Event Planning Guide

Finley Farms

Located in the heart of Ozark, Finley Farms is a sprawling gathering spot immersed in nature and history. Just steps away from the Finley River, the property is home to some of the newest event venues in southwest Missouri. For your next gathering or celebration, book The Workshop and The Market Shed. Together, these minimalistic spaces create a charming indoor-outdoor atmosphere that is ideal for a variety of events for up to 200 guests.

The Workshop, a fully restored 1930s industrial garage, acts as a coffee shop and craft space during the day and an event space by night. Garage doors lead to a lush patio, offering outdoor seating and photo-worthy views of the urban farm. Right next to The Workshop sits The Market Shed, a rustic, seasonal venue that plays host to the Ozark Farmers Market. Large sliding doors open to create a breezy atmosphere and a blank canvas for any setup you have in mind.

Finley Farms offers a variety of catering options, audio setups for bands and DJs and a trusted list of preferred vendors to make your event effortless.

Call today to start planning!

The Gallery at The Gillioz

Nestled inside the nearly 100-year-old Gillioz Theatre is the Gallery at the Gillioz, a hidden gem among Springfield event destinations. The stunning venue features timeless Spanish-Morrocan architecture, including 90-year-old hardwood floors and a similarly styled bar, and sheer curtains decorate 10-foot windows that open up to a breathtaking view of Park Central.

The storied nature of the Gallery at the Gillioz is made even more impressive by its event capabilities. Fundraisers, corporate gatherings, birthdays, graduation parties and reunions are a fraction of the types of events the 230-person venue can hold. Want to remove the stress of planning? Hosts can employ their catering and rental packages, which accommodate for table and seating arrangements, glassware, dishware, flatware and LED lighting.

While it is a separate venue, the Gillioz Theatre lends its charm to its upstairs neighbor. The Theatre—which is listed on the United States Congress’s Registry of Historic Places—shares a lobby with the Gallery, and the retro marquee hovering above the entrance is entirely customizable. History is meant to be made at the Gallery at the Gillioz.

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park

Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is an outdoor paradise located in Lampe, Missouri, featuring 10,000 acres of natural beauty and rugged scenery, your group will escape to serenity when you enter this Ozark Mountain location.

Dogwood Canyon can accommodate gatherings and celebrations of any size and has multiple stunning outdoor venues to choose from, including the rustic Chuckwagon Pavilion, the elegant Hope Wilderness Chapel and the breathtaking Thunder Falls. You and your guests can enjoy a delicious meal from Dogwood Canyon’s onsite restaurant. With hiking, biking, wildlife tours, horseback riding and trout fishing amongst towering bluffs, waterfalls, creek beds, handcrafted bridges and wildlife, there is something to do and see for all ages. During your visit, you can also visit the working gristmill, explore the treehouse built by Treehouse Masters and tour the Conservation Center. On your way out, make sure you stop by the general store for sweet treats and customized Dogwood Canyon apparel to remember your trip by.

Make your event an unforgettable one by booking it at Dogwood Canyon! Dogwood Canyon has experienced event specialists on staff that are ready to help put the perfect package together for your event or group adventure.

Email wow.groupsales@wondersofwildlife.org to start planning your event or group.

The Barley House at Moon Town Crossing

With a tastefully rustic exterior, it may surprise some that the Barley House at Moon Town Crossing was only constructed in 2018. You can thank the local Amish artisans who built the barn by hand with only locally sourced materials.

This fantasia of old-fashioned design and new construction makes the Barley House a prime landing spot for corporate events with character. Flexible seating arrangements and an adjoining patio give the space an “all-purpose” feel, further aided by the venue’s projector, screen and surround sound capabilities. The planning of social and professional gatherings can be simplified even further by utilizing the Barley House’s all-inclusive event packages.

Storybook Barn

Storybook Barn is a distinctive year-round destination, ideal for weddings and receptions, as well as gatherings and celebrations. Bookings are available for holiday parties, proms, family reunions, fundraisers, the arts, day retreats, and more.

Storybook Barn is located just 10 miles east of Springfield, at 9658 E. State Highway D. Rogersville, MO 65762. Everyone has a story to tell, and Storybook Barn is a wonderful place to tell it. Call today!

The Keeter Center

Located in the scenic Ozark Mountains on the tranquil campus of College of the Ozarks, The Keeter Center is home to award- winning event space. Well-appointed meeting rooms offer custom furnishings, state-of-the-art audio-visual services, and flexible event arrangements set in a rustic-elegant atmosphere.

Unparalleled catering selections feature farm-to-fork cuisine with offerings from the campus dairy, hog farm, mill, gardens and greenhouses. House-made desserts and premium home- made ice cream are just a few of the many enticing selections that you can experience at your next event.

Your guests will be delighted by the professional event staff and students from College of the Ozarks.

Dreamy & Darling Creations

Dreamy & Darling Creations started as a way for owner Sydnie to express herself creatively. She has loved introducing 417- land to organic balloon garlands and the joy they bring people.

Dreamy & Darling Creations has always been built on a passion for creativity... and that thought isn't going anywhere! The company offers a variety of additional event services, such as backdrops and rental decor. Thanks to a strong support team and community, Sydnie Myers has been able to follow her passion and bring joy to others. She would love to help make your event dreams come true!

