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Apr
17
Thu
Art at OzSBI ~ Artist Cindy Temple, hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts @ Ozarks Small Business Incubator
Apr 17 @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Art available for viewing during OzSBI’s regular business hours through June.

Art of Honest Imagination participants on display, hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts @ West Plains Public Library
Apr 17 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Art available for viewing during regular hours of operation through June.

Food Truck Festival @ West Plains Civic Center Parking Lot
Apr 17 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Food Truck Thursdays at the Civic Center in 2025 include: April 17, May 15, June 19, July 17, August 21, and September 18.

“A Walk Down Memory Lane” Style Show and Luncheon benefiting the Friends of the Garnett Library @ West Plains Country Club
Apr 17 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

For reservations, call the Garnett Library, 417-255-7945, or Kloz Klozet, 417-256-3581.

 

Spring Art Show @ Harlin Museum
Apr 17 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Exhibit by local artists. Free admission. Donations for upkeep of the museum welcome.

Dedication of Neurodiversity and Autism Center @ MSU-WP Campus
Apr 17 @ 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

MSU-WP to host dedication ceremony April 17 for Neurodiversity and Autism Center

Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP) will officially dedicate its new Neurodiversity and Autism Center during a ceremony from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 17, 2025.

University officials, local leaders and supporters of the project will gather to celebrate the completion of the state-of-the-art, $10.5 million facility. The facility houses the TJ Swift House ASCEND Program, which provides specialized support for students on the autism spectrum as they navigate college life and prepare for future careers.

“This new facility represents a major step forward in ensuring all students have the resources they need to succeed in higher education,” said Mikala King, director of the autism transition program. “The TJ Swift House ASCEND Program is designed to provide essential academic, social and daily living support, and this new space will enhance our ability to serve students in meaningful ways.”

A key feature of the new facility is the Philanthropic Friends Giving Circle Sensory Garden, made possible through a major gift from the Philanthropic Friends Giving Circle. Led by local resident and former Missouri State University Board of Governors member Carol Silvey, the garden will provide a calming outdoor environment for students on the spectrum while maintaining an enclosed space for comfort and security.

The Neurodiversity and Autism Center was made possible through significant funding contributions, including $7.5 million in state funding secured with the support of former 33rd District state Sen. Karla Eslinger, R-Wasola; former 154th District state Rep. David Evans, R-West Plains; and former Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, who signed the legislation for the appropriation in June 2022. Additional funding included $500,000 from the Howell County Commission’s American Rescue Plan Act funds and $2.5 million from the President’s Enhancement Fund at Missouri State University in Springfield.

Designed specifically for individuals on the autism spectrum, the 9,300-square-foot building features sensory-conscious elements such as indirect lighting, textured materials on carpets, walls and furniture, sound-absorbing materials and breakout rooms designed to help reduce overstimulation. The facility also includes classroom space tailored to support the unique learning styles of students in the TJ Swift House ASCEND Program.

“This project has been years in the making, and we are incredibly grateful to our state legislators, local government leaders and generous donors who helped make it a reality,” said MSU-WP Chancellor Dennis Lancaster. “This facility will be a game-changer for our students and a model for other institutions looking to enhance support for neurodiverse learners.”

Lancaster emphasized the university’s commitment to supporting a learning environment for all students. “At Missouri State University-West Plains, we are dedicated to providing opportunities for all students to thrive. This facility is a testament to that mission, ensuring students on the autism spectrum have the resources they need to succeed academically, socially and in their future careers.”

The dedication ceremony will take place outside the new facility on the MSU-WP campus. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the building following the ceremony.

For more information about the dedication ceremony, contact the MSU-WP office of university communications at 417-255-7960.

For more information about the TJ Swift House ASCEND Program, visit WP.MissouriState.edu/ASCEND or email King at MikalaKing@MissouriState.edu.

Apr
18
Fri
Citywide Yard Sale
Apr 18 all-day

Citywide Yard Sale

April 17–19 (Thursday–Saturday)
No permit fees required!
Time to clean out those closets, set up a sale, and shop around town for hidden treasures.

Spring Cleanup Week
April 21–25 (Monday–Friday, on your regular trash pickup day)
The City will collect extra items for free — just sort them properly:

Regular Trash: Bagged or boxed waste
Large Items: Furniture, mattresses (must be wrapped!)
Metals & Appliances: Must have certified Freon removal stickers on fridges/freezers
Yard Waste: Bagged leaves/grass—no brush pickup, but you can take brush to the Transfer Station (1851 Old Airport Road) for free this week only
Recyclables: Put in or near your red recycle bin

Bonus: Earth Day is April 22 — let’s make this a clean, green week to remember!

