Events in Cape Girardeau, MO

Wake up your week with a fast paced, 45 minute Zumba session designed to pack in high energy and plenty of fun. The class repeats the same dance routines for 6 to 8 weeks, giving everyone time to learn the moves and make steady progress. All fitness levels and ages are welcome, and no dance background is needed. Expect a supportive, judgment free setting where you can move at your own pace, even if you are new to dancing, off the beat, or need breaks between songs. It is a chance to try something new, share a laugh with friends, and put both physical and mental well being first. The workout takes place in the large group exercise studio with the lights turned down low to keep the focus on the music and movement. Reliable childcare is available for a small fee, with pricing at the service desk. A membership is required to attend.

Pumpkin Extravaganza returns for its sixth year as a free, family-friendly outdoor celebration of all things pumpkin at Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds in Jonesboro. Presented by University of Illinois Extension, the event features hands-on activities that teach about pumpkins, pumpkin treats to enjoy, creative pumpkin-themed crafts, and a variety of fun fall games. Activities are tailored for ages 5 to 17, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

A welcoming Zumba class brings the community together across all fitness levels, backgrounds, and goals to move, sweat, and build genuine connections in a supportive setting. Sessions take place in the spacious gym at Discover Life Church Cape Girardeau, which spans the length of two full basketball courts, offering plenty of room whether you prefer the front or a quieter spot. No dance experience is needed. Routines repeat over time to help you learn, and participants are encouraged to go at their own pace and take breaks as needed while prioritizing both physical and mental well being. Bring water and a towel, and note that restrooms are available. The drop in rate is $5, or choose a 10 class pass for $30, with payment accepted by cash, check, or PayPal or Venmo to @squareonewellness. Childcare is available in a classroom next to the gym for children ages 0 to 12 at $2 per child, paid to Ellen Gipson and directed to the sitter. Teens ages 14 to 16 may take the class with a parent’s permission and supervision for $3. Each workout concludes with a moment of gratitude, a daily devotional that is handed out, and a short Christian prayer, and participants are asked to respect the facility and its beliefs.

Enjoy an all-ages evening of tabletop fun. Classic board games, trading card games, and roleplaying games are all part of the mix. Bring a favorite to play or take part in games available there. It is a friendly way to meet new people and explore something different at the table.

Amity Yoga turns off the lights for a playful glow in the dark class that feels a bit like a night out. Black lights and neon set the scene as participants move, laugh, and explore yoga in a fresh way with an upbeat soundtrack. The atmosphere is relaxed and focused on fun rather than perfection, and all experience levels are welcome. Glow sticks are provided to boost the luminous vibe, and bringing friends is encouraged. Wear white or neon colors for the brightest effect under the black lights. Space is limited.

A free tribute show celebrating the music of Fleetwood Mac features a set full of favorite hits. Food and drink vendors will be available, and clean bathrooms are provided. The event is family friendly and welcomes pets. Lawn chairs and coolers are allowed, so you can settle into a comfortable spot and enjoy the performance.

This facility drive brings the community together to support heroes and emphasizes transparency by allowing visitors to see how donations are used. The facilities open to the public one day each month so veteran residents can prepare for the occasion. At all other times, visits are by appointment. The setting is intended to be safe and quiet, offering a place where hope can grow.

The 2026 Makanda Vulture Fest brings a weekend of autumn fun to downtown Makanda, Illinois, celebrating all things vulture with live music, local art, tasty food, and unique shopping. Look for a festive atmosphere filled with seasonal flair and community creativity. Further details will be announced as the event approaches. The organizers are also seeking volunteers to support the parking crew and can be reached at makandafestevents@gmail.com.

Test your skills in a One Piece tournament held each week. The entry fee is $5, every participant receives a prize pack, and any additional prizes will be based on attendance.

A Mahjong Tournament in Cobden, IL welcomes participants from outside the area and offers a day of friendly, fun play.

