What's Happening in the Ozarks

Four States Calendar of Events

JANUARY 2026

First Saturday of the Month: Carl Junction Lions Breakfast, 8-11 a.m., Carl Junction Community Center, 303 N. Main St., Carl Junction, MO. The CJ Lions Club sponsors a monthly buffet breakfast with proceeds going 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., Carl Junction, MO. Info: 417-649-7237.

Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31: Webb City Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-noon at Webb City Farmers Market, 106 E. Tracy St., Webb City, MO. Join the Webb City Farmers Market for morning markets each Saturday. Shop for fresh local produce, humanely grown meat and yummy extras like locally roasted coffee, gluten-free and classic baked goods, and more. Free. More information: webbcityfm@gmail.com, 417-438-5833.

Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31: Joplin Empire Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Joplin Empire Market, 931 E. Fourth St., Joplin, MO. The place to find the best in locally grown produce, gourmet foodstuffs and handmade artisan goods. Housed in an historic brick building adjacent to downtown, this indoor/outdoor public market is one of Joplin’s favorite gathering spots. Free. More information: ivy@joplinempiremarket.com, 417-986-3914.

Through Jan. 5: Photo Spiva 2026 Call for Entry. Calling all photographers! Submit your work to be included in Photo Spiva 2026. Photo Spiva is a national competition hosted annually by Spiva Center for the Arts. Founded in 1977, Photo Spiva has become the longest-running photographic competition of its kind in the U.S. The objective of Photo Spiva is to “present an exhibition of excellence in photography, celebrating the scope and vigorous activity of today’s contemporary photographers.” Submitted images must be the photographer’s own work, and it is the sole responsibility of the photographer to obtain written releases from any recognizable person(s)depicted. Two-dimensional work derived from any photographic process—traditional, digital or photo-based mixed media—is eligible if the work is original and has never been exhibited at George A. Spiva Center for the Arts' galleries inside the Cornell Complex. Three-dimensional work is not eligible. Learn more or register at bit.ly/photospiva2026callforentry. Entry fee: $40. More information: kmattox@spivaarts.org, 417-681-9801.

Jan. 8: Joplin Writers' Guild, 6 p.m., Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St., Joplin, MO. The Joplin Writers' Guild, a chapter of the Missouri Writers' Guild, includes a wide variety of writers from hobbyists to professional, published writers. Members have published novels, nonfiction books and articles. The group focuses on supporting each other and sharing information about the publishing and writing industries. 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.

Jan. 8-11: “Come Back to the 5 & Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean,” 7:30 p.m. (Sunday, 2:30 p.m.), Joplin Little Theatre, 3009 W. First St., Joplin, MO. In a small-town dime store in West Texas, the Disciples of James Dean gather for their 20th reunion. Now middle-aged women, they were teenagers when Dean filmed “Giant” two decades ago in nearby Marfa. One of them, an extra in the film, has a child whom she says was conceived with Dean during the shoot. The ladies’ congenial reminiscences mingle with flashbacks to their youth; then the arrival of a stunning-but-familiar stranger sets off a series of confrontations that smash their delusions and expose bitter disappointments. Rated R. Reservations encouraged; reserve tickets at joplinlittletheatre.org or 417-623-3638. Tickets: Adults $18, senior citizens/students $15. More information: info@joplinlittletheatre.org, 417-623-3638.

Jan. 10-Feb. 28: “Return to Innocence” by Jane Troup, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin, MO. “Return to Innocence” is a journey to the elemental truths found in nature. The landscapes and quiet rhythms of the natural world are artist Jane Troup's constant subjects—places where beauty, balance, order and patterns reveal themselves in subtle relationships. Through observation plus imagination, Jane creates visual stories to convey her belief in love, safety, well-being and the enduring mystery that lives within all things. Free; donations appreciated. More information: sconroy@spivaarts.org, 417-623-0183.

Jan. 11: Dmitry Shishkin, 2 p.m.(doors 1:30 p.m.), Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin, MO. Silver medalist at the Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition and winner of the Geneva International Music Competition, Dmitry Shishkin is acclaimed for his electrifying performances and imaginative artistry. Born in Chelyabinsk, Russia, and now based in Switzerland, Shishkin is one of today’s most exciting classical pianists. Purchase tickets at connect2culture.org, 417-621-9824 or at the C2C box office inside the Cornell Complex (Tues.-Sat., 1-5 p.m.). Tickets:$25-$30. More information: lauren@connect2culture.org, 417-501-5550.