Not accepted: Hazardous waste, renovation debris, or items piled on trailers/trucks. Please box & label broken glass.

Need tires picked up? Call 417-255-2330 to schedule. Fees apply.

Questions? Same number — 417-255-2330

Flea Market with Multiple Vendors (privately organized event as part of citywide yard sale) @ Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds
Apr 18 @ 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

See City Wide Yard Sale Extension event page on Facebook for more information, including for vendor set up.

Art at OzSBI ~ Artist Cindy Temple, hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts @ Ozarks Small Business Incubator
Apr 18 @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Art available for viewing during OzSBI’s regular business hours through June.

Art of Honest Imagination participants on display, hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts @ West Plains Public Library
Apr 18 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Art available for viewing during regular hours of operation through June.

Spring Art Show @ Harlin Museum
Apr 18 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Exhibit by local artists. Free admission. Donations for upkeep of the museum welcome.

Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the West Plains Optimist Club & Ozarks Healthcare @ Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds
Apr 18 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Ozarks Healthcare and the West Plains Optimist Club are inviting area families to hop into spring with a free community Easter Egg Hunt. Originally planned for an earlier date, the event has been rescheduled due to rain – but the fun is still on the way! The event will feature thousands of Easter eggs for children to hunt, free hot dogs, festive games, and plenty of springtime fun for all ages. Children will be grouped into age-specific areas to ensure a safe and exciting egg hunt experience. The Easter Bunny will also be making a special appearance for photos and smiles. No registration is required, and all are welcome to attend.
Auditions for Summer Musical “The Prince of Egypt” (must sign up for a specific time slot – information in link) @ Avenue Theatre
Apr 18 @ 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

From the director, Jordan Hall: BIG, BIG NEWS!
We are thrilled to announce our 2025 summer musical….Dreamworks “The Prince of Egypt”!

I love this musical and I’m excited to be among the first community theaters in the US to bring it to life! Spread the word because we want new faces, old faces, all the faces to be part of this show.
I would especially love to have a great turn out because I have decided to step back after this summer and take a hiatus from directing. Come out and be part of my last summer musical!
PLEASE READ the post carefully. It contains quite a bit of necessary information. ALL links to resources will be in this post.
The performance dates will be June 20-22, 24, 26-29 (8 total). Rehearsals will begin the week of May 12. Each week we’ll rehearse Monday, Tuesday & Thursday evenings. The final 2 weeks of production will result in increased rehearsals. A full schedule will be given after auditions to the cast.
Auditions will be held Monday, April 14th & Friday, April 18th at the Avenue Theatre. Call backs will be April 19th if needed. If you cant make these times due to college or other conflicts, please reach out so we can make arrangements for you to still audition!
This is a big cast musical and there are TONS of roles, big and small, for youth and adults of all ages. Cast members must be going into the 7th grade all the way to age 110. In auditions you will fill out paperwork including any potential conflicts you may have. We can have some flexibility, but we need a committed cast.
Sign up for ONE audition time slot in the Sign-Up Genius link below:
You will PICK ONE to sing for the casting team. Following the singing portion, you will perform cold readings from the script. Links to the audition tracks can be found below:
“Dance to the Day” sung by Tzipporah (Moses’ wife)
“Heartless” sung by Nefertari (Ramses’ wife)
“Footprints on the Sand” sung by Moses
“Through Heaven’s Eyes” sung by Jethro
Slim Stanley, an evening of the Dead and inspired music @ The Yellow House
Apr 18 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

From organizers: Come out on this 420 weekend for a night of high times and good jams from Slim Stanley as the jams will consist of music from the Grateful Dead and other inspired tunes. This is free to get in but tips and donations are accepted up to 420 dollars. 😁 This is a BYOB event, please do so responsibly. Starting at 7 PM so get to trucking over to get your rambling rose dance shoes on and see what’s shaking on Trish Knight Street.

Message The Yellow House for more information.

Apr
19
Sat
Citywide Yard Sale
Apr 19 all-day

Citywide Yard Sale

April 17–19 (Thursday–Saturday)
No permit fees required!
Time to clean out those closets, set up a sale, and shop around town for hidden treasures.

