Local Events in
Southwest Missouri
Festivals, fairs, markets, concerts, and community gatherings across the Ozarks. There is always something going on here.
Fall Events
September through November
Silver Dollar City Harvest Festival
Branson, MO · Sep 11 - Oct 31, 2026
Silver Dollar City's fall celebration features Pumpkins in the City, a glowing display of more than 20,000 illuminated pumpkins, along with hundreds of artisans and crafters, seasonal demonstrations, and harvest-themed entertainment throughout the park. Included with regular park admission.
Source: Silver Dollar City
Ozark Fall Farmfest
Springfield, MO · Oct 2 - 4, 2026
The 47th annual Ozark Fall Farmfest at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds features farm equipment displays, a flea market, vendors, and family activities with free admission and parking. A longtime Southwest Missouri fall tradition.
Source: Ozark Fall Farmfest
Shepherd's Pumpkinfest
Branson, MO · Sep 12 - Oct 31, 2026
At Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead, Shepherd's Pumpkinfest fills the fall season with thousands of pumpkins, family activities, and seasonal fun at the base of the historic homestead.
Source: Shepherd of the Hills
First Friday Art Walk
Springfield, MO · First Friday monthly
On the first Friday of each month, downtown Springfield's galleries open their doors for the First Friday Art Walk, with open studios, live music, food, and local artists from evening into the night. A monthly favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Source: Springfield Regional Arts Council
Ozark Christmas Parade
Ozark, MO · Nov 21, 2026
The 61st annual Ozark Christmas Parade winds through Historic Downtown Ozark in the evening, accompanied by a Kids Market on the Ozark Square. A warm community kickoff to the holiday season.
Source: Ozark Chamber of Commerce
Winter Events
December through February
An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City
Branson, MO · Nov 7, 2026 - Jan 2, 2027
One of the nation's top holiday events, featuring more than 6.5 million lights, over 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, holiday shows, and the debut of the Stars, Lights & Christmas Nights Parade. Old-fashioned Christmas charm throughout the park.
Source: Silver Dollar City
Nixa Mayor's Tree Lighting
Nixa, MO · Dec 4, 2026
The Mayor's Tree Lighting Ceremony at McCauley Park is a free community event with Santa, hot cocoa, and ice skating, officially lighting up the holiday season in Nixa.
Source: City of Nixa
Dickerson Park Zoo Silent Night
Springfield, MO · Dec 4, 2026
Dickerson Park Zoo's Silent Night holiday-lights event lets families stroll the zoo in the glow of festive lights on a winter evening.
Source: Dickerson Park Zoo
Adoration Parade & Lighting Ceremony
Branson, MO · Dec 6, 2026
The 78th annual Adoration Parade is Branson's longest-running Christmas tradition, with a parade through historic downtown followed by the lighting of the city's Adoration Scene overlooking Lake Taneycomo. Free to the public.
Source: Branson Area Chamber of Commerce
Nixa Christmas Parade
Nixa, MO · Dec 6, 2026
The 72nd annual Nixa Christmas Parade, themed "Red, White, & Blue Christmas," marches through town on a Sunday afternoon with floats, bands, and community groups.
Source: City of Nixa
Sertoma Chili Cook-Off
Springfield, MO · Feb 20, 2027
The 45th annual Sertoma Chili Cook-Off at the Springfield Expo Center features free chili samples from dozens of cooking teams, live music, and drinks, benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield.
Source: Sertoma Chili Cook-Off
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