8 Best Fall Festivals in Missouri
When fall rolls around, and the weather is simply perfect in Missouri, there’s nothing better than visiting a fall festival. From Branson to Eureka, you’ll discover an abundance of fall celebrations. Whether its in honor of maple leaves or cowboys, we’ve got it all. Here are the best festivals in Missouri.
Scarecrow Festival, Eureka, MO
What better way to get in the spirit of fall? Building scarecrows is truly a seasonal tradition, and in Eureka they take the event very seriously! There is something whimsical about scarecrows decorating the fronts of homes and local businesses. Come by and check them out throughout the month of October or participate!
Maple Leaf Festival, Carthage, MO
Each year more than 80,000 visitors participate in this wonderfully colorful fall festival in the city of Carthage. Taking its name from Mother Nature, the Maple Leaf Festival began in the 1960s as a marching band contest. These days, the Maple Leaf Festival is well-known for hosting the largest parade in Southwest Missouri. Many other events and activities are also scheduled, including a marching band festival, car and tractor shows, a wide variety of vendors, a costume ball, carnival, and circus.
Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival, Kimmswick, MO
During this two-day event, approximately 100,000 visitors come out to celebrate. Enjoy pumpkin carving, hundreds of street vendors, and the sampling of the Kimmswick Historical Society’s famous and delicious apple butter.
Pumpkin Palooza, Washington, MO
It's pumpkin time! Head out to Washington for an incredible pumpkin event this fall. There is plenty of activities for both children and adults. With such a big schedule of activities and events, you'll be hopping from one thing to the next!
Dogtober Fest, Blue Springs, MO
What an event. Celebrate all things four-legged friends at this year’s Dogtober Fest in Blue Springs. The event includes bobbing for biscuits, sack races, roll-rover races, biscuit eating, musical Frisbees, costume contest, and much more!
Harvest Festival Craft Days and Pumpkin Nights, Branson, MO
Silver Dollar City, known as the Home of the American Craftsman, is the host of this popular fall fest. Recently revamped, the Harvest Festival will feature craft days filled with all kinds of amazing displays from local artisans. At night, the scene comes to life with jack o'lanterns and thrill rides! This event is perfect for the whole family.
Wilder Days Festival, Mansfield, MO
If you enjoy the sound of a fiddle, then you'll enjoy this popular fall festival in Mansfield. The Wilder Days Festival is an annual community celebration that honors America's favorite pioneer girl, Laura Ingalls Wilder, and her beloved Little House on the Prairie books. This year is sure to please everyone, check the festival's page to keep updated with the exciting line up of actvities and events.
Warsaw Pioneer Heritage Days, Warsaw, MO
The Warsaw Pioneer Heritage Days festival has been celebrating this area's link with its past since 1981. Held during the third weekend in October, this annual event celebrates the Warsaw heritage and community with unique arts and crafts and 19th century demonstrations.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Events range from scarecrow building in Eureka to pumpkin carving in Washington.
- Maple Leaf Festival in Carthage features a large parade and various activities.
- Kimmswick Apple Butter Festival offers delicious apple butter and pumpkin carving.
- Dogtober Fest in Blue Springs celebrates four-legged friends with various activities.
- Silver Dollar City's Harvest Festival in Branson features craft displays and pumpkin nights.
- Wilder Days Festival in Mansfield honors Laura Ingalls Wilder and her Little House on the Prairie books.
- Warsaw Pioneer Heritage Days celebrates the area's heritage with arts, crafts, and demonstrations.
