This weekend in Joplin, MO

This indoor youth rummage sale fundraiser features a wide selection for every kind of shopper. Browse home goods, kitchen and bath items, outdoor gear, furniture, holiday decor, crafts, baby items, clothing, pet supplies, and more. Payment options include cash and cards, with a processing fee for card transactions, and checks are not accepted. Donation drop off is available before the event, and donors are asked not to bring tires, old oil, broken screens or doors, or baby car seats. All proceeds support youth camp and mission trips.

Families of incoming kindergarten and first grade students from across the area are welcome at an annual bus camp at Junge Field. Children can learn bus safety, review bus stop rules, and take a short ride to build confidence before the school year begins. Local businesses and community organizations will have booths with resources to help students get ready for back to school. The event is free, and lunch and ice cream are provided at no cost.

Stop by the Webb City Farmers Market for a morning of local shopping. You can browse fresh produce, humanely grown meat, and tasty extras like locally roasted coffee, gluten-free and classic baked goods, and more. The market is free and open to the public.

Beloved children’s characters gather in Joplin for a Back To School Bash at Claire’s Playhouse, creating a playful setting for dancing, games, photos, and plenty of fun. General admission is $15. A $35 VIP Pass, limited to 25, provides a smaller crowd experience, complimentary face painting, and the opportunity to see every character within an hour. Tickets are limited.

Pepper Fest 2026 brings National Farmers Market Week to life at Joplin Empire Market with a full mix of flavor and fun. The Market Cantina will be pouring margaritas, with every sale supporting the Area Agency on Aging X. Oakwoods Farm will be roasting fresh peppers on site, and a hot sauce tasting competition invites true heat seekers to put their taste buds to the test. Creative stations offer crafts for both adults and kids. Visitors can also pick up stickers and temporary tattoos that champion local food and the farmers market. Summer harvests will be abundant, making it a prime moment to stock up before the back to school rush. For event-related posts, only messages from Downtown Joplin Alliance or Joplin Empire Market are official. They will not request personal or financial information on Facebook. Report any suspicious communication.

Connect2Culture and Joplin’s arts and cultural community present the 11th Annual Joplin Arts & Cultural Preview at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex in the Beshore Performance Hall. Local arts and cultural organizations share their stories and outline plans for the 2026 to 2027 season, with each group given two minutes to present. The program is recorded and serves as a C2C Roundtable designed to inform the public about upcoming events, encourage collaboration among participating organizations, and provide the media with ideas for future coverage. The media, artists, arts advocates, the broader arts and cultural community, and community members are welcome to attend. Admission is free. Registration is required for presenters and each organization is limited to one presenter. For more information, contact Lauren Smith at lauren@connect2culture.org or 417-501-5550.

An evening Cars and Coffee meet in Joplin marks the close of summer with a relaxed blend of car culture and community. A wide spectrum of vehicles will be on display, including classics, custom builds, imports, trucks, daily drivers, and project cars. Local food vendors will serve food, coffee will be available, and photographers will be on site to capture standout rides. The atmosphere is family friendly, with laid back music and an easygoing vibe. The gathering welcomes enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

Enjoy a night of live music at Blackthorn Pizza & Pub as Gravehuffer, Grand Inquisitor, Rat Kingdom, and Deep Sea Fishing For A Killer Whale share the bill. Admission is $10.00, and entry is limited to ages 21 and up.

An afternoon centered on creativity, connection, and community with a focus on Artist Trading Cards. Participants create small, original artworks to share and exchange. The galleries become a relaxed drop-in studio space with materials provided, ideal for experimenting, making, and meeting others. Later, participants gather to trade cards and celebrate community creativity. All skill levels are welcome. RSVPs help estimate attendance but are not required.

By popular request, the galleries at Spiva open on the second Sunday of each month, creating a regular Sunday option to explore the art. This recurring opening is designed to make the arts more accessible for a variety of schedules.