Build foundational crochet skills in an introductory session that guides participants through making a cup coaster. Learn the chain and single crochet stitches, practice how to begin and end a project, and get a brief introduction to the double crochet stitch, with time set aside for discussion. Instruction is provided, and materials are included, such as yarn, an H hook, and a yarn needle.

Campus Auto & Tire marks 50 years of service with a ribbon cutting alongside the Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce. The celebration honors this hometown shop’s long-standing commitment to the community. After the ceremony, lunch will be served with hotdogs, chips, cupcakes, and drinks.

Mercy Southeast Hospice hosts a community grief support group at Mercy Fitness Center. Meeting on the third Wednesday of each month, it is open to the entire community and welcomes anyone who has experienced a loss. Participants can learn about the grieving process, share feelings and personal experiences in a safe, supportive setting, and connect with others who understand and are ready to listen and share. For more information, call Mercy Southeast Hospice at 573-335-6208.

Travel back to the Roaring Twenties for an interactive murder mystery dinner at Rusted Route Farms. Inside Cherry’s Speakeasy, flappers, bootleggers, and rival gangs gather to settle a turf dispute when the notorious Russian mobster Harry Hyde arrives... and does not make it out alive. Follow the clues with an ensemble of colorful characters, including Trixie, the owner of the speakeasy, Red E. Mix, a concrete salesman, Constable Doyle Lonnegan, and a lineup of suspicious figures such as Larry the Rug, Joey the Lips, and J. Edna Hoover, as everyone tries to uncover who is behind the crime. A buffet dinner is served during the experience with dessert to follow, then the mystery concludes with a final reveal. Guests are encouraged to wear Roaring Twenties attire like flapper dresses, pearls, suspenders, fedoras, pinstripe suits, and feathered headbands, and participation is completely optional. Tickets are available through the event’s website, and the confirmation email serves as the ticket. Full refunds are available for cancellations made at least three days in advance.

Legacy Training Inc. is organizing a community clean-up at The Power Center in Cairo, Illinois. Volunteers will work together to beautify the area and are encouraged to bring gloves, rakes, shovels, push brooms, lawn mowers, wheelbarrows, and any other useful tools. After the cleanup, H & H Buffalo will provide a free fish fry for volunteers. The event may be postponed in case of rain. The aim is to leave the neighborhood cleaner today and stronger tomorrow through shared effort.

A family friendly celebration at Bald Knob Cross of Peace features musical guests and food trucks. Children can enjoy bounce houses and face painting, along with wildlife sightings courtesy of Wildlife Sanctuary. Parking is $10 per car, and donations are accepted to help complete the courtyard.

A recurring Foodbank distribution serving the community, usually scheduled for the fourth Saturday of each month, with any changes noted in advance.

Celebrate the season at the 5th Annual Riverfront Fall Festival at Water Street and Riverfront in Cape Girardeau. The event features a kids zone, live entertainment, a biergarten, food trucks, and craft vendors.

Enjoy a show at The Riverhouse.

Dobbins Conservatory brings the hit farce The Play That Goes Wrong to the Rust Flexible Theatre, offering multiple performance options. This acclaimed Broadway comedy follows the Cornley University Drama Society as they attempt to stage The Murder at Haversham Manor, only to face a cascade of bungles. Expect slapstick mayhem as performers miss cues, props misbehave, a supposed corpse refuses to stay still, and set pieces seem determined to collapse, all while the troupe soldiers on toward the final curtain. Tickets are $27.75 in person and $25 to $32.75 online, with free admission for currently enrolled SEMO students. Parental guidance is advised. Enhanced security will be in effect. Entry includes walkthrough detectors, screening with handheld wands, on-site security staff, and bag checks. Weapons are not allowed on River Campus property, and anyone carrying prohibited items will be denied entry with those items. Support for the Dobbins Conservatory 2026–2027 season is provided by Commerce Bank and the City of Cape Girardeau. Promotional graphics are by SEMO Marketing and Communications.

