Non-Profit Expo & Volunteer Fair hosted by Explore West Plains @ West Plains Civic Center Exhibit Hall

Jan 27 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

This drop-in event is for area non-profit and charitable organizations to showcase to the community what they do and to describe their volunteer needs and roles, if any. Whether you’re a longtime resident, someone thinking about moving to West Plains, or a newcomer to the area, you are invited to learn more about what is going on in the local non-profit, charitable and service community. The expo is free to attend, with door prizes and refreshments offered. There is important charitable and service work happening in our community, and we want to show off the generous spirit of folks in West Plains. Maybe your New Year’s resolution will be to get involved in something new!

Pre-registration for organizations is required. Registration forms are available at the Ozark Heritage Welcome Center, 2999 Porter Wagoner Blvd., or can be sent via email by contacting terry.hampton@westplains.gov or messaging Explore West Plains.

Check the Country Express Band Facebook page for cost and other details, including potential cancellations due to weather, holidays or other unforeseen circumstances.

From Country Express: Two step, Cha Cha, Waltz, Electric Slide, Charleston, Foot Boogie, River Waltz, Sweetheart, Around the Room, Tennessee Waltz, Neon Moon Cha Cha, and many more. Or just come listen to some good ole country music. Old country, new country, southern rock music. No alcohol allowed. Family fun for all ages.

Live Music ~ Molly Healey & Ashtyn Barbaree @ The Yellow House

Jan 17 @ 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Event page here.

Info from organizers:

Welcome back to the Yellow House Molly Healey for her second time and she’s traveling with her talented friend Ashtyn Barbaree. You don’t want to miss this one, last time Molly played here to a sold out crowd, so come early and grab a seat. 10 dollars at the door and doors open at 6 pm show starts at 7. If you’ve seen Molly with the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, you know just how amazing she is. This will be an up close and intimate show. Ashtyn is the 2025 the Arkansas Americana Artist of the year with a folk style of her own.

A One-Woman Orchestra

A fan once lovingly stated that Molly brings the orchestra to the live rock show, and it’s a descriptor that has stuck over the years. As a longtime fiddle player for the Ozark Mountain Daredevils who morphed into a powerhouse experimental songwriter, Molly Healey began her solo career in 2015 after buying a simple looping pedal. She immediately found a passion for blending her strings and voice together into atmospheric and experimental orchestral folk songs, and her first compositions were featured on her debut solo album, Nightbirds. She has since recorded 3 more albums, each growing in intensity and instrumentation, and the most recent of which, Lotus, was released in 2022. She has grown from the stripped-down looping solo set, to a roster of original music and choice covers that she often performs with a full electric band. She plays a dazzling variety of instruments: cello, violin, guitar, and piano, all while experimenting with various other sounds looping in Ableton Live.

Influenced by artists such as Radiohead, Andrew Bird, Agnes Obel and more experimental cello-driven acts like Zoe Keating and The Avett Brothers, her music is heavily laden with her lush string arrangements, unconventional use of the orchestral instruments, and infectious beats. And all instruments aside, Molly’s strongest asset might be considered her voice, as she has been singing on various stages since her early childhood years.

She has opened for Victor Wooten, Yonder Mountain String Band, The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, among many more, and has played sets at Burning Man, Roots N Blues Festival in Columbia, ReKinection Festival, and for the Missouri Contemporary Ballet. Her band, called the Molly Healey String Project, features the following members: Zach Harrison on electric guitar, Kyle Day on bass, and Danny Carroll on drums. Molly also continues to play violin for The Ozark Mountain Daredevils, The Lacewings, and guests with such acts as Ha Ha Tonka and many others. She frequently does session work for various bands across the state. Molly is also the co-organizer of Earth Day: The Festival, an annual music festival that raises funds for local environmental organizations. She is in the studio recording new music to be released in 2025 and 2026, including a new project, ODM, aka Orchestral Dance Music.

Ashtyn Barbaree is an independent internationally touring Americana singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Fayetteville, Arkansas. Known for her ethereal vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and emotionally charged performances, Barbaree was named Americana Artist of the Year at the 2025 Arkansas Country Music Awards. Her music draws listeners in with a distinctive blend of vulnerability and strength, rooted in a sound that crosses Folk, Alt-Country, Americana, and Singer-Songwriter influences.

Barbaree’s dedication to creating authentic, emotionally resonant music continues to push boundaries and enchant audiences. Her latest project, Sent Through The Ceiling, released in October 2024, reached #44 on the Alt Country Specialty Charts (November 2024).

This collection of songs explores themes of self-discovery, resilience, and the bittersweetness of life’s journeys. Drawing inspiration from the vast landscapes of the Ozarks and personal experiences, Barbaree weaves narratives of love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams. The album features arrangements that reflect the spirit of Americana music through the eyes of an Arkansan.

