Events in Joplin, MO

Easterseals Midwest presents a family-friendly Trunk or Treat paired with an open house at the new Joplin & Southeast Kansas ABA Clinic. Enjoy an afternoon of Halloween fun with complimentary face painting, themed activities, photo ops, treats, and more. Costumes are encouraged. Visitors can meet the team, tour the clinic, and learn about available ABA services. Additional details will be shared soon. Please note that photographers, videographers, and media may be present, and images or video captured at the event may be used for promotional purposes. By registering to attend, participants consent to the use of photos or video that include themselves or those they bring.

CTC's SkillsUSA chapter is hosting a fundraising car show in support of students. The event highlights cars, trucks, and bikes, with awards presented for Best in Show, Best Motorcycle, Best Rat Rod, and Best Project. It offers a community-focused gathering for vehicle enthusiasts of all kinds.

Enjoy a casual meal and conversation at Pizza Ranch before the club meeting begins. Free membership is available, and membership cards will be available at the meeting along with a list of current club sponsors that provide discounts to members who show their card. Donations will be collected to purchase Thanksgiving baskets for local Headstart families. New and longtime Jeep enthusiasts can meet fellow Jeepers in a family friendly setting, with time to visit over a meal and an arcade on site. Everyone is welcome, and families are encouraged to attend.

The event at Roller City features skating, music, and unlimited laser tag in support of South Middle School. A $15 participant ticket includes skate rental and unlimited laser tag, and twenty percent of all ticket sales go back to the school. This PTO-sponsored fundraiser is optional and not supervised by the school, so parents and guardians are responsible for supervising their children. All ticket sales are final and non-refundable unless the school cancels the skate night.

Settle in for an evening with Joplin singer songwriter Vagabond Grove, mixing familiar cover tunes with heartfelt originals and sharing stories from life on the road. This performance is free and welcoming to all ages.

Show off a costume at Grace Lanes during a family Bowl-O-Ween party. Lanes are $30 and shoe rental is separate. Reservations are encouraged but not mandatory. The schedule was adjusted to avoid overlapping with trick-or-treating.

RCL presents a weekly mystery movie, with selections spanning cult gems, rediscovered classics, laugh filled comedies, and pulse quickening thrillers. Those who want an early reveal can get the title with a free signup on the website. Prefer to skip the screening? The VHS lounge provides a comfortable spot to relax, sip a drink, and take in the atmosphere. It is centered on cinema and community, offering Joplin a welcoming place to gather. The Day Pass costs $5.

Celebrate Halloween with a family-friendly painting session inspired by Calvera Catrina and Catrin. Participants of all ages and skill levels can create colorful sugar skull artwork while an instructor offers step-by-step guidance that keeps the process accessible for beginners and engaging for kids. Canvas choices include 9×12 for $20, 11×14 for $30, and 16×20 for $40. All supplies are included, creating a relaxed, creative afternoon focused on honoring the season and the spirits of our ancestors through art.

Ages 16 and up can explore a Halloween themed spin on self-portraiture in a creative workshop led by artist and teacher Rachel Cabral. Learn core techniques in watercolor and inking along with the basics of caricature, then put it all together to create a self-portrait inspired by Tim Burton, complete with amplified features, moody color choices, and plenty of personality. No prior caricature practice is required, only a readiness to play and lean into a bit of drama. The session lasts 2.5 hours and the cost is $30. Rachel is a familiar face at First Thursday Art Walk, Third Thursdays, the Empire Market, and events with Cheeky Fun.

This free, family-friendly event features snacks, plenty of candy, games, crafts, and other activities. It is planned to take place outdoors, with a move to the gym if it rains.

This singles bowling tournament features a three-game series of 8-pin, no-tap play. The $25 registration fee includes games and contributes to the prize fund. Prizes are awarded for the most turkeys, which are strikes in a row, and for the most strikes overall. The number of prize placements depends on how many participants enter. For every turkey a bowler rolls, a turkey will be donated to a family in need through Carthage Crosslines. A raffle for additional prizes will be held, and participants earn one ticket for each unexpired non-perishable food item donated. Cash turkey pot tickets will be available, with a drawing and special rolls taking place between games two and three.

Enrolled participants in the Happy Bottoms Diaper Program can stop by to pick up their diapers during this event. Families not yet enrolled may qualify for free diapers or pull ups for children younger than 4. Signing up requires a brief application and proof of your zip code along with the child's date of birth. To learn more or begin enrollment, send a message to the organizers.

With Needle & Thread hosts an Atomic Ranch Fabrics trunk show featuring fat quarters in a range of colors. Options include Aida in 14, 16, 18, and 20 count, linen in 28, 32, 36, 40, and 46 count, and Lugana in 28 and 32 count. If the color or count you are looking for is not on hand, it can be ordered.

