Red, orange and yellow leaves have yet to start falling in the Ozarks but soon, temperatures will begin to drop, corn mazes will welcome explorers and the smell of apple cider will waft over downtown Springfield.
Springfield's 26th annual Cider Days street festival is Saturday, Sept. 21, and Sunday, Sept. 22, along Historic Walnut Street. The festival is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features artisan and food vendors, live music and family-friendly activities. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased in advance on the Downtown Springfield Association website.
In addition to Cider Days, the News-Leader compiled a list of 26 fall festivals throughout the Ozarks in September and October.
This list of fall festivals is not comprehensive, as there are countless going on around the Ozarks. If you'd like to publicize your festival, events can be self-listed on the News-Leader's Things to Do webpage year-round atnews-leader.com/things-to-do/events.
Japanese Fall Festival
When: Sept. 6-8
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Where: Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden at 2400 S. Scenic Ave.
The Springfield Sister Cities Association and Springfield-Greene County Park Board are hosting their 28th annual Japanese Fall Festival, a celebration of Springfield's Japanese sister city Isesaki.
This year's lineup of entertainment features:
- Zoomadanke (internationally-acclaimed duo that blends dance, music and mastery of kendama)
- Candy 5 (candy sculpture artist)
- Seiran Chiba (world-renowned Japanese calligraphy artist)
- Uzumaru (Yosakoi dance team)
- Yasu Ishida (Japanese magician and storyteller)
- St. Louis Osuwa Taiko (drumming ensemble)
- Kizuna Japan America Friendship Group (Springfield-based group that builds connections between American and Japanese cultures)
- Tracy's Kenpo Karate (Springfield Japanese martial arts studio)
- Springfield Cosplay
- KiRa-KiRa Springfield (local cosplay group)
- Molly Healey
- Dallas Jones
In addition to live performances, the festival features vendor and artisan booths. The Nihon bunka taiken tent, the omiyage and dagashi tents (souvenirs and snacks tents), and concessions will be available, too.
Traditional tea ceremonies, hosted by Hiromi Elliston of Kizuna Japan America Friendship Club, will be offered at 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Participation is $15 per person. The friendship club will also be selling hot and cold matcha tea for $5 per cup.
The festival is open from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 6, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7 and 11 am. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 8. Adult admission is $9 on Friday and Sunday and $14 on Saturday. Children admission is $4 all three days.
Rosebud's Cottage Fall Festival
When: Saturday, Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Rosebud's Cottage at 205 N. Main St. in Nixa
Rosebud Cottage in Nixa is hosting its second annual fall festival, featuring more than 80 local vendors. Food will be provided by George and Squeezy's Deluxe Lemon Shake Ups, Tinga Tacos, Big Broz BBQ, Fatty's On Wheels, Domina's, Cup of Joe's, Manna Coffee Cart and Confetti Snow LLC. The festival is free for all.
Country Days
When: Saturday, Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Downtown Bolivar
Bolivar's annual Country Days will feature craft and food vendors, a parade, car show, live entertainment, ax throwing and the Polk County Bike Club Bike Ride.
Seymour Apple Festival
When: Sept. 12-14
Where: Seymour Town Square
The free, annual Seymour Apple Festival will feature numerous vendors, live music and food. Entertainment will be provided by Honkytonk Renovators, Chelsey James Band, Isaac Kenneth Band, White Oak Revival, SoulRoot Band, The ABLeS, The Wise Guys and Members Only.
The Seymour Apple Festival Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14. The parade starts on Market Street and concludes on the other side of the town square on Washington Street.
The Seymour Apple Festival is known for its community-oriented, fun contests. This year's contests include a corn dog eating contest, apple peeling contest and apple baking contest (pies; jams and jellies; cheesecake; and cake, bread and cookies).
The annual Apple Princess and Little Miss Contests will also be held. Apple Princess is open for girls in sixth through ninth grade and Little Miss is open for girls in kindergarten through second grade living in the Seymour School District region.
