Sunday shortlist: festival closer, free Coco, and jazz
Final Japanese Fall Festival day to 5, free Coco at Gillioz at 2, Women of Jazz at Hold Fast from 3.
Sunday, September 13
Saturday was the crowded peak — festival stage till late, food trucks, free downtown music. Sunday is the quieter closer: shorter festival hours, a free family matinee downtown, and afternoon jazz at Hold Fast.
Japanese Fall Festival — Sunday closer
Sunday, September 13 · 11am–5pm
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden · 2400 S. Scenic Ave. · $10 adults · $4 ages 3–12 · Tickets at the gate only (cash or card) · SSCA members free · Pets welcome under standard park rules
Final day of the weekend — stage runs through late afternoon (closing remarks ~4:50), tea café noon–3, Sunday tea ceremonies at 12:30 and 2 ($20, register at the gate, six people each). Cosplay Day is today; organizers list a discounted cosplay admission, but the exact dollar amount still conflicts on the festival page — don’t count on a specific cosplay price at the gate. Enter right from Scenic northbound (no left turns into or out of the park during the festival).
Best for: families and anyone who wants the festival without Saturday’s peak crowds.
Skip if you already did Friday or Saturday and don’t need another garden loop.
Cinema Sundays: Coco at Gillioz
Sunday, September 13 · Doors 1pm · Show 2pm
Gillioz Theatre · 325 Park Central East · Free showing with a free non-alcoholic beverage and popcorn · Day-of tickets at the box office from 12pm · Groups of 10+ call 417-863-9491 ahead
Cool, free afternoon downtown after (or instead of) the festival. Seats aren’t guaranteed for late walk-ups — arrive when the box office opens if it matters. No elevator to the balcony.
Best for: families who want an easy Sunday matinee without buying tickets ahead.
Women of Jazz Festival at Hold Fast
Sunday, September 13 · 3pm–9pm
Hold Fast Brewing · 235 N. Kimbrough Ave. · $10 · Kids under 12 free · All ages · Food trucks on site
Second annual — two stages, at least eight all-women or women-led bands. Tickets online at 417jazz.com or at the door. Bring a folding chair if you want to sit.
Best for: a low-key Sunday evening with live jazz and a beer, without a full concert-hall commitment.