While Southwest Missouri is well known as a family-friendly region that offers the full gamut of G-rated entertainment by day, there are also plenty of nighttime diversions for groups looking to unwind after hours.
Enjoying a pub crawl or a sunset cruise in Branson, bowling or toasting with a local beer in Springfield, or rolling into some action when meeting in Joplin are among the opportunities available to groups when the sun goes down.
Branson
With the help of the Branson/Lakes Area CVB, groups can set up a pub crawl or progressive dinner at some of the restaurants and bars at Branson Landing. This lakeside entertainment complex features many options, including Missouri Mountain Moonshine, Cantina Laredo, Waxy O’Shea’s Irish Pub, Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar, and Ernie Biggs Dueling Piano Bar.
“Each outing will be customized,” said Deborah Cohen, director of meeting and convention sales for the Branson/Lakes Area CVB. “The planner can choose which venues and how the pub crawls will work.”
There is also a new party venue called SKY Deck at Parakeet Pete’s Waterfront Zipline that overlooks Branson Landing and Lake Taneycomo, where groups can go for a Zip & Sip themed event, including custom drinks made with locally distilled moonshine.
“Your group can zipline up to the 1,800-square-foot deck and enjoy beautiful views, sunsets, cocktails and dinner or a reception,” Cohen said.
Groups can also charter the Showboat Branson Belle and customize a waterborne event on Table Rock Lake.
“This magnificent 700-seat, 1890s-style paddlewheel boat is the perfect setting for your group event,” Cohen said. “A relaxing and scenic sunset cruise features a three-course feast and a lively show.”
And finally, from Branson groups can visit Ridgedale, Mo.-based Johnny Morris’ Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve, which offers evening experiences and some great group photo opportunities.
“Whether your group plays a round of golf on the Jack Nicklaus signature course, enjoys a private dinner in the wine cellar or tours through the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, attendees will be in awe over this one-of-a-kind property,” Cohen said. “The Lost Canyon Cave, which features the Bat Bar with signature concoctions, is a unique location for a cocktail reception or event.”
Springfield
Groups can head out on the Trolley Bike, headquartered at Springfield Brewing Co., a local favorite where thirsty groups can sample craft beers after the day’s business.
“It’s a great after-hours event,” said Susan Wade, public relations manager of the Springfield CVB. “The bike is ridden by up to 14 people and makes stops at various fun locations downtown.”
Scavenger hunts and happy-hour pub crawls can also be arranged, and groups are encouraged to bring their own cooler packed with brewery beers, water and snacks for the ride.
After the trolley outing, groups can grab a bite at the brewery’s full-service restaurant and perhaps enjoy some live music, which occurs several nights a week.
The recently remodeled Andy B’s, an entertainment center that features bowling, laser tag, arcade games, a full-service restaurant, party suites and a 100-person banquet room, is another great option for groups looking to liven things up after hours.
The VIB (Very Important Bowler) private bowling experience, complete with comfortable seating, jumbo screens showing the latest music videos and state-of-the-art scoring, is a popular option with groups.
The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame can also accommodate after-hours receptions and meals. Visiting groups, particularly those made up of sports enthusiasts, can explore thousands of pieces of sports memorabilia, hands-on exhibits, a NASCAR simulator and various other activities and games.
And opening later this year is Wonders of Wildlife (WOW), a huge facility filled with aquariums—including one people can walk through—wildlife galleries and displays that will educate and entertain visiting groups.
According to Wade, WOW will have space for group dinners and receptions.
Joplin
In Joplin, evening hours are filled with group dining, barhopping and casino action.
Among the area casinos where attendees can try their luck are Indigo Sky Casino, Buffalo Run Casino and Downstream Casino Resort, all located in nearby Oklahoma.
In Joplin proper, groups can hear live music and grab a bite at Blackthorn Pizza & Pub, do karaoke at Frank’s Lounge, have a meal and/or drinks at Club 609, and enjoy all of the above—pizza, karaoke and live music—at JB’s Downtown.