Spring Cleanup Week
April 21–25 (Monday–Friday, on your regular trash pickup day)
The City will collect extra items for free — just sort them properly:

Regular Trash: Bagged or boxed waste
Large Items: Furniture, mattresses (must be wrapped!)
Metals & Appliances: Must have certified Freon removal stickers on fridges/freezers
Yard Waste: Bagged leaves/grass—no brush pickup, but you can take brush to the Transfer Station (1851 Old Airport Road) for free this week only
Recyclables: Put in or near your red recycle bin

Bonus: Earth Day is April 22 — let’s make this a clean, green week to remember!

Not accepted: Hazardous waste, renovation debris, or items piled on trailers/trucks. Please box & label broken glass.

Need tires picked up? Call 417-255-2330 to schedule. Fees apply.

Questions? Same number — 417-255-2330

All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast @ American Legion Hall
Apr 19 @ 7:00 am – 10:00 am

The American Legion hosts a breakfast on the third Saturday of every month as a fundraiser. All you can eat and lots of options at a bargain price!

Flea Market with Multiple Vendors (privately organized event as part of citywide yard sale) @ Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds
Apr 19 @ 7:00 am – 5:00 pm

See City Wide Yard Sale Extension event page on Facebook for more information, including for vendor set up.

Art of Honest Imagination participants on display, hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts @ West Plains Public Library
Apr 19 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Art available for viewing during regular hours of operation through June.

Presentation by former NBA player Chris Carr @ Lincoln School
Apr 19 @ 11:00 am – 12:15 pm

The Lincoln School will host former NBA player and current administrator with Drury University Chris Carr for a community talk on perseverance and leadership. The program is free and open to all, but due to limited seating, registration is required. RSVP by emailing LincolnSchool65775@gmail.com.

 

Spring Art Show @ Harlin Museum
Apr 19 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Exhibit by local artists. Free admission. Donations for upkeep of the museum welcome.

Weekly Dance with live music by Country Express Band @ West Plains Senior Center
Apr 19 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Check the Country Express Band Facebook page for cost and other details, including potential cancellations due to weather, holidays or other unforeseen circumstances.

From Country Express: Two step, Cha Cha, Waltz, Electric Slide, Charleston, Foot Boogie, River Waltz, Sweetheart, Around the Room, Tennessee Waltz, Neon Moon Cha Cha, and many more. Or just come listen to some good ole country music. Old country, new country, southern rock music. No alcohol allowed. Family fun for all ages.

 

Apr
20
Sun
Spring Art Show @ Harlin Museum
Apr 20 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Exhibit by local artists. Free admission. Donations for upkeep of the museum welcome.

Apr
21
Mon
Citywide Cleanup
Apr 21 all-day

Spring Cleanup Week
April 21–25 (Monday–Friday, on your regular trash pickup day)
The City will collect extra items for free — just sort them properly:

Regular Trash: Bagged or boxed waste
Large Items: Furniture, mattresses (must be wrapped!)
Metals & Appliances: Must have certified Freon removal stickers on fridges/freezers
Yard Waste: Bagged leaves/grass—no brush pickup, but you can take brush to the Transfer Station (1851 Old Airport Road) for free this week only
Recyclables: Put in or near your red recycle bin

Bonus: Earth Day is April 22 — let’s make this a clean, green week to remember!

Not accepted: Hazardous waste, renovation debris, or items piled on trailers/trucks. Please box & label broken glass.

Need tires picked up? Call 417-255-2330 to schedule. Fees apply.

Questions? Same number — 417-255-2330

Art at OzSBI ~ Artist Cindy Temple, hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts @ Ozarks Small Business Incubator
Apr 21 @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Art available for viewing during OzSBI’s regular business hours through June.

Art of Honest Imagination participants on display, hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts @ West Plains Public Library
Apr 21 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Art available for viewing during regular hours of operation through June.

MSU-West Plains University/Community Band Spring Concert @ West Plains Civic Center Theater
Apr 21 @ 7:00 pm
Missouri State University-West Plains is thrilled to announce the performance of its University/Community Band on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public, with suggested donations graciously accepted. The event will take place in the Theater at the West Plains Civic Center. We invite you to join us for an evening of great music. For more information, please contact Director of Music Rocky Long at RockyLong@MissouriState.edu or call 417-255-7291.
Apr
22
Tue
Citywide Cleanup
Apr 22 all-day

Spring Cleanup Week
April 21–25 (Monday–Friday, on your regular trash pickup day)
The City will collect extra items for free — just sort them properly:

Regular Trash: Bagged or boxed waste
Large Items: Furniture, mattresses (must be wrapped!)
Metals & Appliances: Must have certified Freon removal stickers on fridges/freezers
Yard Waste: Bagged leaves/grass—no brush pickup, but you can take brush to the Transfer Station (1851 Old Airport Road) for free this week only
Recyclables: Put in or near your red recycle bin

Bonus: Earth Day is April 22 — let’s make this a clean, green week to remember!