Jan. 12: MSSU Choral Society, 7-9 p.m., Room 208 of the Music Building at Missouri Southern State University. Enter through Door 17 off the parking lot behind the building. There are no auditions, and all singers welcome. Prior experience in a choir is helpful but not required. Class fee is $30 and covers a semester of choral singing and the holiday performance. Interested singers may attend the first few weeks free. Information: WBloss@GMail.com or 417-386-3996.

‍Jan. 13-Feb. 28: Third Grade Collaborative Project, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin, MO. The Third Grade Collaborative is a staple in Spiva's winter programming. Yearly, Spiva's classrooms and galleries welcome more than 1,700 area third graders for a day of art education revolving around one of Spiva's exhibits. This year, students from seven different school districts and more than 20 different schools will draw inspiration from artist Jane Troup to create a collaborative exhibit in response to what they learn. Free; donations appreciated. More information: sconroy@spivaarts.org, 417-623-0183.

Through Jan. 15: “Culture in Color – Native American Heritage Through Art,” Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St., Joplin, MO. The Quapaw Nation and O-Gah-Pah Communications present an engaging exhibit of visual art and cultural discussion. Presented in honor of Native American Heritage Month, this exhibit celebrates tradition and transformation, offering a space to recognize Indigenous creativity, challenge stereotypes and highlight the resilience and influence of Native voices in modern storytelling and design. Free. More information: jill@postartlibrary.org, 417-623-7953 X1041.

Jan. 15: Speed Networking, 7:45-9:15 a.m. Thiebaud Meeting Rooms, 105 E. 11th St., Lamar, MO. Looking to expand your professional network with the Barton County Chamber of Commerce? Get to know your industry peers over a two-minute, one-on-one conversation. Bring your business cards and your best elevator pitch. Free for Barton County Chamber members; $5 for non-Chamber members. More information: members@bartoncounty.com.

Jan. 23 & 24: 20^th Annual Southeast Kansas Boat & Outdoor Show, Jan. 23, 2-7 p.m.; Jan. 24, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Located at Camptown Event Center, 313 US-69, Frontenac, KS. Explore the latest boats, fishing gear, outdoor equipment and more. Family-friendly activities, expert demos and exhibits, and special deals and giveaways. Featured speakers include professional fishermen Rick Clunn and Edwin Evers, and professional duck hunter Roy Carter. More information: demaris.rector@camptownevents.com or 620-670-8303.

Jan. 24: “Bubble Trouble with Jeff Boyer,” 2 p.m. (doors 1:30 p.m.), Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin, MO. A bubble volcano. A bubble roller coaster. A kid inside a bubble? “Bubble Trouble” is Jeff Boyer’s one-man bubble extravaganza that takes bubble artistry to the max. With hilarious comedy, upbeat music and jaw-dropping bubble magic, Boyer juggles, sculpts and builds with bubbles—creating fog-filled bubbles, bouncing bubbles and even bubbles that blow their own bubbles. This interactive, sensory-friendly show is pure family-friendly fun, inspiring audiences of all ages to share in the joy of discovery. Reserve tickets: connect2culture.org, 417-621-9824 or at the C2C box office inside the Cornell Complex (Tues.-Sat., 1-5 p.m.). Tickets: Kids $5, adults $20. More information: lauren@connect2culture.org, 417-501-5550.

Jan. 25: Moving a Giant: Behind the Relocation of the Page 618, 2 p.m., Miner’s Hall Museum, 701 S. Broadway St., Franklin, KS. Derrick Tilton of Tilton & Sons Housemoving shares an inside look at the engineering, planning and precision required to move one of America’s largest preserved industrial machines. Joined in conversation by J.T. Knoll, program moderator. Free. More information: minershallmuseum@gmail.com or 620-347-4220.