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Barbaree has demonstrated unwavering enthusiasm and dedication throughout her artistic career. Throughout college at the University of Arkansas (Fayetteville), she performed over 300 shows annually between 2013 and 2017, balancing her studies and her burgeoning music career while earning a degree in geology. Her debut self-titled EP, recorded at The Butcher Shoppe in Nashville with an impressive lineup including producer David “Fergie” Ferguson and musicians Dave Roe, Jeffrey Clemens, Michael Rojas, and Kenny Vaughan, paved the way for her first European tour in 2018.

Her 2020 full-length album, Better Luck Next Time, recorded at The Studio Nashville, featured notable musicians like Chris Scruggs, Jeffrey Clemens and Tommy Hannum, and helped establish her presence on the international stage. She was named Arkansas Music Ambassador by Arkansas State Tourism and has been recognized with multiple nominations at the Arkansas Country Music Awards—including Americana Artist of the Year (2023, 2025 winner) and Acoustic Act of the Year (2024).

Check the Country Express Band Facebook page for cost and other details, including potential cancellations due to weather, holidays or other unforeseen circumstances.

From Country Express: Two step, Cha Cha, Waltz, Electric Slide, Charleston, Foot Boogie, River Waltz, Sweetheart, Around the Room, Tennessee Waltz, Neon Moon Cha Cha, and many more. Or just come listen to some good ole country music. Old country, new country, southern rock music. No alcohol allowed. Family fun for all ages.

From organizers: Come out and see us at the West Plains Civic Center from 9am-4pm on January 10th! Bring your sports and TCG cards to buy, sell, and trade at any of our 80 tables! We will also have our friends over at Cosmic Cravings set up right outside the venue for all of your food and drink needs. Lastly, if you are interested in setting up at our show feel free to send us a message at Southern MO Card Show.

Check the Country Express Band Facebook page for cost and other details, including potential cancellations due to weather, holidays or other unforeseen circumstances.

From Country Express: Two step, Cha Cha, Waltz, Electric Slide, Charleston, Foot Boogie, River Waltz, Sweetheart, Around the Room, Tennessee Waltz, Neon Moon Cha Cha, and many more. Or just come listen to some good ole country music. Old country, new country, southern rock music. No alcohol allowed. Family fun for all ages.

West Plains 10th Annual Nutcracker presented by Children's Ballet of the Ozarks!

December 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st.
Fridays at 7:00PM and Saturdays at 2:00PM & 7:00PM
Tickets are $12.00 in Advanced & $15.00 at the door.
Tickets can be purchased online at
https://dancestudio-pro.com/tickets/cbo or through a student.

West Plains 10th Annual Nutcracker presented by Children's Ballet of the Ozarks!

December 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st.
Fridays at 7:00PM and Saturdays at 2:00PM & 7:00PM
Tickets are $12.00 in Advanced & $15.00 at the door.
Tickets can be purchased online at
https://dancestudio-pro.com/tickets/cbo or through a student.

The Winter Feast has come again ! This fearful feast will be a Spooky Celebration! We will have
• A Feast as per the name (Potluck please bring what you can and a lot of it !)
•A Fiendish Gift exchange !
•Our Yearly voting for our political offices!
•A Very Creepy Closing to our year!

Check the Country Express Band Facebook page for cost and other details, including potential cancellations due to weather, holidays or other unforeseen circumstances.

From Country Express: Two step, Cha Cha, Waltz, Electric Slide, Charleston, Foot Boogie, River Waltz, Sweetheart, Around the Room, Tennessee Waltz, Neon Moon Cha Cha, and many more. Or just come listen to some good ole country music. Old country, new country, southern rock music. No alcohol allowed. Family fun for all ages.

 “125 Years of Christmas Cheer!”  Celebrating the Spirit of West Plains Since 1900 ~ Honoring our past, celebrating our present, and lighting the way to our future.

This theme blends the holiday spirit with the pride of the Chamber’s 125th anniversary, opening the creative doors for float participants to decorate around both Christmas and community heritage—vintage styles, hometown traditions, or futuristic West Plains visions. Contact Chamber of Commerce, 427-256-4433, for more information.

West Plains 10th Annual Nutcracker presented by Children's Ballet of the Ozarks!

December 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st.
Fridays at 7:00PM and Saturdays at 2:00PM & 7:00PM
Tickets are $12.00 in Advanced & $15.00 at the door.
Tickets can be purchased online at
https://dancestudio-pro.com/tickets/cbo or through a student.

Cookies with the Claus hosted by the Boys and Girls Club @ West Plains Civic Center

West Plains 10th Annual Nutcracker presented by Children's Ballet of the Ozarks!

