Savor the last days of summer and get outside for Oktoberfests, flavorful bites, food truck fests, and more. 

Aviary by Lavender Falls – 2144 E. Republic Road – AviaryCafe.com  

Few things relax the mind and body quite like the gentle scent of lavender wafting on the breeze, which was part of the attraction of visiting Springfield’s lavender fields and outdoor cafe at Lavender Falls Farm. The farm is not open to visitors during the pandemic, but until it reopens in 2021, you can still get a taste of its signature floral-infused foods thanks to its new partnership with Aviary Café and Creperie. The venture, called Aviary by Lavender Falls, combines the signature crepes and cafe fare of Aviary with signature flavors from the Lavender Falls Farm cafe, like lavender-infused hummus and honeys, plus charcuterie plates and expanded gluten-free and vegetarian entrees. 

Mother’s Brewing Co. – 215 S. Grant Ave. – MothersBrewing.com

Photo courtesy Mother’s Brewing Company.

In lieu of its typical blowout backyard bash, Springfield staple brewery Mother’s Brewing Co. is reimagining its popular Oktoberfest. Instead of a one-day event, the all-outdoor festival is taking place across three weeks on the brewery’s two-acre lawn, allowing staff to limit capacity to 25 percent and maintain safe distances. Despite the scheduling change, Mother’s Oktoberfest is the same ol’ bash with live music, German-inspired food from City Butcher, new beer releases, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic slushies. Mother’s Oktoberfest is free to attend and takes place September 12, 19, and 26 from 6 to 9 p.m. The event is family friendly and allows dogs on September 19 and 26. 

MO Food Truck Fest – 3001 N. Grant Ave. – MoFoodTruckFest.com 

Every summer, culinary-minded visionaries descend upon Springfield, bringing their mobile restaurants to the masses for the annual MO Food Truck Fest. The one-day event brings Missouri-based food trucks to one central spot, allowing attendees to taste their way through taco trucks, mobile meals and drive-away desserts. With more parking and room for spaced-out (masked!) attendees, the free event takes place this year at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds on September 19 from 11 AM to 7 PM and includes food and alcohol vendors and live music. 

Schofield + Gray – 358 Hill St., Fordland – @schofield.gray on Facebook and Instagram

One of Springfield’s best-kept secrets is its carefully curated antiques markets, and the most dedicated shoppers know that Schofield + Gray’s Fordland farmhouse is where you can find the most elusive homewares, like vintage furniture and antiques mixed with designer accessories, gifts, and garden decor sourced by the market’s co-founder Clive Gray. The seasonal antique market only runs four times a year and brings together antique peddlers, artisan food vendors, and more on the privately owned property. The fall market takes place September 26 from 10 AM to 3 PM with a $2 admission fee. An early bird hour starts at 9 AM for a $5 entry fee.