Jan. 29: The Barricade Boys - Broadway Party, 7 p.m. (doors 6:30 p.m.), Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin, MO. Direct from London’s West End, The Barricade Boys bring powerhouse vocals, slick dance moves and electrifying energy to their Broadway party. Featuring stars from “Les Misérables,” the show combines iconic musical theater favorites with pop, rock, swing and Motown hits for a one-of-a-kind celebration. Not a performance of and not affiliated with the show “Les Misérables.” Tickets may be purchased at connect2culture.org, 417-621-9824 or at the C2C box office inside the Cornell Complex (Tues.-Sat., 1-5 p.m.). Tickets: $50-$55. More information: lauren@connect2culture.org, 417-501-5550.

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 visitmdc.mo.gov/events for upcoming events. The parking lot, grounds and trail are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.

Jan. 3: Kids Winter Bird Count, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Registration required. Ages: 7-17. Discover the excitement of birdwatching in the tradition of the annual Winter Bird Count. Experienced birders from the Ozark Gateway Audubon Society Chapter and local Missouri Department of Conservation staff will lead mentored birding experiences. After exploring the trails, we will discuss which birds we saw and enjoy lunch provided by the Ozark Gateway Audubon Society Chapter. Remember to bring your binoculars (if you have some), dress for the weather and be prepared for an easy-rated hike.  

Jan. 8: Fly Tying #6 – Foam, 6-7:30 p.m., event located at Bud’s Bait, 3328 E. 13^th St., Joplin, MO. Registration required. Ages: 10-up. Have you ever wanted to learn how to tie flies? Join the Shoal Creek staff, MAKO fly fishers and Bud’s Bait for a fly-tying series designed for beginners and experts. Each session will build off the previous session, so attendance for all sessions is encouraged. In Session #6, we will work with foam to tie flies like beetles, mice and gugglers. All materials provided, but feel free to bring your own vice and tools. Space is limited, so please register so we know how many to expect.  

Jan. 15: Fly Tying #7 – Synthetics, 6-7:30 p.m., event located at Bud’s Bait, 3328 E. 13^th St., Joplin, MO. Registration required. Ages: 10-up. Have you ever wanted to learn how to tie flies? Join the Shoal Creek staff, MAKO fly fishers and Bud’s Bait for a fly-tying series designed for beginners and experts. Each session will build off the previous session, so attendance for all sessions is encouraged. In Session #7, we will work with synthetic material to tie flies like baitfish. All materials provided, but feel free to bring your own vice and tools. Space is limited, so please register so we know how many to expect.  

Jan. 16: Little Acorns – Regal Eagles, 10:30-11 a.m. Registration required. Recommended for ages 3-7. Look up in the sky! Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s a majestic, flying eagle! Join us for Little Acorns: Regal Eagles to learn all about the amazing bald eagles we get to see in our state and why they’re such a mighty symbol. Participants will also make a fun craft to take home.    

Jan. 24: Short-Eared Owl Hike, 4-5:30 p.m., Shawnee Trail Conservation Area. Registration required. Ages 10-up. Winter in Missouri means short-eared owls may be seen flying low over native grasslands in search of mice, rabbits and other small mammals. Join us to discover more about these uncommon winter residents. Bring the family and dress for the weather for this easy-rated hike.  

Jan. 29: Winter Bird ID, 6-7:30p.m. Registration required. Ages 10-up. Winter is a great time to start the hobby of bird watching. Join us to learn about common birds seen during winter and how to help keep them around your feeder. This is a live event only. Please register with a valid email address to receive webinar link.  

Wildcat Glades Nature Group, 301 W. Riviera Dr., Joplin, MO.

‍All programs are free of charge, unless otherwise noted. Registration is requested. To register, email robin@wildcatglades.org or visit our Facebook page for online registration options. Robin Standridge, executive director, robin@wildcatglades.org, 417-291-3156.

Jan. 7 & 10: Preschool Connections – Winter Birds & Birdfeeders. Jan. 7, 10-11 a.m., or Jan. 10, 1-2 p.m., Wildcat Glades Education Cottage. Free. Ages 3-7 accompanied by an adult. Make bird feeders for backyard wildlife. Join us to read “The Winter Bird,” sing a song and create feeders for Missouri’s non-migratory birds, helping them stay healthy and giving you a chance to watch them all winter. Must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/TheWinterBird or by emailing robin@wildcatglades.org.    

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.

Jan. 3 & 4: Film – Seeds of Success (28 minutes), 1 p.m. George Washington Carver died at Tuskegee, Alabama, 83 years ago, on Jan. 5, 1943. This documentary by Ozarks Public Television pays tribute to George Washington Carver.    

