From the bright colors of changing leaves to the mouth-watering scent of food truck fare, Southwest Missouri is the place to be for the very best that fall has to offer.
Springfield, Branson and close-knit communities throughout our region welcome visitors near and far to take part in a range of activities for all ages. There are plenty of time-honored fall traditions like corn mazes and hayrides. You can also find the perfect handmade gifts, feel the rhythm of live, local music and savor a variety of unique flavors.
To get you all aboard for autumn, here is a list of events taking place in September and October throughout 417-land.
September Events
Seymour Apple Festival
September 7-9
30 miles east of Springfield on US Highway 60
This family-friendly event features loads of entertainment and over 100 artists and vendors. Lace up your sneakers for a 5K run, or take part in the apple peeling contest, the apple baking contest, the Johnny Appleseed contest, or the apple princess contest. Sponsored by the Seymour Merchants Association, admission is FREE.
Japanese Fall Festival
September 8-10
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
Celebrate authentic Japanese culture along with a delegation from Springfield’s sister city, Isesaki, Japan. Witness the ancient art of sumo, the traditional Japanese dance known as Yosakoi and a karate workshop from Tracy’s Kenpo Karate of Springfield. Enjoy performances by magician and storyteller Yasu Ishida and local musician Dallas Jones. The event is sponsored by the Springfield Sister Cities Association.
Shepherd of the Hills Fall Craft Fair
September 8-10
5586 West Highway 76 Country Boulevard, Branson
Purchase one-of-a-kind gifts from a wide variety of vendors at craft booths throughout this event. Lil Pete’s Playland features treehouses, a petting zoo, obstacle course and more fun for the kids. You can also put your skills to the test on the mini golf course for the whole family. Savor delicious flavors from our food trucks and enjoy the sounds of live music performances.
Mother’s Oktoberfest
September 9 at 1 p.m.
Mother’s Brewing Company
Just west of Downtown Springfield
Mother’s Brewing in Springfield welcomes you to experience the unique flavors of their specialty German beers, along with bratwursts and other delicious food items. Enter their traditional dress contest and enjoy live music from the Whiffs. There’s also a bounce house and other fun activities for kids. Tickets are $5 each.
Downtown Branson Autumn Daze Arts, Crafts & Music Festival
September 14 to 16
Thursday and Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown Branson
Over 100 vendors descend on Downtown Branson with a unique variety of gifts. Car buffs will love the Sleds of the Midwest Classic Car Show. Food truck offerings include pork rinds, kettle corn, snowcones and more. Enjoy the sights and sounds of live entertainment throughout the day. Admission is free and all ages are welcome!
Marionville Apple Fest
September 15-16
201 West Washington Street, Marionville, MO
Bring the whole family for a weekend of fun and excitement at this beloved small town tradition! Take in the annual parade Saturday morning at 10 and the Miss Apple Fest pageant at 4 p.m. Peruse arts and crafts from a wide variety of vendors, along with face painting and games for all ages. Finally, celebrate the announcement of this year’s Golden Apple Scholarship and Golden Apple Award winners!
Crafts & Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City
September 15-October 28
399 Silver Dollar City Parkway, Branson
Find one-of-a-kind gifts each week from nationally renowned artisans at Silver Dollar City. Feast on tasty chuckwagon-style cooking at Cowboy Camp and purchase western-themed art at Cowboy Emporium. Experience the “wow” of larger-than-life pumpkins at the Garden of Giants and join us for the enchanting lights of Pumpkins in the City at night!
Mead Fest
September 16, Noon – 5 p.m.
7 C’s Winery, Walnut Grove, MO
Pack a picnic and experience the flavor of locally made wine and mead at 7 C’s Winery. Watch armored combat demonstrations from the Iron Alliance and a bird of prey demonstration from Dickerson Park Zoo. Enjoy live entertainment from belly dancers and a performance by Rowans Crossing. Admission is FREE and souvenir glasses are $5.
9th Annual Food Truck Festival
September 16, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
Bring those taste buds as we celebrate the best flavors our community has to offer. From down-home barbeque and burgers to flavorful tacos and pizza, there’s something to please every palate at Springfield’s Food Truck Festival. This year’s live performers include Corey River, Brian Pitts, Jake Stringer & Better Than Nothing and Jackson Martin. Admission is FREE with food truck fare available for purchase.
Cider Days
September 16-17
Historic Walnut Street near Downtown Springfield
This beloved annual event features something for all ages. Purchase creative works from artists and crafters from across the country. Enjoy live music and dance performances. Sample a wide menu of delicious food options. And of course, the weekend won’t be complete until you’ve tasted the wonderful flavor of our homemade apple cider!
