute, crystal singing bowls and pyramid, ocean drum, gong, Tingsha bells and Tibetan bowl, along with Catherine LightFoot and Maitreya Bowen offering trance drumming.
Oct. 8 (6-7 p.m.) West Plains R-7 students in grades kindergarten through eight are invited to bring their families to K-8 Literacy Night at Zizzer Stadium. Bring a blanket and a book to “read under the lights.”
Oct. 8 and Dec. 10 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offers a New Parent Skills class focused on self-care, infant bathing, safety, and immunizations. Recommended for the third trimester, classes are free for those delivering at Ozarks Healthcare or a one-time $75 fee for others. For more information or to register, call the Women’s Health Center at 417-256-9111, ext. 6440.
Oct. 9 & 10: The Willow Springs Chamber of Commerce will host the inaugural Fall City Wide Yard Sale. The City of Willow Springs will waive yard sale fees for the weekend. To have a sale placed on a yard sale map, call the chamber at 417-469-5579 or email willowspringschamber@gmail.com.
Oct. 9 (4-6 p.m.) The Bookshop, 5 Court Square, will host a Junk Journalling Workshop. The cost is $10 per person; attendees are encouraged to gather trinkets, scraps, receipts, tickets, photos and more for journaling.
October
Oct. 10 (8 a.m.) West Plains Rides for Pedal the Cause will hold a fundraiser bicycle ride. Meet in the West Plains High School parking lot. Proceeds go to support cancer research. To register to ride or to sign up to volunteer, visit the “West Plains Rides for Pedal the Cause” Facebook group.
Oct. 10-11 (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) Always a Future for Kids’ Oz Faire will take place at the Heart of the Ozarks Bluegrass Association Park, 1138 Bluegrass Lane off Lanton Road. Daily admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children 8 to 17. Younger children are admitted free. Visit ozfaire.com or follow @OzFaire on Facebook for details and updates.
Oct. 10 (6 p.m.) Local spooky romance author S.A. Burd will be at The Bookshop, 5 Court Square, for a book signing and reading event with a Q&A session. Find the “Author Signing & Reading w/local writer, S.A Burd” Facebook event for details and updates.
Oct. 10 (7 p.m.) The Southern Ozarks Community Orchestra will perform Spooktacular VIII at the Avenue Theatre, 307 Washington Ave. For more information, call or text 417-254-3168.
Oct. 12 (10:30 a.m.) Registration begins for the annual Bo Pace Grizzly Golf Classic at the West Plains Country Club, 1402 Country Club Drive. Tee-off is at noon. Cost is $150 per player or $450 per team. Prizes will be awarded to top three flight winners, closes to the pin and longest drive. Teams should provide their own golf carts.
Oct. 12 & 13: Arts on the Avenue Theatre will host auditions for “Miracle on 34th Street. For signup information, visit @Artsavenuetheatre on Facebook, call 417-372-8974 or email avenuetheare@artsontheavenue.org.
Oct. 13 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare will host a flu shot clinic at its Winona clinic, 9104 Highway 19. No appointment needed. COVID-19, pneumonia, tetanus, shingles and RSV vaccines are also available.
Oct. 13 (11 a.m. to noon) An Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group will meet at 1521 U.S. 63. Meeting on the second Tuesday of each month, the group is a safe place for caregivers, family and friends of persons with dementia to share feelings, talk through coping strategies and learn about community resources. Sessions are free and conducted by trained facilitators; for questions, call or text Cynthia Haigler at 417-593-4418 or contact the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
Oct. 13 & Dec. 8 (6-8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offers Heart Saver Infant CPR, teaching basic resuscitation skills for infants. Recommended for the third trimester or parents of babies up to one year old, classes are free for those delivering at Ozarks Healthcare or a one-time $75 fee for others. For more information or to register, call the Women’s Health Center at 417-256-9111, ext. 6440.
Oct. 14 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare will host a flu shot clinic at its Gainesville clinic, 37 Medical Drive. No appointment needed. COVID-19, pneumonia, tetanus, shingles and RSV vaccines are also available.