Jan. 10 & 11: The Jesup Wagon, 1 p.m. A ranger-led program starring George Washington Carver’s innovative school on wheels.  

Jan. 15: Coffee with Carver – Expressions of the Soul, 10 a.m. George Washington Carver was a talented artist, often inspired by the beauty of nature. This program paints a picture of Carver’s love for art. Following the ranger-led program, enjoy oil pastels with the staff.    

Jan. 17-19: Film – In Remembrance of Martin (60 minutes), 1 p.m. Commemorate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. with this Public Broadcasting Service documentary honoring MLK.    

Jan. 24 & 25: Planting Inspiration, 1 p.m. Catch the vison with George Washington Carver’s friends, students and colleagues. This ranger-led program explores Carver’s relationships with others and his enduring legacy.

Jan. 31: Film – More Than a Month (60 minutes), 1 p.m. This Public Broadcasting Service documentary examines the complexities and contradictions behind Black History Month.    

Recurring Classes

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

Wednesdays: Wine'd Down Wednesday, 5-9 p.m. Create N Sip Studios is combining the best of both worlds with their Canvas and Home Decor DIY Event. Choose the project that works for you. Prices vary depending on chosen project. Cost:$28–$58. More information: coleman@creatensip.com, 417-680-5434.

Saturdays: Saturday Morning Choose Your Canvas, 10 a.m. Select the painting you want to recreate and let the experienced staff at Create N Sip help you create a masterpiece. Prices vary depending on chosen project. Cost: $28–$176. More information: coleman@creatensip.com, 417-680-5434.

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 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.

Thursdays or Fridays: Impasto Oil Painting Class with Tricia Courtney, 2-5 p.m. Learn the techniques and tricks of painting thick with a painting knife. Bring your own supplies (canvas board, oil paint, brushes and palette/painting knives). Cost $20.

Jan. 9: Watercolor Class with Joan Allen (ages 8+), 10 a.m.-noon or 1-3 p.m. If you provide supplies, cost is $18, or all supplies included for $30.

Jan. 11 & 18: Portrait Painting & Drawing Class with Kim Kissel, 2-4 p.m. Email k-kissel@sbcglobal.net to register, and supply list will be sent. Cost $30.

Jan. 15: Fused Glass Valentine Suncatcher Class with Jane McCaulley (ages 8+), 3:30-5 p.m. Includes all supplies. Cost $35.

Jan. 17: Saturday Paint Class with Jesse McCormick & Margie Moss (ages 8+), 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Includes all supplies and an ice cream cone from Caroline’s. No experience necessary. Paint a Monet or Van Gogh. Cost $30.

Jan. 17: Paint Pouring Class with Mary Parks (ages 9+), 5 p.m. One 8”x 10” and one 11” x 14” canvas. Includes all supplies. Cost $40.

Jan. 24: Build an Angel Class with Tricia Courtney, noon-5 p.m., drop in any time. Free class with purchase of $35 base angel (Build an Angel tag). Bring any items you wish to embellish your angel with or choose from lots of items Tricia will have available. Glue and paint provided.

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

Tuesdays: Creation Station (ages 6-11), 4-5:15 p.m. Each week features a new theme and medium, ranging from painting and drawing to sculpture, printmaking and mixed media, with occasional two-part projects that span back-to-back weeks. Students receive step-by-step guidance while being encouraged to make choices that personalize their artwork, helping them build skills, confidence and creative problem-solving. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/event/creation-station-with-emily-cole. Cost: $10. More information: dhernandez@spivaarts.org, 417-621-9813.

Wednesdays: Mini Makers with Mrs. Jade (ages 2-5), 10:15-11:15 a.m. Each week features a new theme with hands-on activities that encourage exploration, improve fine motor skills and boost confidence. With their parent or guardian’s guidance, little artists will experiment with different art materials, meet new friends and enjoy a mix of movement and music to help keep the energy flowing. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org. Cost: $8. More information: dhernandez@spivaarts.org, 417-621-9813.

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 go to www.artforms-gallery.com.

Every Tuesday: Art Exploration, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Free. Join gallery artist Pat Glick every Tuesday afternoon for a fun time working on your own project or art. Bring your materials and create with us.

