A new festival for the community is being planned for April 10-11, 2026. “Party with a Purpose,” is a two-day celebration which will feature live music across several genres, a taco cook-off, food and drink, a variety of activities and games, local craft and artisan vendors, and more. That’s the party. The purpose is to raise funds for the operational needs of Christos House.
“The idea grew out of the excitement surrounding the ‘Party in the Path’ eclipse festival in April 2024,” said Festival Steering Committee member and City of West Plains Tourism Manager, Melissa Wharton. “We received such wonderful feedback on how much the community enjoyed the eclipse events, we wanted to keep that energy alive with another big celebration next April, and we’re combining a lot of different elements to do that. In fact, we’re calling it the most random festival ever!”
The festivities will be held in and around the West Plains Civic Center. “While some things, such as games and displays, will be scheduled inside, we plan to have the music and vendors outside, along with some of the other activities. But we also have a backup plan,” said Wharton. “In the event of inclement weather, we can move everything inside.”
Admission to the festival is free, though food, beverages, and other activities will be available for purchase. The schedule will be finalized and announced in the weeks ahead, but the festivities will begin on Friday evening with live music, a taco cook off, beverage tent and raffles. Saturday’s activities are set to start at 10:30 a.m. when vendors will be in place and live music gets underway. Saturday is also when there will be extra fundraising activities.
Steering committee member Terry Hampton said, “We want people to come out, enjoy the music both days, and browse the vendors on Saturday, no gate fee required. On Saturday, we’ll also have things like trivia rounds, a cornhole tournament, ‘drink and dice’ stroll, costume and beard contests, carnival games, a puzzle competition and more. We’re confident everyone will find something to enjoy, and we’re leaning into the fun of the unusual mix of activities.”
Kenya Cook, Outreach Advocate with Christos House, Inc., is also a steering committee member. She notes that one of the reasons for the timing of the event is that April is Sexual Violence Awareness Month. “The mission of Christos House is to provide a safe place for victims of domestic and sexual violence to make positive changes in a supportive atmosphere. We provide outreach services in eight counties, and we rely on the help of the communities we serve to be able to provide support to those in need.” She added, “We’re really looking forward to this event. We want everyone to have a great time while supporting an important local cause.”
Additional details, including sponsorship opportunities and how to apply for the vendor selection process, will be available soon. Food truck applications are not being accepted for this event.
To find out more about participating in the event as a vendor or if your business or organization would like to participate in the taco cook off, contact Wharton at melissa.wharton@westplains.gov or 417-256-8835.
For sponsorship information, contact Cook at kenyac@christoshousemo.org or 417-256-3408.
For information about volunteering, contact Hampton at terry.hampton@westplains.gov or 417-256-8835.
Follow the “Party with a Purpose – West Plains” event page on Facebook for updates.
Terry Hampton
Tourism Assistant
Ozark Heritage Welcome Center
City of West Plains
(417) 256-8835