Cedar Fest
September 18 – October 31
190 Top of the Rock, Ridgedale, MO
Big Cedar Lodge near Branson is the place to visit for a plethora of fall fun. Board the Lady Liberty for a Fall Foliage Cruise or a relaxing Brunch Cruise. Enter the Monster Dash 5K or the Trick or Treat Trot. Get your creative juices flowing with fall wreath making, centerpiece making and pumpkin decorating. Or test your skills in the Ozarks Lost Souls Maze. From a flavorful menu to exciting activities for all ages, there’s something for everyone at Big Cedar this fall.
Fair Grove Heritage Reunion
September 23
Fair Grove, MO
Just a few miles north of Springfield, the small town of Fair Grove welcomes visitors from all corners to their annual Heritage Reunion. The fun begins with a morning parade starting at Fair Grove High School. Visit the historic Wommack Mill to see (and hear!) the grist mill operating throughout the festival. Grab a bite to eat and purchase original arts and crafts. You can also hear live music all weekend at the Gazebo and the Mill on either end of downtown.
McKenna’s Pumpkin Patch
September 23-October 29
Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.McKenna Family Farm, Branson
If an old-fashioned corn maze is your idea of the perfect fall afternoon, visit McKenna’s Pumpkin Patch for the best in tradtional autumn fun. Go on a hay ride or enter a rubber ducky race. Kids of all ages will have a ball climbing the giant hay stack or tire mountain. Their playground also features swings, slides and swinging tubes.
Schofield & Gray Market Festival
September 30
Fordland, MO
If you’re into one-of-a-kind gifts you can’t find anywhere else, Schofield & Gray Market Festival is the place for you. Vendors offer a wide range of unique finds including antiques and vintage fare. You’ll also find wonderful garden, boutique and home decor items to suit your individual style. Grab a tasty treat from their food trucks and tap your toes to the sounds of live music.
SGF Culturefest
September 30
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
C Street City Market
Historic C Street in North Springfield welcomes locals and visitors alike as we celebrate the rich ethnic diversity and heritage of our community. Culturefest features exciting performances from a range of talented artists. Bring your appetite and enjoy the unique flavors of local food vendors, or find the perfect gift from nearby businesses.
October Events
Ozark Fall Farmfest
October 6, 7 & 8
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Ozark Empire Fairgrounds
The largest agricultural event in the Ozarks features over 1,000 exhibits and more than 600 registered head of livestock. Come see live exhibits featuring cattle, horses, hogs, goats and sheep, You can also walk through the evolution of ag technology with a showing of antique tractors. Admission and parking are FREE, so bring the whole family and get your farm on!
Republic Pumpkin Daze
October 6-7
J.R. Martin Park, Republic, MO
Over 300 craft vendors participate in this annual event which raises money for local scholarships and community grants. Come see a collection of giant pumpkins and other produce, and grab lunch from the food trucks. Watch as local furry friends take part in the pet parade. Enjoy a lively round of Kiwanis Bingo as you take in live music and dance performances throughout the weekend.
49th Annual Ozark Fall Craft Fair
October 6, 7 & 8
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Finley River Park, Ozark, MO
Head on down to Ozark for a weekend of food, fun and shopping at Finley River Park. Exhibitors feature everything from handmade arts and crafts to flavorful food items that’ll make your taste buds sing. Come see why this unique event has been a favorite meeting ground for family and friends for almost half a century!
Harvest Fest at Rutledge Wilson
October 7-29
Saturdays 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
3825 West Farm Road 146, Springfield
Just a hop, skip and a jump outside of Springfield is the perfect outdoor fall experience for the whole family. While you’re picking out a perfect jack-o-lantern from the pumpkin patch, you can also take part in a range of memorable activites. Find your way through the corn maze or let the kids enjoy a pony ride, barnyard race and inflatables.
Apple Butter Makin’ Days
October 13-15
Courthouse square, Mount Vernon, MO
Travel back in time with the sentimental scent of old-fashioned apple butter cooked over an open fire in huge copper kettles, and purchase a jar to take home! You can also watch the pet parade, weiner dog races and even a bubble gum blowing contest at one of Southwest Missouri’s most popular events. And of course there’s plenty of live music, delicious food and exciting games for the kids.
Hollister Grape & Fall Festival
October 12
10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Historic Downing Street
Known for its famous grape stomp, the Grape & Fall Festival is one of the oldest and largest events in Hollister just outside of Branson. Enjoy local flavors from their beer and wine garden, as you take in the sights and sounds of live entertainment. It’s a day of family fun in a historic small town setting.
Pets & Pumpkins Family Festival
October 21
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Park Central Square, Downtown Springfield
You and your furry friends are invited to put on your favorite costume and join the fun on the square in Downtown Springfield. A walking parade begins at 2:30 p.m. next to Civil Kitchen. You can also enter the costume contest to win great prizes. All proceeds go to local nonprofits benefitting children in foster care and animals in need of a forever home.
