Community Calendar

The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library will host its 7th Annual Spirit of Democracy Banquet & Silent Auction on November 7.

The evening will feature food, live music, silent auction, and more. New York Times Bestselling Author, Alex Kershaw, will be the keynote speaker. Max Lederer, Jr., Former Publisher of Stars and Stripes will be the guest speaker.

The Spirit of Democracy Banquet will be held Saturday, November 7, at the Osage Centre in Cape Girardeau. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the program will start at 6:00 p.m. Reservations are required. 

For more information, visit 7th Annual Spirit of Democracy Banquet: An Evening with Alex Kershaw-Nov 7 - The Stars and Stripes National Museum and Library

Dances are taught and prompted to old-time music, sometimes live. Come early for extra instuction. Come with or without a partner. Children and families are welcome. Age 8 and up can learn the dance easily. $5 contribution is requested for hall rental and musicians. Look on YouTube for Contra Dance, Cape Girardeau, MO to see a sampling of our dances.

If you've ever asked:

How do I navigate my new smartphone or tablet?
How do I set up an email account?
How do I fix my technology issues?

...then our Tech Tutoring program is perfect for you! Schedule a 30-minute appointment with one of our tech tutors for one-on-one assistance with technology questions and problem-solving common issues.

Please bring your device (cell phone, tablet, e-reader, etc.) with you to your appointment. (ages 18+)

Take a short pause in your day with gentle chair yoga, breathwork, and meditation. The sessions are open to adults of all skill levels, whether you are simply curious or have experience. We will provide a calm space to restore focus and connect with a supportive community. No equipment or preparation is needed.

Registration for the event is required to ensure we have enough space for everyone. (ages 18+)

Accessibility: The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.

Build reading readiness and kindergarten readiness skills with our Preschool Storytime program! This fun and educational program features longer books that are accompanied by a variety of activities, including flannel boards, dramatics, and songs.

(Ages 3-5)

This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop-offs will not be permitted.

Ever wonder how long dad can hold a plank? How low mom can squat? Join fitness instructor Ellen Gipson in this family-friendly workout series and find out! (all ages)

Accessibility
The library makes every effort to ensure our programs can be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.

Accompanying Adults
This program is designed for children and accompanying adults. Please plan to attend and be engaged with your child for this program. Drop-offs will not be permitted.

SEMO’s Department of English and Communication will host the Emil C. Weis Lecture on November 10.

The Weis Lecture showcases scholars who focus on the practical applications of the communication studies discipline. Dr. Alicia Mason of Pittsburg State University will be the guest speaker.

Mason is a professor in Pittsburg State University’s Department of Communication and is editor-in-chief of The Midwest Quarterly. She also serves as director for the university’s graduate studies in communication, the Communication Research Lab, and the Speech & Communication Center. Additionally, Mason serves as vice chair of the Strategic and Applied Division of the Central States Communication Association.

The Weis Lecture will take place on Tuesday, November 10, in Dempster Hall on SEMO’s main campus. The event will begin with a reception at 5 p.m. in the Dempster Balcony Atrium, followed by the lecture from 6-7 p.m. in Dempster Hall, Room 247. The event is free and open to the public.

The annual Weis Lecture Series honors SEMO alumnus and former professor of speech and English Emil C. Weis, who dedicated his career to education and developing students’ communication skills. Weis established the series to provide students, faculty and community members with opportunities to engage with communication scholars and deepen their understanding of communication studies. The series connects academic research with practical applications of communication across fields such as business, education and public service.

Join local Turner Brigade volunteers at Fort D Historic Site as we honor our service veterans past and present, Wednesday, November 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The original 1861 Woodruff cannon “George” will be fired at 11 a.m. The stone building known as the Blockhouse, with its interior displays, will be open for visitation.

Admission is free.

Southeast Missouri State University will host its 6th Annual Veterans Gathering of Remembrance on November 11.

The ceremony will honor and remember those who served our country in the United States Armed Forces, and commemorative bricks added to the plaza in 2026 will be unveiled. Refreshments will be served following the event.

The Gathering of Remembrance will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 11, at Veterans Plaza, located between Academic and Memorial Halls on SEMO’s main campus. Limited seating is available. Please register by November 6.

REGISTER HERE

Tickets on sale now!

Celebrate the season with NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet, the largest touring production of its kind in North America. Coming to the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall. CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO on NOVEMBER 11, 2026, this unforgettable performance features an international cast of dancers, dazzling acrobatics, elaborate costumes, and larger-than-life puppetry.

Set to the timeless music of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, the production transforms the stage into a magical holiday experience. A highlight of the show is the “Dove of Peace” adagio, a powerful and visually stunning moment that captivates audiences of all ages.

Now in its 34th year, the production continues to delight families across more than 80 cities annually.