Haunted Harvest Festival transforms a special market day into a blend of autumn abundance and Halloween fun for all ages. Browse stands filled with pumpkins, gourds, seasonal produce, and handcrafted goods amid spooky décor and cozy fall ambience. Treat yourself to caramel apples, fresh-baked sweets, warm beverages, and savory favorites. Costumes are welcome for a morning centered on community, local shopping, and just the right touch of Halloween spirit. Appreciation goes to the Cultivator Sponsors Delta, Edge Realty/Lorimont Commerical Real Estate, Natural Health Organic Foods Store, and Tabor Commercial Real Estate, the Harvester Sponsors Proctor and Gamble and Saint Francis Healthcare System, the Sprout Sponsor MO Roofing & Construction, the Volunteer Sponsor Cape Family Medical Clinic, the Music Sponsor Shivelbine’s Music Store, the Media Partner River Radio/MikeFM, the Future Makers Market Sponsor SendAFriend and The Bank of Missouri, and the Festival Sponsor Rotary Club of Southeast Missouri Service.

Costumes and running shoes set the tone for the first-ever Run South Cape 5K Run & Walk at Shawnee Park Center. This neighborhood course brings together Halloween fun, fitness, and community, and welcomes runners, walkers, families, and cheer squads. Participants receive a commemorative race T-shirt and a finisher medal, and the celebration wraps up with a Trunk-or-Treat at the finish. Groups and families of three or more get a $5 discount per registration. Keep an eye out for homes renovated by PORCH along the route, and know that the event supports PORCH’s mission.

Celebrate a century of the History Center at the annual banquet at Jackson Knights of Columbus Hall. The evening features music by Doc and Friends, a panel discussion, and a silent auction. Tickets are required and cost $60 per person, available for purchase at the History Center. Proceeds from the event benefit the History Center as it enters its next 100 years.

Explore estate planning in a welcoming, plain-language workshop with SMPLD and Elisha Sanders. Learn what belongs in a well-rounded plan, from wills and trusts to powers of attorney and beneficiary selections, why these tools matter for any age or income, and practical first steps to protect your wishes and the people you care about. Whether you are starting fresh or checking if current documents still fit your needs, expect clear guidance and a practical checklist to help you move forward. Questions are encouraged. This event is free and open to all.

At The Riverhouse in Scott City, MO, Mix Tape Music Bingo offers a free, music-themed game night with all supplies provided. Enjoy mixtape tracks while playing for prizes. Registration is required and can be completed through the tickets link on the event post. If time remains after bingo, karaoke will be available.

On First Fridays, singer songwriter Jason Heeter brings an acoustic performance to Ebb and Flow Fermentations in downtown Cape Girardeau. Admission is free, and the event welcomes all ages in a family friendly setting.

Now in its second year, this relaxed neighborhood evening blends community, fun, and entertainment to support The Garrett St. Blessing Box through fall and winter. Entry is a donation of pantry staples or canned goods to help keep the box stocked. Attendees can look forward to street food, vendors, music, and a family movie on the lawn, creating an easygoing setting to spend time with friends, relatives, and neighbors while making a positive impact. Vendor registration is 20 dollars, and the fee is waived for those who participated in any The Buzz Family Market events earlier in the year, including Boom Where You’re Planted or the 100 Mile Yard Sale.

The Cape LifeHouse Gala spotlights Stetsons & Stilettos, a blend of western flair and formal elegance where cowboy boots pair with evening wear and a touch of sparkle. It takes place at the Drury Conference Center in Cape Girardeau and benefits LifeHouse. Sponsorships and tickets are available, and the previous edition reached capacity. Contributions help provide safe housing, essential support, and hope for mothers and their babies.

Apple Creek Golf Club sets the stage for a murder mystery dinner featuring clues, delicious food, and a touch of suspicion around every corner. Anticipate an evening of sleuthing as you piece together the puzzle over a meal. More details will be shared soon, and seating is limited... deciding who to trust is part of the challenge.