December 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st.
Fridays at 7:00PM and Saturdays at 2:00PM & 7:00PM
Tickets are $12.00 in Advanced & $15.00 at the door.
Tickets can be purchased online at
https://dancestudio-pro.com/tickets/cbo or through a student.

On Tuesday, December 9, at 6:00 p.m. Rocky Long, director of music at Missouri State University-West Plains, will present the program - "The Tale of the Carol: Exploring the Musical Traditions of Christmas". This event is sponsored by the West Plains Council on the Arts and the Ozarks Heritage Research Center.

The program will explore how holiday music has been shaped by a blend of cultural influences, including early folk traditions, religious hymns, and community storytelling. Attendees will learn how carols evolved through migration, adaptation, and performance practice, reflecting both their European and Appalachian roots as well as the unique character of Ozark life. The event will look at the past, present, and the future of traditions that have made celebrating Christmas a meaningful and an enduring tradition.

This year the pageant will be held on December 7th at the West Plains Civic Center.
If you have any questions phone (417) 274-8548 DEADLINE for entry is November 15th

West Plains Optimists 42nd annual Arts & Crafts Show and Sale @ West Plains Civic Center

Downtown Strolls will take place on the first Thursday of each month from 4 PM to 7 PM. This exciting initiative will feature extended business hours from participating shops and local businesses, giving attendees the opportunity to explore, shop, and enjoy the vibrant downtown atmosphere.

Get your Downtown Passport filled out and be entered in a drawing to win a prize!

Many businesses will provide complimentary beverages/food/activities to visitors, creating a welcoming and festive environment.

Downtown Strolls offer a unique chance to show support for local businesses, discover new shops and services, and build stronger connections within the community.

***Limited Spots Available & Reservations Required***

Bring cookies to share, buy a cup of coffee whiles you’re here, and we’ll make an ornament craft!

20 spots available. 12/3 6-8 pm

As 2025 comes to an end, let's look at some year-end moves that can save you money on next year's taxes! We will also discuss some strategies to make gathering your documents for tax prep easier. Additionally, if you are interested in learning about the tax changes that occurred in the big beautiful bill, and how that may affect you, stop by and let's have a chat!

The MSU-West Plains University Community Band invites you to our annual Christmas concert on Monday, December 1, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the West Plains Civic Center Theater. Join us as we celebrate the holiday season with a program featuring many of your favorite Christmas and seasonal favorites. Following the performance, concertgoers are invited to enjoy cookies and cocoa in the Civic Center lobby.

This family-friendly event is free and open to the public, and we warmly encourage you and your loved ones to join us in ringing in the Christmas season with music and cheer. For more information, please contact Rocky Long at RockyLong@MissouriState.edu or call 417-255-7291.

Join us for the Annual West Plains Christmas Tree Lighting on Monday, December 1 at 6 p.m. in Downtown West Plains as we kick off the holiday season with family, friends and festive cheer.

Date: December 1

Time: 6 p.m.

Location: Downtown West Plains

Friendsgiving Potluck at Game Stash — Let’s Feast, Laugh, and Lift Each Other Up!

Last year’s Friendsgiving was such a hit, we knew we had to make it even bigger this year — and we’re doing just that!

Just Another Human and Game Stash are teaming up to host West Plains’ annual Friendsgiving Potluck — and you’re invited!

Thanksgiving Day
-2:00 PM
-Game Stash, 112 Washington Ave

We’ve got the holiday staples covered: roasted turkey, a couple of hams, creamy mashed taters, and plenty of gravy to go around. All that’s missing is you — and your favorite dish or dessert to share!

Think of it as one huge, joyful family table where everyone belongs. Whether you’re flying solo, bringing a friend, or showing up with the whole crew, this is the place to connect, laugh, and make sure nobody spends this holiday alone or hungry.

Because here in our community, Friendsgiving means everyone has a seat, a plate, and a place to feel loved. If we can gather enough food, we’ll make sure to share with folks who don’t have a meal waiting. Let’s come together to give thanks — and to give back.

“It is our job to love them.” — Cammie Storm

Let’s make this Thanksgiving one to remember — full of warmth, laughter, and the heart of West Plains. Bring your dish, bring your smile, and let’s do this Friendsgiving right!

If you have any questions, please call (417) 293-3894 or westplainsplayhouse@gmail.com.

This month’s Lost Art Project is all about Friendsgiving — not the holiday, but the heart behind it. We’re coming together to lift each other up, honor connection, and create art fueled by community love.Bring your imagination, your kindness, and your stories. Whether you paint, write, sketch, or just want to be surrounded by good people, there’s a place for you here.This project celebrates the art we make, the people we are, and the way we show up for one another. No pressure, no judgment — just creativity and care.Everyone is welcome. Every voice matters. Every bit of love counts.