Thursday shortlist: Twin Temple tonight, Cider Days, and a Plaster Saturday
Theatrical Twin Temple at the Regency tonight, Friends book sale through Sunday, Cider Days on Walnut, Rossini's Cinderella at the Gillioz, and Bears vs Marshall Saturday.
Thursday, September 17
Kayaks were this morning if you caught that early paddle - tonight is Twin Temple at the Regency, and the weekend stacks a free book sale, Cider Days on Walnut, comic opera at the Gillioz, and Family Weekend football at Plaster. Aries Spears is still at the Comedy Club through Sunday if you want a sit-down laugh later.
Twin Temple at Regency Live
Thursday, September 17 · Doors 7pm · Show 8pm · All ages
The Regency Live · 307 Park Central East · With Meldamor
Theatrical doo-wop and rock with occult flair - a weird downtown night, not another metal set. Same room as midweek, completely different energy.
Best for: anyone who wants a theatrical, slightly strange standing-room night tonight.
Skip if you're only in for loud metalcore - this is a different lane.
Friends Fall Book Sale
Wednesday-Sunday, September 16-20 · Free admission & parking · Cash or check only
E-Plex, Ozark Empire Fairgrounds · 3001 N. Grant Ave. · Wed-Fri 10am-8pm · Sat 10am-5pm (half-price day) · Sun 1-5pm (bag day)
A practical weekend loop - free to walk the tables, bring a bag, and hit half-price Saturday or bag day Sunday. No credit cards.
Best for: browsers and families who want a low-cost Saturday or Sunday errand that still feels like an outing.
Cider Days
Saturday-Sunday, September 19-20 · 10am-5pm each day
Historic Walnut Street, downtown Springfield · Tickets online or at the gates
Downtown Springfield Association with Springfield Regional Arts Council - artists and crafters, live music, food, and apple cider along Walnut. Easy to pair with a Square night or a Gillioz matinee.
Best for: an easy downtown weekend pass with kids or out-of-town guests when you want crafts, music, and cider in one loop.
Ozarks Lyric Opera - Rossini's Cinderella
Friday, September 18 · Doors 6:30pm · Show 7:30pm
Sunday, September 20 · Doors 1:30pm · Show 2:30pm
Gillioz Theatre · 325 Park Central East · $23-$60 reserved seating
Italian with English supertitles; conductor Whitney Reader; OLO's first fully staged *Cenerentola*. Sunday BOGO kids tickets via the box office (417-863-9491). No elevator to the balcony - orchestra has more legroom.
Best for: a dressed-up Friday night or Sunday matinee at the Gillioz when you want comic opera, not a rock show.
Skip if balcony access without stairs matters - stick to orchestra seats.
Missouri State Football vs Marshall
Saturday, September 19 · 5:30pm kickoff
Robert W. Plaster Stadium · Family Weekend · CBS Sports Network
Home football on national TV with Hall of Fame recognition at halftime. Tickets: 417-836-7678 or the MoState purchase link; check the fan guide for parking and clear-bag rules before you go.
Best for: families and alumni stacking a Plaster Saturday with Cider Days earlier on Walnut.