Lots to do in the Four-States this weekend
It’s a full weekend in the Four-State Area!
Tonight from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., the Nature Explorers: Plant Prints & Nature Journaling program at Wildcat Glades Nature Group invites children ages 7-14 to engage in a nature journaling activity.
Participants will observe and document leaves, bark, and plant textures through rubbing and sketching, learning to appreciate nature while preserving the environment.
This hands-on session encourages creative observation and documentation of surroundings. For details or to register, visit the Wildcat Glades Nature Group Facebook page or email sara@wildcatglades.org.
Tonight, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the Entangled Date Night Diptych offers couples a romantic and creative painting experience where each partner paints one half of a two-panel artwork featuring trees with branches forming a heart-shaped embrace.
Led by instructor John, this beginner-friendly session includes step-by-step guidance, autumn-inspired colors, a romantic ambiance with light refreshments, optional wine add-ons, and the chance to carve initials into the canvas.
Perfect for anniversaries, first dates, or a fun night out, Entangled fosters connection through art and laughter.
The Monarch Festival on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, is a free, family-friendly event featuring monarch butterfly-themed activities. Attendees can explore educational tables to learn about monarch migration, conservation efforts to protect their declining population, and the benefits of planting native species.
Native plant vendors will be available for purchasing plants to support monarch habitats. Drop by anytime during the event to engage in this fun and informative celebration of monarch butterflies.
The Joplin Plant Swap, a free event sponsored by the Joplin Historical Society, takes place on September 20, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Joplin History & Mineral Museum (504 S. Schifferdecker Ave., Joplin, MO 64801). Attendees can bring plants, cuttings, or seeds to exchange, discover new varieties, and connect with fellow plant enthusiasts in a welcoming, community-driven environment.
On Saturday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, The Kraken Instructed Family Paint at Create N Sip Art Studio offers a family-friendly painting session where participants, guided by instructor John, create a vibrant moonlit ocean scene featuring a ship and the legendary Kraken’s swirling tentacles. Suitable for all ages and skill levels, this adventurous workshop uses bold colors like teal and green to spark imagination with a touch of spooky fun. All supplies are provided, and reservations are recommended for this mythical, creative experience.
On Saturday from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM, Create N Sip Art Studio at 1505 W 10th Street, Suite E, hosts a DIY Wood Sign Workshop where participants craft personalized wood signs for home décor or gifts. Suitable for all skill levels, the workshop provides all materials, including wood, paints, stencils, and brushes, with hundreds of design options to choose from. Guided step-by-step through sanding, staining, painting, and sealing, attendees can enjoy a fun, creative experience with refreshments available. Registration closes September 17, and spaces are limited, so early sign-up is recommended.
On Sept. 19-20, Sweet Potato Savvy at the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond, Missouri, is an interactive educational program that immerses visitors in the innovative agricultural legacy of Dr. George Washington Carver.
Participants don lab coats to explore Carver’s 1918 sweet potato experiments, recreating recipes like baked sweet potatoes, flour, and dyes while learning how his crop rotation techniques revitalized Southern soils and promoted food security.
Held seasonally in the monument’s visitor center or outdoor areas, this 1-2 hour workshop blends history, science, and hands-on fun for families, school groups, and curious travelers, celebrating Carver’s vision of sustainability and self-sufficiency. Reservations are recommended, and the program is free with monument entry.
NEOSHO
SEPT. 20
Neosho Farmers Market
Corner of Spring & Jefferson, Historic Downtown Neosho, MO
WEBB CITY
SEPT. 20
Webb City Farmers Market
106 East Tracy Street Webb City, MO
CARTHAGE
SEPT 20
Zane Grimes Band
VFW Post 2590 16759 Inca Rd
Carthage Farmers Market
714 Garrison, Carthage, MO