Shakin' in the Shell Fest
When: Sept. 13-14
Where: Shell Knob Chamber Park at 21098 Needles Eye Road in Shell Knob
The Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce's Shakin' in the Shell Fest is back for another year. The free festival features live music, family-friendly activities, craft and food vendors, and demonstrations. The festival is open from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13 and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14.
Silver Dollar City's Harvest Festival
When: Sept. 13-Oct. 26
Where: Silver Dollar City at 399 Silver Dollar City Parkway in Branson
Falls treats, seasonal shows and countless pumpkins will soon take over Silver Dollar City for the theme park's annual Harvest Festival. The fall-themed festival runs through the end of October, just in time for Halloween.
Perhaps the most notable part of the Harvest Festival is Pumpkins in the City, when thousands of illuminated pumpkins are placed throughout the park. Nighttime rides are also held on several of the coasters, like Time Traveler, PowderKeg, WildFire and Mystic River Falls. Master pumpkin carver Barry Brown is back this year, too, demonstrating his craftwork.
Admission to the Harvest Festival is included in all general admission tickets, available for purchase in advance on the Silver Dollar City website or at the theme park.
More:Behind the scenes at Silver Dollar City: What auditions, work look like at the theme park
Shepherd's Fall Craft Fair
When: Sept. 13-15
Where: Shepherd of the Hills Farm at 5585 W. 76 County Boulevard in Branson
Shepherd of the Hills Farm's annual craft fair features craft booths, activities for children, food trucks and live music. The fair is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 13 and Saturday, Sept. 14. and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 15. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 12.
Rockin' Roll Bike and Music Festival
When: Saturday, Sept. 14 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Frisco Highline Trail — Willard Trailhead at 211 E. Jackson St. in Willard
The seventh annual Rockin' Roll Bike and Music Festival benefits Music Therapy of the Ozarks and each of the Price Cutter Charity Championship charities. The festival is a combination of a communal bike ride and live music.
There are various bike routes to choose from, including a six-mile family-friendly option; 12-mile, 35-mile and two 50-mile routes are also available. All routes feature stops with live local music and refreshments. New this year are a one-mile fun run and 5K race. Following all races, lunch will be served from noon to 3 p.m.
Registration is available on the Music Therapy of the Ozarks website. Registration pricing varies per route/race.
West Plains Downtown Fall Block Party
When: Saturday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Downtown West Plains
The West Plains Downtown Revitalization, Inc. is hosting its annual Downtown Fall Block Party once again. The party features live music, food, vendors and family-friendly activities. Admission is free.
MO Food Truck Fest
When: Saturday, Sept. 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 3001 N. Grant Ave.
The 10th annual MO Food Truck Fest is this summer. Admission and parking for the festival is free. For updates on what trucks will be at the festival, visit the MO Food Truck Fest Facebook Page at facebook.com/mofoodtruckfest.
Live entertainment will be provided by Justin Larkin from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Adam McCabe from 1-3 p.m., Crooked Path Revival from 3-5 p.m. and Lancaster Station from 5-7 p.m.
Marionville AppleFest
When: Sept. 20-21
Where: Downtown Marionville
The annual Marionville AppleFest features vendor and craft booths, tasty food, live music, a parade, kid's zone and plenty of family-friendly activities. The festival opens at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 20.
Joplin Arts Fest
When: Sept. 20-21
Where: Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex at 240 W. 7th St. in Joplin
The 10th annual Joplin Arts Fest is a celebration of local artisans. Live music, children's activities and food are available. The festival is open 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21.
Oktoberfest in the Ozarks
When: Saturday, Sept. 21 at 1 p.m.
Where: Mother's Brewing Company at 215 W. Grant Ave.
Mother's Brewing Company Oktoberfest is right around the corner. The day-long event includes beer, brats and pretzels, along with live music. Guests should leave dogs at home. Tickets are available on the Mother's Brewing Company website for $5.