Farr Better Plumbing

office@farrbetterplumbing.com | 417-864-8703

A porta potty is probably the most dreaded item that you need for your upcoming event. But, what if you didn’t need it? Farr Better Plumbing is not only a far better option, it is your best option! The last place your guests should be is in a porta potty. Host your flawless event with Farr Better Plumbing’s Party Potties!

These luxury portable restroom trailers are the perfect solution for your next event, whether it’s a fundraiser, corporate party, festival or concert, social function and more. Farr Better Plumbing allows you to skip the dread of needing a porta potty and bring on the party!

417 Charcuterie

2672 S. Glenstone, Springfield, MO | 417-379-1555

In a perfect world, a simple snap of your fingers would bring everything from your Pinterest food board to life. Luckily for you, 417 Charcuterie creates that perfect world right here in 417-land. Small personal date night charcuterie boxes, girls night charcuterie platters and even full charcuterie tablescapes are offered with 417 Charcuterie!

Let’s be honest: at every noteworthy event, there is some sort of wow factor. But, nothing compares to an *edible* wow factor. 417 Charcuterie utilizes fresh, local ingredients and provides an enormous variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, dips, breads and crackers to excite the taste buds of guests in each special event setting.

Because no two customers are the same, 417 Charcuterie ensures that no two tablescapes are the same either. Each product and service offered is entirely unique to the company or family utilizing the special culinary experience.

Take a 417 Charcuterie personal box with you, or have 417 Charcuterie catering come to you! Instagram, Pinterest and every social media platform has never been truly hungry until your personal 417 Charcuterie masterpiece has been posted. Don’t miss out on making every occasion delicious. Call 417 Charcuterie today, or stop by their brand new location in the Brentwood Center to book your yummiest experience yet!

Aviary Cafe

2144 E. Republic Road, Springfield, MO | 417-881-9736

Aviary Cafe is pleased to assist with your upcoming special event. Their private event room is available for reservations and is a beautiful space, where antique-vintage meets modern. Aviary also provides mouth-watering and unique catering for every occasion. Options range from salads to savories, and sandwiches to sweets. They’ll even bring along their famous crepe bar for your guests to enjoy, with whipped mascarpone, nutella, creme anglaise, chocolate gnash and fresh fruit.

Visit aviarycafe.com to make your room reservation and explore their full menu, or call to begin planning your custom event. You’ll also find local Lavender Falls Farm products at Aviary Cafe and for sale on their website. These aromatic delights make delightful corporate gifts, a little something for your team, your clients or yourself.

Aviary Cafe serves traditional French-inspired entrees with stellar wines, beer and cocktails. All of their dishes utilize premium ingredients, seasonal vegetables and their very own baked goods.

Enjoy a signature cocktail, an order of delicious hand-cut Pommes Frites, and be sure to pair it with one of their incredible dessert crepes. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, at Aviary Cafe you’ll encounter a unique dining experience that will leave your tastebuds dancing with joy.

Big Whiskey’s

Springfield | Republic | Branson | Nixa | Ozark

Big Whiskey’s is serving up your favorites and then some with their all-new catering menu! Whatever your event, Big Whiskey’s has you covered.

Hosting a brunch or an early meeting? Take a look at their brunch bars and brunch box options. Hosting a cocktail event? Their appetizer bars are a crowd favorite and can’t be beat. Is it a fundraiser or large event you’re planning for? Big Whiskey's has twelve dinner buffet options to choose from. Casual come and go event? Their "build your own bars" or tray options are perfect. The best part is that you can mix and match any of these options to create your perfect custom catering! It's understandable that you have high expectations for your event, and you can rest assured that Big Whiskey's does too. They can deliver, set up and staff your catering. They make it easy—just be sure to let your catering coordinator know what your needs are!

You can get more information by giving any of their 417-land locations a call, or visit bigwhiskeys.com to download their catering menu and ordering guide.

Knotty Catering Co.

2845 W. Highway 76, Branson, MO | 417-559-2450

Knotty Catering Co. ties together two of the Ozarks' most esteemed restaurants—Gettin' Basted and Downing Street Pour House—to create the catering experience of your dreams.

Gettin' Basted is a nationally revered, competition barbecue team, turned temporary food truck, turned full service restaurant, turned multi-franchise operation based in Southwest Missouri. Their claim to fame is coining “Ozarks Style BBQ,” a revolutionary hot and fast cooking style over direct Missouri hardwood coals for all their meats.

After establishing Gettin’ Basted, the owners then seized an opportunity to form Downing Street Pour House, a matchless pub offering an American spin on classic English favorites.

Knotty Catering Co. ties the best of both worlds together.

No matter the size, budget or vibe of the event you are curating, Knotty Catering Co. is the perfect tie in. Their extensive and unique menu includes items like Wagyu beef burger bars, house-made pimento cheese starters, Ozarks Style barbecue party packs, shepherd’s pie platters, ooey gooey butter cake desserts and more. Oh, and let’s not forget about their full service bar option.

These are "knot" your average eats. Just don’t blame them if the food seems to be the only thing your guests can remember! Get Knotty. Call to plan now!