Friday shortlist: bats at Sequiota, Cinderella tonight, and a Cider Days weekend
Free bat flights at Sequiota at 7, Rossini's Cinderella at the Gillioz, Cider Days on Walnut Sat-Sun, Bears vs Marshall Saturday, and Girls Soccer Night Sunday.
Friday, September 18
Twin Temple wrapped last night downtown. Tonight you can catch free bats at Sequiota or comic opera at the Gillioz, then the weekend opens with Cider Days on Walnut, Family Weekend football at Plaster, and a Sunday soccer afternoon. The Friends book sale is still at the E-Plex through Sunday if you want a half-price Saturday or bag-day Sunday errand, and Aries Spears runs through Sunday at the Comedy Club if you want a sit-down laugh.
Bat Flights at Sequiota
Friday, September 18 · 7pm · Free · All ages
Sequiota Park · 3500 S. Lone Pine Ave. · Meet at the cave entrance · No registration
A short outdoor program on gray bats and tri-colored bats, with a chance to see the twilight flight from Sequiota Cave. Easy free Friday if the weather cooperates - bat timing is never a guarantee.
Best for: families and anyone who wants a low-commitment outdoor night before the weekend crowds hit Walnut.
Skip if you need a timed indoor seat - this one depends on bats and dusk.
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.
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.
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: Family Weekend crowds and anyone who wants a full Saturday at Plaster without inventing a second downtown plan.
Missouri State Women's Soccer vs SIUE
Sunday, September 20 · 1:00pm
Betty & Bobby Allison South Stadium · Girls Soccer Night · ESPN+
A Sunday home match to close the weekend after Cider Days mornings. Confirm gate and parking on the athletics site before you go.
Best for: families and casual fans who want an afternoon game without another downtown festival loop.