Jan. 10: Aquarius Season Personal Artwork, 1-4 p.m. Workshop fee $40, due at time of registration to reserve your seat. Class limit of 8. Ages 16-up. Artist: Neva Rowland. Aquarius Season is here – a burst of innovation, intuition and bold self-expression. If you’re ready to think differently, spark new ideas and align with your most authentic future, this workshop is for you. We’ll look at how Aquarius energy shows up in your birth chart – the places where you’re meant to break patterns, trust your inner genius and follow the currents of inspiration. From there, you’ll craft a personal intention for Aquarius Season to help guide your creativity and growth. Then you’ll create an intuitive artwork inspired by Aquarius blue – a color of clarity, imagination and visionary flow. You don’t need to be an Aquarius – just come ready to experiment, expand and make something magical.

Jan. 16: Snowy Jar Tea Light Holder/Vase, 5-6 p.m. Workshop fee $30, due at time of registration to reserve your seat. Class limit of 14. Ages 10-100. Artist: Sarah Prince. Create your own frosty scene in a jar, perfect for winter décor or a cozy gift. No experience needed – just bring your imagination and we’ll supply the rest. Each person will make two snowy jars.

Jan. 17: Stained Glass Links, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Workshop fee $70, due at time of registration to reserve your seat. Class limit of 8. Ages 16-up. Artist: Dianne Miller. Learn to piece together the components that make up this fun stained-glass spinner. Make five interconnected components. Hang it near a fan or open window or attach a mechanical spinner. Glass-cutting techniques will be taught as well as copper foiling and soldering your spinner. Glass, copper foil and solder are included in the workshop fee. Please wear close-toed shoes when working with the glass. Note: Bring a lunch or snack. There is a microwave available. Also note: If Pittsburg USD 250 is closed due to inclement weather, this workshop will be rescheduled.

Jan. 24: Cool Winter Abstract Fluid Art Pour, 2-4 p.m. Workshop fee $30, due at time of registration to reserve your seat. Class limit of 8. Ages12-up. Artist: Debbie Southard. This is a fluid art pour intermediate-level workshop on landscape fluid art painting techniques. You pour paint on the canvas and mix your paints on the canvas as you tilt your painting.  

Jan. 25: Accordion Gift Box, 1-3 p.m. Workshop fee $25, due at time of registration to reserve your seat. Class limit of 6. Ages 14-up. Artist: Brenda Hayes. Join Brenda to make these fun origami-style gift boxes. All supplies available. One kit provided for class. Extra kits available for purchase.

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

Mondays-Fridays: Judy's Ballroom Dance Private Lessons. Learn ballroom dancing under the guidance of skilled instructor Judy Schneider. With private lessons, Judy can help transform you into a skilled, elegant dancer. Call Judy at 417-392-0215 to book your private lesson. Cost: $50 per hour. More 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. Since 1975, Tanglefooter’s Round Dance Club has taught beginner- and intermediate-level ballroom dancing to many members of the Joplin community, and you can join the fun. Learn choreographed ballroom dancing with the experienced teachers of this Joplin-based club. Ages 14-up are welcome. Cost: Individual $7.50, couple $15. More information: mike@gfeneosho.com, 417-529-0686.

FEBRUARY 2026

Feb. 15: Putting Down Roots, Prairies & Prosperity, 2 p.m., Miner’s Hall Museum, 701 S. Broadway St., Franklin, KS. Presented by Carl Brenner, program manager for interpretation and resource management at Fort Scott National Historic Site. This program explores Kansas geology, prairie ecosystems and how natural resources shaped communities—past, present and future. Free. More information: minershallmuseum@gmail.com or 620-347-4220.

Feb. 20 & 21: 28^th Annual Grove Home, Garden & Travel Show, Feb. 20, 1-8 p.m.; Feb. 21, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Located at Wolf Creek Expo Center, 963 N. 16^th St., Grove, OK. More information: Grove Chamber of Commerce, 918-786-9079.

Feb. 21: Benefit Chili Cookoff & Silent Auction, 2-5 p.m., Carthage Free Will Baptist Church, 18715 Hyacinth Rd., Carthage, MO. $10 to enter chili; $5 to eat chili. All proceeds go toward the Reeder family and their 11-year-old daughter, who has hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, to help them with finances to see a specialist in St. Louis.