Oct. 14 (9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) The Ozarks Small Business Incubator, Missouri State University Small Business Development Center, Missouri State University-West Plains Office of Workforce Development and Community Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will team up to offer a professional development workshop, Managing Team Expectations and Attitudes, presented by Dale McCoy. The program at OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave., is targeted toward supervisors, managers, team leads and professionals who work closely with immediate or extended teams. Lunch is included. The cost is $250 for OzSBI members and $275 for the general public.
Oct. 15 (5-6 p.m.) The West Plains Public Library, 750 W. Broadway, will host Puzzles and Pumpkins in its Community Room. Seating is limited; sign up by visiting westplains-mo.localhub.com/calendar/full and clicking the listing on the calendar.
Oct. 16 (8-11 a.m. & 1-4 p.m.) The Howell County Health Department, 180 Kentucky Ave., will host a kids’ flu shot clinic. Children younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Call 417-256-7078 for more information.
Oct. 17 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) The AMVETS Post 98 Ladies Auxiliary hosts an indoor vendor fair at 1852 County Road 6070. Crafters and vendors are sought. Free hot dogs will be available to shoppers. Call Mary, 916-259-6539, for more information.
Oct. 17 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) The West Plains Rotary Club will host a pickleball tournament at the West Plains Country Club, 1402 Country Club Drive, to support its Backpack Program, which provides food to students in need over weekends and long school breaks. Entry to the mixed doubles tournament is $30 per player. For more information, call 573-300-6978.
Oct. 21 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare will host a flu shot clinic at its Willow Springs clinic, 816 E. Main St. No appointment needed. COVID-19, pneumonia, tetanus, shingles and RSV vaccines are also available.
Oct. 21 (3-6 p.m.) Howell County Health Department’s Women, Infants and Children supplemental nutrition program will host Trike or Treat at Carmical Field, 605 Missouri Ave. behind the Boys & Girls Club of Greater West Plains. The free event includes food, door prizes and vendors with activities.
Oct. 23 (8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.) The West Plains VA clinic, 1418 Doctors Drive, will host a drive-thru flu shot clinic for veterans. Bring your VA health identification card.
Oct. 23 (noon to 6 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare and the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks will host a blood drive in the Willard Hunter Classroom in Parkway Center, 1211 Porter Wagoner Blvd. Donors will receive a free T-shirt and admission for two to Dickerson Park Zoo. Schedule an appointment at 417-227-5006 or online at www.cbco.org/donate-blood. All donors must provide photo identification.
Oct. 24 (6-9 p.m.) Christos House resource center and shelter for survivors of domestic and sexual violence will hold a Take Back the Night banquet to honor supporters and volunteers. The banquet will be held at the outreach center and resale shop, 125 Jefferson Ave. in West Plains. RSVP by Oct. 9; call 417-256-3408 for ticket information.
Oct. 24 (6 p.m.) The Thayer branch of the Greater West Plains Area Boys & Girls Club will host a murder mystery dinner fundraiser, “Murder at the Nir Cantina,” at Thayer Elementary School, 365 E. Walnut St. in Thayer. Attendees are encouraged to wear “galaxy-tactic” costumes. General admission tickets begin at $100 per person and sponsorships are available in a range between $500 and $2,500. Find details and purchase tickets online at givebutter.com/thayerkids2026.
Oct. 30 (8 p.m. to midnight) Witchcora will host an All Hallows Eve Ball at the Yellow House Community Arts Center, 209 W. Trish Knight St. Must be 21 or older; tickets are $20 to this RSVP-only event, which features a mask reveal at midnight, live music, catering, giveaways and goodie bags. To reserve tickets, visit the “All Hallows’ Eve Masquerade Ball @ The Yellow House” Facebook event page and click on the Tickets link.
Oct. 31 (5:30-7 p.m.) Willow Springs’ Trunk or Treat will be held on Main Street from Ferguson to Walnut, including the north and south alleyways; the chamber has requested street closures for this area from 4-8 p.m.
Oct. 31 (5:30-7:30 p.m.) Scare on the Square will take place in downtown West Plains.