Not accepted: Hazardous waste, renovation debris, or items piled on trailers/trucks. Please box & label broken glass.

Need tires picked up? Call 417-255-2330 to schedule. Fees apply.

Questions? Same number — 417-255-2330

Art at OzSBI ~ Artist Cindy Temple, hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts @ Ozarks Small Business Incubator
Apr 22 @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Art available for viewing during OzSBI’s regular business hours through June.

Art of Honest Imagination participants on display, hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts @ West Plains Public Library
Apr 22 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Art available for viewing during regular hours of operation through June.

“Finding Superman” A Family’s Journey with Dementia @ West Plains Public Library
Apr 22 @ 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm

Free presentation.

West Plains Women’s Acappella Community Chorus Rehearsal @ Boys & Girls Club
Apr 22 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

West Plains Women’s Acappella Community Chorus Rehearsals, Every Tuesday, 7pm to 9pm, West Plains Boys and Girls Club. Women singers always welcome. Get more information at 661-303-8686

Apr
23
Wed
Citywide Cleanup
Apr 23 all-day

Spring Cleanup Week
April 21–25 (Monday–Friday, on your regular trash pickup day)
The City will collect extra items for free — just sort them properly:

Regular Trash: Bagged or boxed waste
Large Items: Furniture, mattresses (must be wrapped!)
Metals & Appliances: Must have certified Freon removal stickers on fridges/freezers
Yard Waste: Bagged leaves/grass—no brush pickup, but you can take brush to the Transfer Station (1851 Old Airport Road) for free this week only
Recyclables: Put in or near your red recycle bin

Bonus: Earth Day is April 22 — let’s make this a clean, green week to remember!

Not accepted: Hazardous waste, renovation debris, or items piled on trailers/trucks. Please box & label broken glass.

Need tires picked up? Call 417-255-2330 to schedule. Fees apply.

Questions? Same number — 417-255-2330

Art at OzSBI ~ Artist Cindy Temple, hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts @ Ozarks Small Business Incubator
Apr 23 @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Art available for viewing during OzSBI’s regular business hours through June.

Art of Honest Imagination participants on display, hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts @ West Plains Public Library
Apr 23 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Art available for viewing during regular hours of operation through June.

Apr
24
Thu
Citywide Cleanup
Apr 24 all-day

Spring Cleanup Week
April 21–25 (Monday–Friday, on your regular trash pickup day)
The City will collect extra items for free — just sort them properly:

Regular Trash: Bagged or boxed waste
Large Items: Furniture, mattresses (must be wrapped!)
Metals & Appliances: Must have certified Freon removal stickers on fridges/freezers
Yard Waste: Bagged leaves/grass—no brush pickup, but you can take brush to the Transfer Station (1851 Old Airport Road) for free this week only
Recyclables: Put in or near your red recycle bin

Bonus: Earth Day is April 22 — let’s make this a clean, green week to remember!

Not accepted: Hazardous waste, renovation debris, or items piled on trailers/trucks. Please box & label broken glass.

Need tires picked up? Call 417-255-2330 to schedule. Fees apply.

Questions? Same number — 417-255-2330

Art at OzSBI ~ Artist Cindy Temple, hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts @ Ozarks Small Business Incubator
Apr 24 @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Art available for viewing during OzSBI’s regular business hours through June.

Art of Honest Imagination participants on display, hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts @ West Plains Public Library
Apr 24 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Art available for viewing during regular hours of operation through June.

Spring Art Show @ Harlin Museum
Apr 24 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Exhibit by local artists. Free admission. Donations for upkeep of the museum welcome.

“Pride and Prejudice” live theater performance presented by West Plains Playhouse @ Dev's Steakhouse Grand Ballroom
Apr 24 @ 7:00 pm

Performances Dates – April 24, 25, 26, 27, 29 and May 1, 2, 3, 4 (weekdays and Saturdays at 7PM & Sun at 3PM). West Plains Playhouse on Facebook for more information.

