Whatever you do, don’t just give them a tie.
This Sunday, June 18, is Father’s Day. It’s a chance to thank all relevant father figures for what they’ve done for us. Gifts are nice, but so is quality time — and there are lots of ways to have fun with Dad this weekend.
No matter what he’s into, Springfield’s got something he’ll enjoy. We’ve scoured social media and event calendars to put together this list of options. Some are Sunday, while others are on Saturday, so be sure to check the dates before you go.
For the sportsy dad
Do you have the kind of father who loves to watch a game? He’s in luck this weekend, with three sporting events taking place in the Queen City.
Baseball is the obvious choice in June, and the Springfield Cardinals happen to be playing at Hammons Field all weekend. That includes a 1:35 p.m. start on Father’s Day. The Cardinals are letting fans come on the field from 12:35-12:55 to play catch before the game starts. Stick around after the game so the kids can run the bases.
If football is more his game, take Dad to Harrison Stadium (900 N. Summit Ave.) to see the semi-pro Queen City Insane Asylum. They take on the North Kansas City Knights at 7 p.m. Pro tip: Get there early. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and Numbah Juan Tacos will be on-site for your pregame dining.
And don’t forget that Springfield has its own rugby club. Springfield Rugby is hosting its Wire Road 7s Rugby Tournament & Solstice Fest ’23 on Saturday, June 17. The tournament includes men’s and women’s teams from all over the Midwest and the action starts at 9 a.m.
The games are expected to wrap up around 3 p.m. and that’s when Solstice Fest starts. The event features more than 15 breweries, live entertainment, Springfield vendors, food trucks, raffles and more. Get your tickets in advance!
For the artsy dad
Springfield’s theatre scene is busy this weekend, giving you a chance to take dad to a show. Springfield Little Theatre continues its run of “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” Tickets are scarce for the weekend, though SLT is offering standing-room tickets for Saturday’s 2 p.m. matinee. Call the box office at 417-869-1334 for more information.
Springfield Contemporary Theatre is opening “Urinetown, The Musical” this weekend at the Historic Fox Theatre on Park Central Square. It tells the story of a Gotham-like city where a terrible water shortage has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The play is a satire of the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, municipal politics and music theatre itself. There are shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday.
You can also create a work of art with your father — and if he loves coffee, he's really in luck. Classic Rock Coffee Downtown (535 W. Walnut St.) is hosting a Father’s Day Coffee and Bonsai Class at 3 p.m. Sunday. Your $85 ticket includes one plant, instructions from The Bonsai Guy, bonsai materials for two people and a complimentary coffee, tea or smoothie from Classic Rock Coffee.
For the dad who loves to play
Get out and play with Dad! Does he love board games? Village Meeple Board Game Cafe opens its doors this weekend and is offering free admission for dads on Father’s Day. Village Meeple is open from 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Sunday. Learn more about Springfield’s new board game café in this story from Kathleen O’Dell.
Both of Springfield’s axe-throwing establishments are offering free play for dads in honor of Father’s Day. Dads throw free with a group of four or more at TommyHawk’s Axe House both Saturday and Sunday. It’s a BYOB establishment, so grab some drinks before you go! Craft Axe Throwing, meanwhile, is letting dads throw for free June 18-21.
If you’ve got a gamer dad, take him to Contender eSports for a Dads vs. Kids Tournament. It starts at 2 p.m. Sunday. Check out their Discord for more information.
