Whether you’re looking for new ways to plug into the Springfield arts scene or are craving something new to chomp into, there’s plenty happening in The Queen City this month.

Friday Films at Gillioz Theatre – 325 Park Central East – GilliozTheatre.com

Live shows might still be on hold, but the historic Gillioz Theatre has opened its doors to a whole new style of entertainment. The storied music venue in downtown Springfield is taking this COVID-induced down time to screen some of your favorite horror flicks this month. Each Friday, the Gillioz will screen a different movie from The Silence of The Lambs Oct. 9 to The Exorcist on Oct. 23. The screenings are scheduled to continue through the rest of the year so be sure to pre-order your concessions and get ready to enjoy some of the silver screen’s most popular flicks.

S&L Donuts – 1011 S. Glenstone Ave.

The Springfield donut scene just got a bit more tasty, and it was already pretty scrumptious. S&L Donuts opened last month on Glenstone, and the menu here is anything but ordinary. Yes, you’ll find the usual lineup of homemade long Johns, donut holes, and apple fritters, but you can also devour smoothies, breakfast sandwiches and boba teas. It’s not every day you can enjoy an American classic like a glazed donut alongside a wildly different but just as sweet treat from Taiwan. Or how about a kolache? Now you can enjoy an international array of breakfast fare. 

Prairie Pie -307 S. Jefferson Ave.-PrairiePie.com 

After building a loyal following of pie enthusiasts, the popular Prairie Pie has moved into a brick and mortar space downtown. All those Earl Grey pies and pecan pies will still be rotating in and out, but the real focus at the new storefront will be individual savory pies like meat pies and pot pies. While renovations on the store are still underway, and a true grand opening isn’t slated until 2021, Prairie Pie is using the nearby alleyway to host popup events to showcase the new savory options. The next popup is scheduled for this Sunday, Oct. 10 from 9 AM – 5 PM or until pies sell out.

Artistree Pottery-1423 E. Cherry Street, Ste. 103 – ArtistreePottery.com

The corner of Cherry and Pickwick just keeps growing, and mid-September, the bustling cross street got a new neighbor when Artistree Pottery opened. The paint-your-own-pottery studio is run by the husband and wife team Rachel and Bo Barks. The studio can host private classes and events, like baby showers, bridal parties, and birthdays, but you can also walk right in any time, select a piece of pottery, and get to work. Oh, and if you get thirsty, the shop has wine, tea, and beer for sale.

Photo // Jared Willard, City of Springfield