Friday shortlist: bat flights, symphony, and a neon night
Free bats at Sequiota tonight, Saturday at Hammons and the Regency, plus NAMI’s neon 5k and Hold Fast jazz.
Friday, September 11
Issue #1 already covered the festival, Gillioz, the square, food trucks, Kick’s, and the train show. Here’s what else is still worth knowing this weekend — plus a new sushi stop on Republic.
Bat Flights at Sequiota
Friday, September 11 · 7pm
Sequiota Park cave entrance · 3500 S. Lone Pine Ave. · Free · All ages · No registration
Twilight bat education with a chance to watch gray bats leave the cave. Observing flights is weather- and bat-dependent — go for the program even if the sky stays quiet.
Best for: free family night, kids, anyone who wants something different from the festival crowds.
Springfield Symphony — The Big Apple
Saturday, September 12 · 7:30pm
Juanita K. Hammons Hall (MSU)
Program: Hanson Fanfare; Bernstein’s *On the Town* dances; Alyssa Morris’s *Tlapalli, Tlahuilli*; Copland’s *Red Pony* selections; Gershwin’s *An American in Paris*.
Best for: a sit-down date night, or families who want a real concert-hall evening.
Kolby Cooper at The Regency Live
Saturday, September 12 · Doors 7pm · Show 8:30pm
307 Park Central East · All ages
With BRAY and Keith Fields · GA $24.75 advance / $30 day of (fees in) on StubWire
Standing-room country night downtown. Same Saturday as the symphony — pick your room.
Best for: country fans who don’t need a seat.
Skip if you wanted a quiet hall night instead.
Get tickets on StubWire · Event page
NAMI NEON Night 5k / 1 Mile
Saturday, September 12 · 7:45pm start
Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park · 3825 W. Farm Rd. 146
$55 adults · $40 ages 5–12 · free ages 1–4 (RunSignUp) · Illuminated trail / glow gear · luminaries $10 · 100% proceeds to NAMI Southwest Missouri
Online registration ends 8am race morning. Packet pickup Friday, September 11, 9:30am–6:30pm at Primas Mexican Kitchen (3662 S. Glenstone), or race day 7–7:45pm.
Best for: families and friends who want a meaningful Saturday night out.
Women of Jazz Festival at Hold Fast
Sunday, September 13 · 3–9pm
235 N. Kimbrough · $10 · Kids under 12 free · All ages · Food trucks
An afternoon-into-evening jazz festival at the brewery. Easy add after a festival or cave day if you still have energy.
Best for: jazz fans who want a brewery afternoon, kids included.
Niji 2 Sushi Bar & Grill
2100 W. Republic Rd., Ste. 124 · (417) 493-9988
Newly open. Daily 11am–2pm and 4–9pm. Sushi plus Vietnamese on the south side.
Best for: casual date night, or anyone hunting sushi without going downtown.