PumpkinFest
When: Sept. 21-Oct. 26
Where: Shepherd of the Hills Farm at 5585 W. 76 County Boulevard in Branson
Shepherd of the Hills' annual PumpkinFest runs through the end of October. The daily festival includes hayrides, bounce houses, picking and painting pumpkins, scarecrow-building classes, mini golf, an arcade room, treehouses and countless photo ops.
Tickets are available on the Shepherd of the Hills website. General admission tickets are $19.95 for adults and $17.95 for children ages 4-12 in advance. Great Pumpkin Adventure Tickets (VIP) are $39.95, which includes access to all festival events, one ride on the Copperhead Coaster and 15 minutes on the Challenge Ropes Course. Tickets can also be purchased at the farm.
The Black Walnut Festival
When: Sept. 26-28
Where: Stockton City Park at 206 E. Spring St. in Stockton
Stockton's annual Black Walnut Festival features craft vendors, live music and food. The festival parade will be held around the park between 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28.
Carnival wristbands are available for purchase ahead of the festival at Simmons Banks, the Stockton Chamber of Commerce, Mppressions Salon and South Street Beauty Co. in Stockton. Wristbands are $25 in advance and will be $30 at the festival.
Wilder Days
When: Sept. 27-28
Where: Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum at 3060 State Highway A in Mansfield
Each year, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home and Museum honors the life and work of the "Little House on the Prairie" author. During Wilder Days, guests can tour the museum and homes, shop at the giftshop and of course, hear Pa's fiddle be played. Pa's fiddle is only brought out of its case during Wilder Days. The festival is free.
Street dancing kicks off in downtown Mansfield at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27. Activities on Saturday, Sept. 28 begin at 9 a.m. with entertainment at the Mansfield Park. The Little Laura and Farmer Boy Contests follows at 11 a.m. and the parade starts at 1 p.m.
Special this year, actor Dean Butler, who played Almanzo in the television series, is signing his new book, "Prairie Man: My Little House Life & Beyond" and chatting with fans between 10 a.m. and noon and 2-4 p.m. on Sept. 28 at the museum.
More:Actor behind Almanzo from 'Little House on the Prairie' releases memoir about series' legacy
Highlonesome Music Festival
When: Sept. 27-29
Where: Dockley Ranch at 10005 County road UU 545 in Chadwick
The third annual Highlonesome Music Festival celebrates Ozark music and storytelling in Douglas County. This year's music lineup includes headliner Ha Ha Tonka, Justin Larkin and the Cosmic Ozarkana Band, The Shandies, Steve Ames and the County Lineup, The Creek Rocks, Casey and the Atta Boys, Kicking Jacksie!, The Deadgummits, One More Dollar, Maddi Warren, Shoeshine Blue and Lost Monarchs of Fall. Attendees are welcome to camp during the festival.
New to this year's festival is an original songwriting competition. Open to all bands, musicians and songwriters, the competition serves as a way to secure a spot in the festival's 2025 lineup. The theme for the competition this year is, "The moment everything changed." Folks are to submit their original songs ahead of the festival. For more information, email highlonesomemusicfest@gmail.com.
Festival tickets are available on Eventbrite. Tickets are $85 for a three-day pass, $50 for Saturday pass and $25 for a Friday pass. Kids and family passes are also available.
Culture Fest
When: Saturday, Sept 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Historic C-Street
Commercial Street's Culture Fest is back for another year. The free, family-friendly festival spreads over two blocks. Co-hosted by The International Institute and The Hispanic Networking Group in the Ozarks, the festival features authentic vendors and performances.
Missouri Anime Festival
When: Sept. 28-29
Where: Springfield Expo Center at 635 E. St. Louis St.
The Missouri Anime Festival is returning to Springfield the last weekend in September. Programming will include Q&As, photo ops and autographs with voice actors, a cosplay contest, board and games, and vendors.
