Things to do in the 4-states this weekend

Here is what’s going on locally over the next few days:

Friday August 22nd and Saturday August 23rd

Lamar Free Fair – Lamar MO

The 82nd Annual Lamar Free Fair, Missouri’s largest free fair, continues through Saturday, August 23, 2025, in Lamar’s Downtown Square. With free admission and parking, the eight-day event draws thousands for carnival rides, local food, and community activities.

Running since 1943, the fair features over 20 midway rides by Evans United Shows, local food vendors serving homemade pies and burgers, and booths supporting Barton County causes. Highlights include a free concert Saturday at 8 p.m. in Wyatt Earp Park, featuring Missouri natives Trevon Dawson and Tate Stevens. The 44th Annual Lamar Free Fair Run on Saturday morning offers 5K/10K races and a 5K walk, benefiting the Lamar Chapter Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Livestock shows, a youth horse show, blue ribbon contests, an art show, and parades with antique vehicles add to the fun. The volunteer-driven event, organized by the Lamar Free Fair Board, celebrates community spirit. For details, visit www.bartoncounty.com/fair or check Lamar Free Fair on Facebook.

Friday, August 22nd 

• Studio 55: Open Studio (Ages 55+), 2:00–4:00pm, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts (212 W 7th St). Open studio for adults 55+ to explore various art supplies and mediums with facilitator Jesse McCormick. Bring your own project or start anew. Registration required at spivaarts.org/series/studio-55. Suggested donation: $10. Contact: Des Hernandez, dhernandez@spivaarts.org, (417) 621-9813.

• Opening Receptions: Watercolor USA 2025 & Alchemy of Light & Shadow by Jeffrey C. Legg (5:30–7:30pm, Harry M. Cornell Arts Complex, 212 W 7th St, Joplin)
  Celebrate two art exhibits. Free, donations appreciated. Contact: Paige Mock, spiva@spivaarts.org, (417) 623-0183.

Saturday, August 23rd

• Storytelling Day (11:00am–1:00pm, George Washington Carver National Monument, 5646 Carver Rd, Diamond)
  Celebrate the anniversary of the founding of the National Park Service through storytelling. Storytellers will share compelling narratives of United States history and culture. Free. Contact: Diane Eilenstein, gwca_interpretation@nps.gov (mailto:_interpretation@nps.gov), (417) 325-4151.

• Watercolor Open Studio (Ages 16+), 1:00–4:00pm, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts (212 W 7th St). Relaxed watercolor session to create and connect. Bring your own materials or use Spiva’s. Registration required at spivaarts.org/event/watercolor-open-studio. Cost: $10–$20. Contact: Des Hernandez, dhernandez@spivaarts.org, (417) 621-9813.

• Watercolor USA 2025, August 23–October 11, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts (212 W 7th St). National competitive exhibition of water media painting, now hosted by Spiva. Free; donations appreciated. Contact: Shaun Conroy, sconroy@spivaarts.org, (417) 623-0183.

• Alchemy of Light & Shadow by Jeffery C. Legg, August 23–October 25, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts (212 W 7th St). Solo exhibition of oil painter Jeffrey C. Legg exploring light and shadow. Free; donations appreciated. Contact: Shaun Conroy, sconroy@spivaarts.org, (417) 623-0183.

• Fused Glass Sunflower Suncatcher with Jane McCaulley (Ages 8+), 3:30–5:30pm, Local Color Art Gallery & Studio (1027 S Main St). Create a fused glass suncatcher. No experience needed; all materials provided. Registration required in person or at (417) 553-0835. Cost: $35. Contact: localcolorartgallery@gmail.com, (417) 553-0835.