Callie and Kevin will appear as part of the Ride For Michelle event at American Legion Post 158 Clubroom in Jackson, MO.

Give your young pup a confident start with a five-week socialization and training course at Deer Creek Doggie Day Camp. Resident Puppy Expert Jessica Kuehn guides families through the Start Right curriculum, focusing on gentle introductions, boundary setting, potty training, leash basics, and getting comfortable with new places like the vet’s office or the park. The series begins with an orientation for people only, followed by four group classes where owners and puppies build social skills, learn to read canine communication, and practice everyday manners together. Enrollment is open to puppies 9 to 16 weeks old with proof of vaccinations required, and the registration fee is $85 per puppy. The final session celebrates progress with a certificate of completion, a goodie bag, and a graduation photo. Participants can also choose optional Pow Wow half-day sessions for extra practice and age-appropriate exercise at $20 per session, with Counselor Jessica reinforcing class homework so pups head home ready to rest.

A special presentation from Talmi Entertainment brings NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet to Bedell Performance Hall, showcasing North America’s biggest Nutcracker production. This festive performance features an international cast of acclaimed dancers, gravity-defying acrobatics, elaborate costumes, and giant puppets, all performed to Tchaikovsky’s timeless score. Tickets range from $45.75 to $184.75 in person and $52.85 to $191.85 online, and SEMO students must purchase a ticket. Security measures will be in place, including walkthrough detectors, handheld wands, on-site personnel, and a bag check. Weapons are prohibited on River Campus property. Promotional materials are provided by Talmi Entertainment.

Explore traditional Chinese brush painting in a two-day, hands-on workshop led by Grace Lin. Participants practice the Four Gentlemen techniques, focusing on plum blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo, classic subjects that convey the spirit and character of nature through the seasons. The curriculum introduces foundational brushwork and welcomes all experience levels, with special support for beginners, while encouraging individual expression. A lunch break is included each day. Preregistration with a $40 fee is required, payable online by card or in person with cash or check at Crisp Museum. Some materials are provided, and a supply list is shared at sign-up. For questions, call (573) 651-2260 or email museum@semo.edu.

TTI is planning the Diamond in the Rough, Run for the Roses gala at Rusted Route. A sponsor reception is set to take place before the main event. Organizers welcome sponsors and volunteers to help bring the evening together. For sponsorship or volunteer information, contact Angie at agraviett@thetailorinstitute.org.

Experience a welcoming gathering where foster parents, adoptive families, and community members share personal stories of hope and love, illustrating how fostering and adoption can change lives. Explore resource booths from community organizations, enjoy children’s activities alongside fun for all ages, and take a break with available food and beverages. The program offers clear guidance and practical next steps for anyone interested in making a meaningful difference.

Grace Recovery is opening the doors of Freedom House in Cape Girardeau for a festive open house and fundraiser that takes the place of the traditional Christmas at the City gala. Guests can tour the house, see how close the project is to completion at roughly 80 percent, and learn how their support can help finish the final phase so women can soon move into a safe, supportive home. The event features beautifully decorated Christmas trees available for bidding, opportunities to sponsor a room, a Giving Wall to meet specific needs, photos with Santa, and light refreshments. Businesses, churches, organizations, families, and individuals can get involved by sponsoring the event, donating toward remaining needs, volunteering, spreading the word, or simply walking through to understand the vision. Tours and informational meetings are available for those who want to explore more.

Callie and Kevin appear at The Riverhouse, a scenic venue along the Mississippi River. The afternoon centers on food, lighthearted fun, and a welcoming sense of community.

Explore how scientists use sound to study wildlife in an evening focused on wild turkeys and acoustic research. Guest speaker Lucille Cheeley, a master’s student researching wild turkey ecology in Illinois, will explain how bioacoustic methods reveal the seasonal pattern of male gobbling. Learn how these findings help biologists and managers set spring turkey seasons to align with breeding behavior, supporting responsible management and conservation. This free public program welcomes birders, hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the sounds of the Cache River wetlands and the techniques used to monitor animal populations. No RSVP needed. The program takes place at the Henry N. Barkhausen Cache River Wetlands Center.