Apr
25
Fri
Citywide Cleanup
Apr 25 all-day

Spring Cleanup Week
April 21–25 (Monday–Friday, on your regular trash pickup day)
The City will collect extra items for free — just sort them properly:

Regular Trash: Bagged or boxed waste
Large Items: Furniture, mattresses (must be wrapped!)
Metals & Appliances: Must have certified Freon removal stickers on fridges/freezers
Yard Waste: Bagged leaves/grass—no brush pickup, but you can take brush to the Transfer Station (1851 Old Airport Road) for free this week only
Recyclables: Put in or near your red recycle bin

Bonus: Earth Day is April 22 — let’s make this a clean, green week to remember!

Not accepted: Hazardous waste, renovation debris, or items piled on trailers/trucks. Please box & label broken glass.

Need tires picked up? Call 417-255-2330 to schedule. Fees apply.

Questions? Same number — 417-255-2330

OzCon Gaming Convention hosted by Always a Future for kids @ West Plains Civic Center
Apr 25 all-day

Oz-Con is a gaming, cosplay and anime convention nestled in the Ozarks. The convention is hosted by Always a Future for Kids and students from The Game Changers student organization at Missouri State University-West Plains; all proceeds go to support Always a Future for Kids. The three-day event will have a little bit for everyone including Cosplay Events, Collector Card Games, such as Magic, Warhammer 40k, Role Playing Games, and much more. Come help support a good cause, browse the various vendors, join a workshop, and meet celebrities on April 25 – April 27, 2025.

Registration now open. Go to oz-con.com for complete details. Oz-Con on Facebook.

Art at OzSBI ~ Artist Cindy Temple, hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts @ Ozarks Small Business Incubator
Apr 25 @ 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Art available for viewing during OzSBI’s regular business hours through June.

Art of Honest Imagination participants on display, hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts @ West Plains Public Library
Apr 25 @ 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Art available for viewing during regular hours of operation through June.

8th Annual Show Me RC 100 @ Triple H RC Raceway
Apr 25 @ 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm

See Triple H RC Raceway on Facebook for details.

Spring Art Show @ Harlin Museum
Apr 25 @ 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Exhibit by local artists. Free admission. Donations for upkeep of the museum welcome.

3-Man Golf Tournament ~ hosted by ORN, benefitting Howell County Special Olympics @ North Terra Golf Course
Apr 25 @ 6:01 pm – 7:01 pm

From organizers: Join us for a 3-Man Tournament at North Terra Golf Course. Tee time is 10:00 AM, and the entry fee is $300 per team.  Prizes will be awarded on every hole, and there will be 2 side game challenges.  All proceeds will benefit Howell County Special Olympics. Sign up today at the North Terra Golf Clubhouse. For questions, call Vanessa at 417-256-3131.

“Pride and Prejudice” live theater performance presented by West Plains Playhouse @ Dev's Steakhouse Grand Ballroom
Apr 25 @ 7:00 pm

Performances Dates – April 24, 25, 26, 27, 29 and May 1, 2, 3, 4 (weekdays and Saturdays at 7PM & Sun at 3PM). West Plains Playhouse on Facebook for more information.

Live Music ~ Brandy Lee at soft opening of new venue @ Country Nights
Apr 25 @ 9:00 pm – 1:00 am

Organizers at Country Nights say, “Come enjoy the music while we celebrate opening day for Country Nights!” See Country Nights, LLC on Facebook.

Apr
26
Sat
OzCon Gaming Convention hosted by Always a Future for kids @ West Plains Civic Center
Apr 26 all-day

Oz-Con is a gaming, cosplay and anime convention nestled in the Ozarks. The convention is hosted by Always a Future for Kids and students from The Game Changers student organization at Missouri State University-West Plains; all proceeds go to support Always a Future for Kids. The three-day event will have a little bit for everyone including Cosplay Events, Collector Card Games, such as Magic, Warhammer 40k, Role Playing Games, and much more. Come help support a good cause, browse the various vendors, join a workshop, and meet celebrities on April 25 – April 27, 2025.

Registration now open. Go to oz-con.com for complete details. Oz-Con on Facebook.

Art of Honest Imagination participants on display, hosted by West Plains Council on the Arts @ West Plains Public Library
Apr 26 @ 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Art available for viewing during regular hours of operation through June.