JCCPS holds a monthly meeting focused on cemetery preservation in Jasper County. It takes place in the Community Room at Carthage Water and Electric, also known as CWEP. For questions, contact the group through its Facebook page.

Experience a three day holiday shopping market with free admission. Discover offerings from more than 100 vendors spread throughout a 40,000 square foot trade show area. Vendors interested in participating may apply for booth space.

Learn crochet from the ground up at Schifferdecker Park in a welcoming class that covers the basics and invites conversation with fellow crafters. Those who already know a few stitches can expand their skills while everyone crochets and chats together. Open to all experience levels, and the class is free to attend.

UPTOWN ignites the stage with a high-energy concert that blends the smooth, classic sound of Motown with the pulse of current chart-toppers. Originating in New York City, this powerhouse ensemble pairs soaring vocals with precision choreography and charismatic presence to keep the crowd moving from start to finish. Drawing inspiration from icons like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye while channeling the vibe of today’s pop and R&B stars, the show bursts with soul, style, and nonstop fun. Presented at Connect2Culture as part of the Curtains Up Series. Tickets are $50 plus fees. Genre: Motown and soul.

Joplin Avenue Coffee Co. hosts the final First Friday for the foreseeable future, featuring a swing dance lesson followed by live jazz and social dancing. JOMO Jazz brings lively swing for both dancers and listeners, with beverages and craft cocktails available. Admission is limited to the first 100 people. Tickets are offered in advance, with any remaining tickets sold at the door. Student pricing is $8 in advance, $10 at the door with cash, or $12 at the door with card. Adult pricing is $18 in advance, $20 at the door with cash, or $22 at the door with card.

Returning for a second year, this holiday market at Northpark Mall brings together holiday shopping, food offerings, and Santa for a fun seasonal experience.

The third Show Me Card Show returns to Carthage Memorial Hall for a day dedicated to collectibles, gaming, trading, and community connections. Vendors and a buy, sell, and trade area will feature Pokémon, sports cards, One Piece, Magic, Lorcana, and a mix of vintage and modern collectibles. Sealed product raffles will run throughout the day. Three retro gaming stations will be available, including Guitar Hero, Pokémon on the GameCube, and Frogger on PlayStation 1. Early entry is offered before general admission for first pick on deals, and admission is free once general admission begins. A community trade night wraps up the event, and collectors are welcome to bring binders for trading.

Honor those who served with a parade focused on gratitude and respect. Participants will decorate their Jeeps in a patriotic theme before the procession. Jeep owners are encouraged to invite a Veteran to ride along, and anyone who prefers to walk may hand items directly to Veterans along the route. Throwing candy from vehicles is not permitted. All Jeepers are welcome to take part and help recognize the service, sacrifices, and courage of Veterans.

Celebrate and honor veterans with a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, live music from the band Second Generation, and a square dance led by guest caller Drew McCoy from the St. Louis District. Guests are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue to show appreciation for veteran square dancers.

By popular request, the galleries are now open on a consistent monthly schedule so more people can visit when it works for them. This recurring opening focuses on accessibility, giving visitors an easy opportunity to experience the art while accommodating a variety of routines and commitments.

This community tour marks two decades of God’s Resort and opens the doors to its work. Participants view a brief video, take a guided walk through the property, and engage in a question and answer segment. The experience shares the organization’s mission, highlights stories of impact, and offers a firsthand look at how it serves the community.

Learn how to crochet a small coin purse that closes with a zipper at Joplin Public Library. The cost is $5 per person and includes all supplies, with yarn and a zipper provided, needles available to borrow, and a pattern you can keep.

An inviting gathering where singer-songwriters and poets of all ages can share their voices. Take the stage or settle in to listen and encourage local talent. Performer sign-ups are available.

Wrap up the season at the final North Heights Market with a cheerful holiday focus. Browse a lively mix of vendors offering handmade goods, vintage finds, original art, home decor, fashion, and tasty treats. Enjoy live music from local performers, kid-friendly activities, and plenty of options from food trucks and food vendors so lunch is covered without leaving the festivities. Support local artisans while checking gifts off your list or picking out something special for yourself. A detailed vendor roster and further updates will be shared as the event draws closer.

Brent Vernon and Sam bring a concert to Granby First Church of God in Granby, Missouri. The showtime will be announced once finalized.

