Saturday shortlist: Cider Days, Bears vs Marshall, and a free Square night
Cider Days on Walnut all weekend, half-price books at the E-Plex, Family Weekend football at Plaster at 5:30, free Live From Downtown on the Square, and Anne Wilson at Evangel.
Saturday, September 19
Friday's bats and Cinderella opener are in the rearview. Today is the Cider Days weekend on Walnut, half-price books at the E-Plex, Family Weekend football at Plaster, and two very different 7pm options - free Live From Downtown on the Square or Anne Wilson at Evangel. If you are still shopping Sunday, the Gillioz has the Cinderella matinee, Queen City Chorale sings at 4 at Immaculate Conception, and MoState wraps Family Weekend with a morning 5K and afternoon women's soccer.
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 the Springfield Regional Arts Council - artists and crafters, live music, food, and apple cider along Walnut. Easy daytime loop before kickoff or a Square night.
Best for: an easy downtown weekend pass with kids or out-of-town guests when you want crafts, music, and cider in one stretch of brick street.
Friends Fall Book Sale
Saturday, September 19 · 10am-5pm · Half Price Day
Sunday, September 20 · 1-5pm · Bag Day ($1 / $5 bags)
E-Plex at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds · 3001 N. Grant Ave. · Free admission · Free parking · Cash or check only
Thousands of books and media for a Saturday bargain run. Bring a bag; cards are not accepted at this sale.
Best for: readers stocking shelves on a budget before Bag Day Sunday.
Skip if you only pay by card - this sale is cash or check.
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 night under the lights at Plaster.
Live From Downtown: Lonesome Express
Saturday, September 19 · 7pm · Free
Park Central Square · Hot Club of the Ozarks opens · Bring a chair
Free outdoor show on the Square - all ages welcome, concessions on site, and downtown neighbors for food and drink before or after. A low-commitment Saturday night if you want music without a ticket hunt.
Best for: a free, family-friendly Square night when you would rather stand or dance than sit in a chapel seat.
Anne Wilson at Spence Chapel
Saturday, September 19 · 7pm
Evangel University · Spence Chapel · The STARS Tour · with Aodhan King
Ticketed indoor alternative to the free Square show. Grab tickets through Live Nation before you assume walk-up seats.
Best for: fans who want a sit-down STARS Tour night instead of (or after) Cider Days daytime.