Local Events in
Southwest Missouri
Festivals, fairs, markets, concerts, and community gatherings across the Ozarks. There is always something going on here.
Spring Events
March through May
Nixa Sucker Days
Nixa, MO · May
One of the Ozarks' longest-running festivals, celebrating the spring sucker fish run with food vendors, live entertainment, a parade, crafts, and family activities throughout downtown Nixa. A true community tradition.
Plumb Nellie Days
Branson, MO · April
A 57-year-running community festival in downtown Branson featuring over 90 vendors, demonstrating artists, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. A beloved Ozarks spring tradition.
Branson Music Fest
Branson, MO · April
A multi-day music event designated as one of North America's top 100 events, featuring performances from Branson's biggest stars and celebrity meet-and-greets. Multiple venues across the city.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Springfield, MO · March
Downtown Springfield comes alive with green as the annual St. Patrick's Day parade winds through the city streets, followed by festivities at local restaurants and pubs.
Summer Events
June through August
Ozark Empire Fair
Springfield, MO · July - August
The Ozarks' premier summer fair at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds, featuring carnival rides, rodeo, demolition derby, livestock shows, live entertainment, and classic fair food. A staple of every Southwest Missouri summer.
Taste of SOMO
Springfield, MO · June
A food tasting event showcasing the best of Springfield's restaurant scene. Sample dishes from local favorites, discover new spots, and celebrate Southwest Missouri's growing culinary culture.
4th of July Celebration
Branson, MO · July
Patriotic fireworks spectaculars over Table Rock Lake and throughout the Branson area. Watch the sky light up over the water with thousands of spectators along the lakeshore and aboard tour boats.
Birthplace of Route 66 Festival
Springfield, MO · August
Celebrating Springfield's claim as the birthplace of Route 66 with a massive car show, live music, downtown festivities, and a cruise-in along the Mother Road. A must for classic car and Americana fans.
Fall Events
September through November
Artsfest on Walnut Street
Springfield, MO · May / Fall editions
A beloved regional arts festival on historic Walnut Street featuring visual and performing artists, food vendors, and live music. A showcase of the creative talent in Southwest Missouri.
Japanese Fall Festival
Springfield, MO · September
Held at the beautiful Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, this cultural festival hosted by the Springfield Sister Cities Association features traditional music, dance, food, and art demonstrations in a serene garden setting.
Cider Days
Springfield, MO · September
A beloved fall festival on Walnut Street with apple cider vendors, seasonal food, arts and crafts, and community fun. The unofficial kickoff to autumn in the Ozarks.
Silver Dollar City Harvest Festival
Branson, MO · September - October
Silver Dollar City's fall celebration features Pumpkins in the City, over 100,000 pounds of pumpkins, hundreds of artisans and crafters, seasonal demonstrations, and harvest-themed entertainment throughout the park.
Sertoma Oktoberfest
Ozark, MO · September
Ozark's annual fall festival featuring German-inspired food, live music, beer, and community fun. A great excuse to spend a Saturday in historic downtown Ozark.
Winter Events
December through February
An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City
Branson, MO · November - December
One of the nation's top holiday events, featuring millions of lights, over 1,000 decorated Christmas trees, holiday shows, Broadway-style productions, and old-fashioned Christmas charm throughout the park.
Adoration Parade & Lighting Ceremony
Branson, MO · December
A cherished annual Christmas-season tradition featuring a parade through downtown Branson followed by a spectacular lighting ceremony. The entire community gathers to celebrate the holiday spirit.
Ozark Mountain Christmas
Branson, MO · November - December
The entire Branson area transforms during the holiday season with millions of lights, seasonal shows, parades, and festive activities across dozens of attractions, theaters, and venues.
Sertoma Chili Cook-Off
Springfield, MO · February
A popular charity cook-off at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds where local teams compete for the best chili. Sample dozens of recipes, enjoy live music, and support a great cause while warming up on a winter day.
Know About a Local Event?
The Ozarks always have something going on. If you know about a great local event we should feature, reach out to Dan and help us keep this guide fresh and useful.
Contact Dan