The annual Springfield Oyster & Beer Feztival will be returning this year at a new location and with a slightly different name, thanks to its new sponsor.
Ansar Shrine, a Springfield-based fraternal organization, has announced plans to continue the traditional Labor Day weekend celebration. It will now be hosted at the Ansar Shrine Center in downtown Springfield, 630 S. Sixth St., from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5.
In February 2025, organizers of what was then known as the Springfield Oyster and Beer Festival announced that the event was being retired after 14 years. Conn Family Community Works, a branch of Conn’s Hospitality Group, had raised more than $170,000 for local charities over the years but cited rising costs, increased oversight regulations and limited time as reasons for not continuing with the annual event, which was previously held at the Inn at 835.
“We are grateful to Court and Karen (Conn) for the foundation they built,” said Jay Germann, Potentate of Ansar Shrine. “The Feztival has become a true Springfield tradition, and Ansar Shrine is honored to continue it for our community.”
With an expected attendance of more than 2,000 guests under a main event tent, the 2026 Feztival will feature fresh oysters, a wide selection of beer offerings, live entertainment and the vibrant atmosphere that has made it a regional favorite.
“Springfield is known for hosting incredible events – from the Springfield Mile to Route 66 – and the Feztival has proudly been part of that culture for 16 years,” Court Conn said. “We’re excited to see Ansar Shrine lead it into the future.”
Ticket details, sponsorship opportunities and additional event information will be release in the coming weeks.
