Ready - Set - Spring! A guide to seasonal adventures in Fulton & Callaway County, MO

Spring started officially last month, although seasonal weather may arrive a bit before or a bit after, or both. One thing you can count on is plenty of things to see and do in Fulton and Callaway County, MO – no matter what Mother Nature has in store. We hope our roundup of spring happenings inspires you to plan a Callaway Getaway!

Prairie Garden Trust - Photo by Henry Domke

 One of the most noticeable signs of the season has arrived is the increase in song, specifically bird song. Not sure where to go to hear the sounds of spring?  Whetstone Creek Natural Area, home to everything from warblers to waterfowl, and Tucker Prairie Natural Area, a never-plowed remnant of the “Grand Prairie” that once covered much of this region, are both listed on the Great Missouri Birding Trail.

Music at The Station

Even if the weather isn’t always conducive to outdoor pursuits, you can still enjoy music this spring at a variety of locations over the next couple of months:

 APRIL 5, 6 - 9 p.m. William Woods University in Fulton invites the public to celebrate spring at First Fridays at the Woods. Enjoy free music from the Dave Backer Band, yard games, food trucks and a variety of vendors.

 APRIL 28 at 2 p.m. & MAY 2 at 7 p.m.

It’s all right there in the title: "The Call of Music" will be performed by the Callaway Singers at the Brick District Playhouse in Fulton. Tickets are $10 at the door.

 MAY 3, 6 - 9 p.m.

Don’t miss another First Friday at the Woods. Join us at William Woods University's Sam Cook Amphitheater for live music from Bad Habit. Bring a blanket or chair for an evening of fun and connection. Doors open at 5 p.m.

MAY 4, 5 - 8 p.m.

C. Rock City returns to Serenity Valley Winery in Fulton for their first Saturday Music Series of the year. Pay NO COVER to see this 5-piece band play classic rock hits from the 60s, 70s & 80s.

MAY 24, 7 - 9 p.m.

The Station – home of boozie slushies and a fabulous patio – brings live music to the Brick District most Friday nights between mid-May – mid-September.

SATURDAYS - Ongoing

We can’t talk about music in Callaway County without mentioning 54 Country which hosts live music and dancing every Saturday in their new dance hall in Kingdom City.

Vibrant color is another hallmark of spring in Callaway County, where blooming trees and wildflowers change almost weekly. Two of the best spots to enjoy the show are Stinson Creek Park in Fulton or Katy Trail State Park with trailheads in Portland, Mokane, Tebbetts and North Jefferson City.

Biking Stinson Creek Trail - Photo by Notley Hawkins

Speaking of riotous color, celebrate Arbor Day with the Fulton Garden Club Plein Air Event at Veteran’s Park in Fulton APRIL 27, 2 - 4 p.m. as they present a fun day of painting that offers a chance for artists to have their work on display throughout the month of May at Garriott Porter Art Studio.

Of course, the biggest draw this time of year is the lovely weather following on the heels of winter. What better time for festivals and family-friendly events?

APRIL 18, 4 - 7 p.m.

Fulton’s Brick District Merchants hosts downtown shopping events on the third Thursday of the month. This month, join us for Spring Swing.

APRIL 27– April 29 and MAY 4 – MAY 5, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Transport yourself to Carlingford Village at the Central Missouri Renaissance Festival in Kingdom City. Have a jolly good time with lords, ladies, brigands, buccaneers, time travelers and other characters. 

Morels & Microwbrews - Photo by Notley Hawkins

MAY 4, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

May the 4th BEER With You! at the Fulton Brick District’ s annual Morels + Microbrews festival. As usual this short, but oh-so-tantalizing, event will feature samplings from awesome breweries, delicious food vendors, fresh and fried morels, and the popular “Ozark Stomp” music of the Kay Brothers. Early bird pricing on beer tasting runs through April 15, or until tickets sell out. As always, the fresh and fried morels, food trucks and live music will be open to the public – no ticket needed! 

MAY 18, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

William Woods University in Fulton will host a VERY special red-carpet, pre-release viewing of Manchu: A Brotherhood of Sacrifice, a Vietnam War documentary directed by Matt Wilcox. This film delves into the experiences of the 1968-1970 Manchus from the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Stan Adams and David Hosenfelt are Callaway County hometown heroes whose extraordinary journeys from rural mid-Missouri to the jungles of Vietnam were the inspiration for Wilcox’s documentary. Note: Mature Content. Parent discretion advised.

So much to do, so little time – spring into action for a fun-filled season in Fulton and Callaway County.