Good morning, Springfield.

Springfield recorded nine homicides in seven months—including a fatal shooting on July 23—and police and sheriff officials reported that easy access to firearms and rising youth involvement have fueled the violence while they work to enhance data sharing, upgrade technology, and address challenges like funding cuts and jail crowding.

Ohio’s Tax-Free Holiday is underway, letting local shoppers buy qualifying back-to-school items without tax until August 7 + the extra days let families compare prices and plan their purchases for the new school year + retailers expect more deals in the coming days.

Students in Clark and Champaign counties will begin classes for the 2025-26 school year as early as the third week of August + most will start in the fourth or fifth week with all returning by September.

Springfield Jazz & Blues Festival

2:30-11:30 p.m. — National Road Commons — Free entry — Experience award-winning jazz and blues artists along with local brews and food trucks in a vibrant atmosphere.

Stories of Independence Kids Series: The Lail Family

10:00 – 11:30 AM — Davidson Interpretive Center — Free entry — Celebrate America's Independence with stories and games from early American pioneers.

Springfield Rotary Gourmet Food Truck Competition

11 AM – 7 PM — Veterans Park Amphitheater — Free entry — Sample delicious dishes from numerous food trucks while enjoying live music and a cold brew.

Doggy Day at Splash Zone

5-7 p.m. — Splash Zone Aquatic Center — $5 per dog — Bring your furry friends for a splashin' good time at Springfield's favorite aquatic center.

The Fair at New Boston

6:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. — George Rogers Clark Park — Admission price varies — Experience a lively historical fair showcasing early Ohio with parades, crafts, and delicious period food.

20th Anniversary United Way Golf Outing

11 AM – 6 PM — Springfield Country Club — Registration required — Celebrate 20 years of community support with a commemorative golf scramble.