Once a month, Springfield likes to show off its artists — at the First Friday Art Walk.
The monthly event is free, with venues throughout downtown Springfield hosting local art, live music, and sometimes, even the artists themselves. The art walk, which began in June 2001, typically attracts anywhere between 2,000 and 4,000 people.
One recent development of the art walk is the participation of Compass Rose, a local music organization, and its founder Brett Johnston creating Tumble on the Square, a miniature music festival with food vendors and other attractions as part of the art walk.
Avery Parrish, who has been running the event for 2½ years, says that the art walk’s 20th anniversary in 2021 will bring an extravagant celebration to town. The art walk is funded through members and sponsorships. Members are organizations that give continuing monetary support, and in exchange are spotlighted on any publications from the organization.
You can learn more about the art walk from its website, or call (417) 862-2787.
First Friday Art Walk
- What: First Friday Art Walk
- When: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the first Friday of every month
- Where: Downtown Springfield
- Cost: Free
