Where it’s ‘COOL’ to be YOU!

Visit these local establishments to experience a variety of creative events this spring:

JOPLIN ARTS DISTRICT NEWS - A snapshot of news, events and activities happening in May.

Art Exhibits, Theater and Music

Connect2Culture, 212 West 7th Street: Presents a Joplin Goes to The Movies free showing of 1927 film Captain Salvation, featuring Joplin-born actress Pauline Stark May 11 at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m., the band Me Like Bees on the Leggett & Platt Green. For ticket information and other details call 417.501.5550. All performances are held at the Harry M. Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex.

First Thursday ArtWalk with eight locations May 4 from 5:30-8:30 p.m., in downtown historic Joplin. Artists, musicians and host businesses offer a pleasant evening of local arts experiences. Find a map of locations posted on Facebook/ firstthursdayartwalkjoplinEvents.

Local Color Art Gallery, 1027 South Main Street: Painter Barb Hicklin will teach beginning watercolor (ages 8 and up) every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., $20 walk-in and bring your supplies. Walk in or RSVP 417.553.0835.

Spiva Center for the Arts, inside the Cornell Complex, 212 West Seventh Street: Enjoy viewing the 2023 Jo Mueller Small Works Auction, Photospiva 2023 in its 47th year as a national juried show of photography; PhotoSpiva Kids and Teens, and Jim Mueller: Local Legacy, celebrating the life and work of renowned photographer, instructor and PhotoSpiva founder; and Four States Photography Enthusiasts Club annual juried exhibition from the best photographers in the Joplin area.

Third Thursdays street festival is an outside community event on the first through seventh blocks of downtown Main Street. Enjoy the next event May 18 from 5:308:30 p.m., where you can enjoy music, entertainment, food trucks and artisan crafts. This event is on third Thursdays through October. See more information at Facebook/ JoplinThirdThursday.

Urban Art Gallery, 511 South Main Street: Featuring photographer Mike Ritzman with works from On the Beaten Path during May. Meet Mike May 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Bar, Restaurant and Shops Offerings

Beast & Barrel, 530 South Main Street: Enjoy the A Brush With Paint exhibit created by Carthage teacher/artist and Missouri High School Art Teacher of the year 2022, painter Cheryl Church. Meet the artist May 4 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Brew Pub & Parlor, 813 South Main Street: Karaoke every Tuesday, 8 p.m., 21+, no cover. Free comedy shows last Friday of every month.

Blackthorn Pizza and Pub, 510 South Joplin Avenue: Stand Up Comedy Open Mic 8:30 p.m. each Sunday. Singer/song writer Open Mic on second Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. All ages until 10 p.m., no cover.

May 19, 10 p.m. to midnight, enjoy a new drag show hosted by Victoria and Misty.

May 20 at 10 p.m., The Science of Band and Thru It Band.

Brew Pub & Parlor, 813 South Main Street: Karaoke every Tuesday, 8 p.m., 21+, no cover. Catch a free comedy show the last Friday of every month.

Chaos Brewing Company, 122 South Main Street: Play free trivia Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Club 609, 609 South Main Street: Presents artist members of Local Color Art Gallery showing The HeART of Joplin, featuring Joplin’s history in art. Meet the artists May 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 South Joplin Avenue: Presents artist Rachel Cabral, with her realistic paintings in “Mirror of My Mind.” Meet Rachel during her reception May 4, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Also enjoy Downtown Poetry at 6 p.m., the third Monday of every month and Open Mic Night the fourth Thursday of every month, 6:30 p.m. Free.

Plant Parenthood, 528 South Main Street: Presents artwork from artists Marta Churchwell, Merlen White, Connie Miller, Brent Skinner and others. Meet the artists May 4 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Countryside in the City is one of the leading florists in Joplin for fine, quality roses, flowers, plants and gifts for every occasion. Let our experienced designers and staff create a one-of-a-kind gift you will love. We also offer beautiful custom-designed wedding flower arrangements including wedding bouquets, centerpieces and boutonnieres. Open Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm and Saturday 9 am-1 pm. Convenient parking.

Blackthorn Pizza & Pub is a welcoming and inclusive Irish pub in the heart of downtown Joplin. This hip spot is famous for its delicious food, huge beer selection on tap, the area’s best live music and unforgettable drag shows. Follow Blackthorn on Facebook for upcoming events. Open 7 days a week and now also open for lunch Thursday through Monday.

By Kristi Spencer

Photos by Mandy Edmonson

Red Onion

If you’re on the hunt for a great lunch or dinner spot in downtown Joplin, you can’t go wrong with the Red Onion Cafe. Ask any local for a recommendation and there’s a good chance they’ll point you in the direction of this bustling restaurant at the corner of 4th and Virginia. This restaurant is a local favorite, and for good reason. The menu is diverse, with options ranging from classic comfort food to healthier options, all of which are delicious.

During my visit to the Red Onion, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Owner David Blum and General Manager John Starchman for a chat and tried some of their most popular menu items that luckily were some of my favorites.

We started with the famous smoked chicken dip, which was topped with jalapeños and those delicious red onions. If you are up for a new appetizer, try the smoked chicken and chipotle lime nachos. The combination of flavors was out of this world.

Our entrees included my go-to lunch pick, Dave’s Fried Chicken Salad. Its unique coconut-breaded chicken paired with fresh salad along with its signature honey mustard dressing is a must-try. Other menu items we sampled included the Tuxedo Chicken, a hearty dish with pasta, grilled chicken and broccoli in a creamy alfredo sauce, and a fresh and light option of grilled salmon.

David shared that his favorite menu item is the Love Me Tender Sandwich, while John’s pick is the Bacon Wrapped Grilled Shrimp from the restaurant’s “Food for Life” keto-friendly menu, inspired by John’s personal journey.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, you won’t be disappointed with the dessert options at the Red Onion Café. We sampled a few treats, and while the yummy keto-friendly cheesecake with mixed berries was a guilt-free option, we couldn’t resist the indulgence of the Italian Cream Cake. This cake was a delightful combination of buttery cake with a pecan and coconut filling and a velvety vanilla bean cream cheese frosting. Another standout dessert was the banana pudding cheesecake, which blended the fresh taste of bananas with the creamy richness of cheesecake. And if you’re a fan of the classics, the traditional cheesecake topped with juicy strawberries was equally delicious.

The Red Onion has been a beloved fixture of the Joplin community for the past 28 years, and it’s not hard to see why. Consistency is key, says David, and the restaurant’s focus on carrying out a simple concept has been a major factor in its success. In addition to dine-in options, the Red Onion Cafe also offers catering for events. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. I recommend stopping by for a delicious meal and friendly service.