Fall 2017 is an exciting time to visit Branson, Missouri. Branson is located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, and fall visitors will be able to take advantage of cooler temperatures and experience the autumn leaves in all their glory. There are also several exciting festivals and events planned for fall in the Ozarks that are not to be missed!
Silver Dollar City’s National Crafts and Cowboy Festival is an exciting way to see both art by some of the country’s finest artists and craftspeople and enjoy a slice of cowboy life, all in one place! 125 visiting craftspeople will join Silver Dollar City’s 100 resident craftspeople for a variety of artwork including weaving, quilting, painting, drawing, ceramics, woodworking, and more. Several heritage craftspeople will also be there to demonstrate their skills at basket making, hand-crafting candles, and even book- binding. When you’re finished shopping for the day, you can take in the death-defying stunts and unbelievable performances of the Wild West Show. Based on the historic “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show” which played all over the country from 1883-1913, the show features trick roper and bullwhip master A.J. Silver, 6-time World Champion hoop dancer Nakotah, David Rosaire and his “Perky Pekes,” and trick riding by the renowned Western Trick Riders. The show’s patriotic finale features a flyover from an American Bald Eagle. When you get hungry, be sure to head down to the Red Gold Courtyard for authentic chuck wagon cooking from Kent Rollins. He entertains audiences with cowboy stories, humor, and poetry while cooking up a delicious chuck wagon meal from his restored 1876 Studebaker wagon. The National Crafts and Cowboy Festival at Silver Dollar City is a unique experience that is not to be missed!
Always a local favorite, the 44th Annual Autumn Daze Arts, Crafts, and Music Festival is the perfect way to spend a day in Historic Downtown Branson. Artists and craftspeople come from all over gather to sell their work at the expansive craft fair featuring woodworking, quilting, jewelry, iron work, collectibles, and more. You can also sample food from a variety of food trucks and local restaurants and take in performances by popular local bands and Branson entertainers at the music stage. This three-day festival runs from September 14-16. It’s a great way to kick off the fall!
One of the area’s most beloved local traditions is the Hollister Grape and Fall Festival. Originally planned in Hollister’s early days as a way to celebrate a year of prosperity and hard work, the festival was revived in the 1990’s and is now bigger and better than ever. The festival falls on Saturday, October 14, this year and features live entertainment by local artists, the Color Me Grape 5K, a children’s area including an adorable petting zoo, and a huge variety of food and craft vendors from parts far and wide. The cornerstone of the festival is always the hilarious Grape Stomp where teams from all over the area compete with elaborately-choreographed grape stomping routines. This day of fun ends with an unforgettable street dance.
Branson is known as a town that loves its veterans, so it’s not surprising that Veteran’s Day is celebrated with vigor here. Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week, America’s largest Veterans Day celebration, beginning November 5 and running through November 11, goes above and beyond Branson’s daily recognition of our nation’s veterans. This particular week is full of special veteran events and added celebrations honoring our military veterans. There are also exhibits and memorials in Branson that run year round. The Missouri Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial is located at the entrance of College of the Ozarks and bears the names of the 1400-plus brave Missourians who served in the Vietnam War. The Veterans’ Memorial Museum on Branson’s Highway 76 Strip is home to patriotic sculptures, inspiring murals, and thousands of pieces of military memorabilia from each of the branches of the United States Armed Forces. The museum also has several displays featuring the names of soldiers who were killed during World War 2.
Fall is an excellent time to visit the Ozarks. From the perfect weather to the glorious changing leaves, you won’t forget the beauty you’ll see here. The area’s fall festivals and special events are sure to help you make memories you’ll cherish for a lifetime!