TAKE3 delivers a high-voltage tribute to the 1970s, pairing chart-topping favorites with flashy classical technique and rock energy. Expect songs made famous by Billy Joel, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, and more, all reimagined with powerhouse vocals, virtuoso strings, and an engaging stage presence. Led by acclaimed violinist Lindsay Deutsch, this genre-bending trio blends classical training with pop and rock for a dynamic live show. Part of the Curtains Up Series, the program spans classical crossover and 70s music. Tickets are $40 plus fees.

Take on a scenic rail-trail in southwest Missouri with a walk or run offering four distances: 5K, 10K, 25K and 50K. All courses are USATF certified with electronic chip timing, and the 50K serves as the RRCA Missouri State Championship. Net proceeds support Joplin RoadRunners’ year-long charity races and events, as well as expansion and enhancements to the Ruby Jack Trail. Finisher awards are offered, along with age group and age graded awards, recognition for Missouri state records and RRCA championship awards. The 50K includes $100 and $50 cash prizes. Early bird pricing is available with shirt or no shirt options, and entry fees range from $30 to $60 depending on distance and registration period. A virtual option is available for any distance at $50 and includes a shirt and an award. Expect live music, barbecue plus snack and drink vendors, a prize raffle and complimentary race photography. Family members, friends and other supporters are welcome to bring lawn chairs.

Take part in a competitive bowling tournament with a $40 registration fee per person, split between a $20 bowling fee and a $20 prize fund. Registration is limited to the first 40 bowlers and is handled at Grace Lanes in Carthage, MO. Between rounds, bowlers can try for the Strike Pot, and Color Pin Wins add extra excitement. Cash prizes are awarded for 1st through 5th place, along with awards for High Scratch Series, High Scratch Game, and High Handicap Game.

Club 609 Benefit Day turns a meal or drink into support for local art. Ten percent of proceeds will be donated to Spiva Center for the Arts, directly funding programming, exhibits, classes, and other efforts that keep art accessible in the community.

Celebrate a love of reading with a hands-on bookmark making session for ages 14 through adult. Guided by Brooks-Elizabeth Billings, participants explore watercolor techniques, practice with pen, ink, and a quill, and design several custom bookmarks. Each piece is laminated to preserve the artwork, making them thoughtful gifts or keepsakes. The workshop lasts two hours and the cost is $20.

Lightwire Theater brings A Very Electric Christmas to Connect2Culture with illuminated characters, lively music, and striking visuals. This family-friendly performance blends dance, puppetry, and electroluminescent artistry as Max, a young bird, sets off on a heartfelt journey across the North Pole. The soundtrack features holiday favorites from Nat King Cole, Mariah Carey, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Listed as a spectacle for 1st through 5th grade and presented as part of the Ignite Series, it offers an experience for all ages. Tickets are $12.50 for kids plus fees and $25 for adults plus fees.

Learn crochet while creating a snow globe ornament for your tree. The fee is $5 per person, and all materials required to finish the project are provided.

Proclamation Youth & Community Choir presents Born to Save at College Heights Christian Church. Structured in the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols style, the concert brings together a joint youth and adult choir with orchestra and guest musicians. The program features both time-honored and newer Christmas hymns, and attendees will be invited to sing along on select pieces. Admission is free, with optional donations benefiting the ministry and work of Proclamation Youth Choir.

Spiva opens its galleries to the public in response to community feedback. These special open hours are part of an effort to make the arts easier to access for visitors with busy schedules.

Mercy Breast Center, in collaboration with the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks, is offering free screening mammograms. Early detection plays an important role in breast cancer outcomes, and this event provides access to screenings at no cost. Please bring a photo ID. For more information, call 417.862.3838 or email meagan@bcfo.org.

An inclusive open mic welcomes singer-songwriters and poets of all ages to share their work and discover new voices. Participants can take the stage, listeners can enjoy a mix of music and poetry, and everyone can support local talent. Sign-ups are available for those who want a turn at the mic.

The fourth annual cookie exchange at TRAIN pairs a workout with a friendly bake-off. After the fitness session, cookies go head to head in a taste test led by the gym’s most devoted cookie tasters. It is a lighthearted way to settle who holds top baker bragging rights at TRAIN.

Share the lanes with Santa during a special bowling session. For $5 per person, the price covers shoe rental, one game, a cookie, and hot chocolate.

The Midtown Men celebrate the season with Holiday Hits, a spirited concert led by members of the original Broadway cast of Jersey Boys. The program blends classic Christmas tunes with 1960s rock and roll favorites, featuring songs popularized by The Beatles, The Temptations, The Four Seasons, and others. With dynamic vocals, tight harmonies, and energetic stagecraft, this Holiday and Broadway showcase offers a warm, nostalgic experience filled with seasonal cheer and memorable music. Presented at Connect2Culture in Joplin, MO as part of the Curtain Up Series. Tickets are $60 plus fees.