November
Nov. 4 (1:30-4 p.m.) The West Plains Job Center will hold a hiring event at the West Plains Public Library, 750 W. Broadway. Early access will be given to veterans and people with disabilities at 1 p.m. Preregister by calling 417-256-3158 or emailing westplains@dhewd.mo.gov. Bring a resume and be prepared to interview. Professional dress is encouraged.
Nov. 5 (4-7 p.m.) The theme for the final West Plains Downtown Stroll of the year is “Gather Local, Gift Local.” Businesses will be open for extended hours.
Nov. 6 (10 a.m.) The Spring River Gem & Mineral Club will meet at the Thunderbird Center in Cherokee Village, Ark. Dr. Ryan Parish, professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Memphis, will present “Lasers, Stone Tools, Ancient Human Behavior.”
Nov. 7 (11 a.m.) Willow Springs’ Veteran’s Day Parade will follow a route beginning at the high school and ending at Booster Field.
Nov. 7 (6:30 p.m.) The West Plains Area Dugout Club will host its second annual Trivia Night at the Missouri State University-West Plains Student Recreation Center, 323 W. Trish Knight St. The evening will feature general trivia topics. The cost is $25 per player or reserve a table for up to eight players for $200. Concessions, snacks and soft drinks will be available. Call 417-293-8383 to register.
Nov. 10 (6 to 8 p.m.) Ozarks Healthcare offers a Preparing for Breastfeeding class to provide essential guidance for expectant mothers. Classes are free for those delivering at Ozarks Healthcare or a one-time $75 fee for others. For more information or to register, call the Women’s Health Center at 417-256-9111, ext. 6440
Nov. 14 (8 a.m. to noon) Ozarks Healthcare offers a Prepared Childbirth class covering breathing, relaxation, labor and delivery, and C-section preparation. Recommended for the second trimester, classes are free for those delivering at Ozarks Healthcare or a one-time $75 fee for others. For more information or to register, call the Women’s Health Center at 417-256-9111, ext. 6440.
Nov. 14 (5:30) A mixer begins at Rubydoo’s Vintage Events Center, 9240 County Road 9190, ahead of the annual 37th Judicial CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) fundraiser mystery dinner theater. This year’s presentation is “Slain at the Speakeasy” by Kari Williamson and Nate Schierman, directed by Janice Faucett. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. A live auction and cash bar are also included in the festivities. Period wear is encouraged. Call 417-255-2100 to learn more.
Nov. 17 (9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.) The Ozarks Small Business Incubator, Missouri State University Small Business Development Center, Missouri State University-West Plains Office of Workforce Development and Community Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will team up to offer a professional development workshop, Emotional Intelligence: The Ingredient for Effective Leaders, presented by Dale McCoy. The program at OzSBI, 408 Washington Ave., is targeted toward supervisors, managers, team leads and professionals who want to improve self-awareness, communication and leadership effectiveness. Lunch is included. The cost is $250 for OzSBI members and $275 for the general public.
Nov. 20 (5:30 p.m.) Save the date for the Community Foundation of West Plains’ Whiskey and Bourbon Fest at the Historic Post Office on East Main Street. For information about sponsorship or tickets, visit cfozarks.org/whiskey.
December
Dec. 4 (10 a.m.) The Spring River Gem & Mineral Club will host its annual Christmas party at the Thunderbird Center in Cherokee Village, Ark.
Dec. 5 & 6: The West Plains Optimist Club will hold its 44th annual Holiday Season Arts & Crafts Show & Sale at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St. Saturday hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $3 daily. Vendors offering original arts and crafts can inquire about setting up a booth by emailing wpoptimistartsandcraftshow@gmail.com or calling 417-255-6091. Donations of nonperishable food items will be accepted during the event for the club’s Christmas baskets.
Dec. 5 (5 p.m.) The Willow Springs Christmas Parade will follow a route beginning at the high school and ending at Booster Field.
Dec. 8 (6:30 p.m.) Doors open for “An Ozark AcousChicks Christmas” at First Church of God, 1700 Wayhaven Drive. Admission is free and refreshments will follow the a cappella women’s choir performance of Christmas music.
2027
April 23-25: Save the date for the Oz-Con gaming convention to be held in the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St.