This year's guest lineup includes:
- Dante Basco ("Hook" and "Avatar: The Last Airbender")
- Greg Baldwin ("BioShock" and "Avatar: The Last Airbender")
- Colleen O'Shaughnessey ("Digimon" and "Danny Phantom")
- Greg Cipes ("Teen Titans" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles")
- Nazeeh Tarsha ("Code Geass" and "Genshin Impact")
- Aaron Campbell ("My Hero Academic" and "Chainsaw Man")
- Clay Adams ("Yu-Gi-Oh!" and "Pokémon")
- Xander Mobus ("Boruto: Naruto the Movie" and "Demon Slayer: Sweep the Board!")
Admission for the festival is available on the festival's website. Admission is $40 for weekend general admission and $25 for single day general admission. Military personnel receive discounted admission.
Fair Grove Heritage Reunion
When: Sept. 28-29
Where: Wommack Mill at 38 S. Main St. in Fair Grove
The 47th annual Fair Grove Heritage Reunion is a craft fair hosted by the Fair Grove Historical and Preservation Society. Admission is free.
The Fair Grove Heritage Reunion parade kicks off at the Fair Grove High School on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m. The parade follows Orchard Street, Highway 125 and Main Street. Following the parade, live music is held on the front porch of Wommack Mill and the Gazebo. Craftsmen demonstrations are held at the mill throughout the weekend.
Pumpkin Daze
When: Oct. 4-5
Where: J.R. Martin Park at 300 E. Hines St. in Republic
Republic's 33rd annual Pumpkin Daze kicks off the month of October. The festival features crafts, live music, food trucks and a kids zone. The fall festival is open noon to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4 and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5. Admission is free.
Ozark Fall Farmfest
When: Oct. 4-6
Where: Ozark Empire Fairgrounds at 3001 N. Grant Ave.
The 45th annual Ozark Fall Farmfest is the first weekend of October. Different than a traditional fall festival, this weekend event is a celebration of agriculture. The fest will feature more than 1,200 agriculture and rural living exhibits and more than 600 head of registered livestock.
The fest is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4 and Saturday, Oct. 5 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6. Parking and admission are free.
Ozark Craft Fair
When: Oct. 4-6
Where: Finley River Park at 891-961 N. Riverside Road in Ozark
For 50 years the Ozark Craft Fair has been hosted by the GFWC (General Federation of Women's Clubs) Utopia Club of Ozark. The fair features more than 350 vendor booths, family-friendly activities and food. The fair serves as a fundraiser for local organizations.
More:Utopia Club of Ozark, 'well-kept secret,' celebrates 70 years of philanthropy
Harvest Fest
When: Saturday, Oct. 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park at 3825 W. Farm Road 146
Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park's annual Harvest Fest features a pumpkin patch, hayrides, a cow train, inflatables, pony rides, farm animals, kettle corn, and more activities and food. A 2.5-mile corn maze is also available. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-11 and free for children under 5.
Apple Butter Makin' Days
When: Oct. 11-13
Where: Downtown Mount Vernon
The Mount Vernon Area Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to hosting its 58th annual Apple Butter Makin' Days this fall. The festival has been voted the Best Festival for two years in a row by Rural Missouri magazine, ahead of the Missouri State Fair.
The festival features craft and food vendors, family-friendly activities, live entertainment and of course, apple butter making demonstrations. Admission is free.
Maple Leaf Festival
When: Oct. 11-19
Where: Downtown Carthage
Carthage's 58th annual Maple Leaf Festival is more than a week long, including a two-day rodeo, several pageants, an Oktoberfest celebration, chili cookoff, 5K race, craft vendors and parade. The full schedule of events is available on the Carthage Chamber of Commerce website. Admission to the festival varies per event.
Greta Cross is the trending topicsreporter for the SpringfieldNews-Leader. She has more than five years of journalism experience covering everything from Ozarks history to Springfield’s LGBTQIA+ community. Follow her onX and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her atgcross@news-leader.com.