A kid friendly craft session at Apple Creek Golf Club features Thanksgiving themed projects, festive activities, and the chance to make keepsakes. The focus is on creativity and seasonal fun. Admission is $5 per child. Reservations are available by calling 618-549-2492.

Community spirit takes center stage at Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau for 573 Day with SEMO Football, where the SEMO Redhawks play UT Martin. The event also supports a cause, with $5.73 from every ticket purchased through the designated link benefiting Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland. Enjoy a college football showdown while contributing to a meaningful initiative.

Ha Ha Tonka brings a sound rooted in the Ozarks of southern Missouri, blending Ozark mountain traditions with straight-ahead rock and roll. Across five acclaimed albums, the band has toured internationally, performed at Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits, and appeared on CONAN and on Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations. Their journey includes years of friendship, love, growing families, and shared growth that shape the music they make together. This show welcomes all ages. Tickets are $15 in advance and $18 on the day of the performance.

Celebrate the season with a hands-on Christmas cookie decorating class at StarView Vineyards. All materials are provided, and each participant will decorate six to eight cookies with holiday designs. Instruction includes wet-on-wet technique, precision piping, crisp outlines, smooth flooding, 3D elements, sectional flooding, and working with royal icing consistencies. The class is suitable for ages 9 and up. Refunds and transfers are not available. If you cannot attend, a cookie kit may be picked up during class time. Cookie designs will be Christmas themed, with previews to be posted soon. Registration and payment are handled through the event’s ticket link, and spots may fill quickly.

Bill Harper performs solo at Owl Creek Vineyard. This appearance features the artist performing without accompaniment.

Small Biz Saturday at The Buzz Salon & Spa offers a morning dedicated to shopping local and supporting small businesses. Gift certificates for hair care are available in $25, $50, $75, and $100 amounts, or in a custom value, and are valid for six months. Nail services gift certificates from Nails by Jordan are available as well. These are suited for stocking stuffers and thoughtful treats for teachers, friends, and family during the holiday season, all while supporting the community.

Connect with homeschoolers together with their adults in a relaxed setting. Held during pre-hours, this get-together provides a set space with snacks plus puzzles, games, and books to enjoy. It takes place on the first Wednesday of each month and continues through the summer.

Now in its sixth year, the Mary Mingle 5K supports the Community Counseling Center Foundation. This welcoming event is open to both runners and walkers and is presented as a distinctive part of the local community. Registration opens July 1.

A nail class welcomes participants ages 9 and up. Space is limited. The fee is $30 and includes a nail kit to take home. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. To sign up, call 573-318-8455 or message Nails by Jordan.

Experience a festive evening on The Fun Spot Express with a whimsical train ride along Industrial Drive, a hot cocoa and popcorn bar, cookie decorating kits, an hour of play at the Fun Spot, a cheerful visit with Santa, and a small gift for each child. Tickets are $30 per person and are available at The Sweet Spot. Children two and under are free. Cozy pajamas add to the holiday spirit. All ticket sales are final.

Whiskey & Rust take over Fuzzys Cobden for a party focused on the music in Cobden, IL. The celebration puts the tunes front and center.

This cheerful Christmas market features holiday merchants, seasonal sweets, and a joyful atmosphere. Look for adorned tables and costumes inspired by the holidays, along with a friendly, festive reception for families. The market takes place alongside the Advance Cookie Walk on the lawn.

Southern Draw takes the stage at The Riverhouse in Scott City, Missouri for a show.

Little ones can enjoy cookies and milk with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Discovery Playhouse. This is an opportunity to take photos, so bring a camera to capture pictures with both of them.

An afternoon gathering with Callie and Kevin at The Riverhouse features delicious food, lively fun, and friendly fellowship in a welcoming setting beside the Mississippi River.