Welcome to the Top 10 Events in Missouri
Explore the selection of the top 10 annual events and festivals, fairs and celebrations (listed in calendar priority) across the State of Missouri, including events in St Louis, Hannibal, Kansas City and Branson.Soulard Mardi Gras - Lumiére Place Grand Parade
February
St. Louis, Missouri
A parade featuring floats, marching bands, colorful masks and outlandish costumes rolls from Downtown St. Louis through the historic Soulard neighborhood. Families can view all the excitement from the Family Fun Area in Kiener Plaza.
Mardi Gras events include a wine tasting, Cajun cook-off, pet parade, wiener dog derby and more.
For more information visit: www.stlmardigras.org
Polar Bear Plunge
February
Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
This "unbearable" event is a unique opportunity for individuals, businesses and organizations to support local Special Olympic athletes by jumping, diving or crawling into the sparkling, frigid waters of lakes across the state.
An estimated 500-plus participants take the challenge at the Lake of the Ozarks’ freezing waters, or braved the elements on a 5K run/walk in the seventh annual Polar Beat Strut, both held at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
For more information visit: www.funlake.com
Opening Day of Trout Season
March 1
Missouri
The state of Missouri has four trout parks that celebrate the opening day of its Catch-and-Keep Trout Season on March 1. They are Bennett Spring State Park, Lebanon; Roaring River State Park, Cassville; Montauk State Park, Salem; and Maramec Spring Park, St. James. All of them offer exceptional fishing in crystal clear waters. This Ozark tradition attracts thousands of anglers. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic beauty, hiking trails and other amenities.
For more information visit: www.missouritrout.com
National Tom Sawyer Days
June / july
Hannibal, Missouri
A Hannibal tradition for over 50 years, the Hannibal Jaycees’ National Tom Sawyer Days celebration focuses on wholesome family fun.
Visitors of all ages can watch or join in many of the activities, including three Fence Painting Contests, a frog jumping competition, the Sam Clemens-Kiwanis Arts & Crafts Show, Mississippi Mud Volleyball, a carnival, a parade, stage entertainment, dancing, food, a spectacular 4th of July fireworks display over the Mississippi River and much more. Downtown Hannibal during National Tom Sawyer Days truly offers something for everyone.
For more information visit: www.hannibaljaycees.org
Missouri State Fair
August
Sedalia, Missouri
Since the first fair in 1901, thousands of Missouri families have made the annual "pilgrimage" every August to Sedalia for this 11-day event. From entertainment to livestock shows to traditional fare, the Missouri State Fair is one of the state’s oldest and most tradition-rich events for summer family fun.
Among the popular attractions, one of the more famous parts of the fair is the mule show that has run ever since the start of the fair in 1901.
For more information visit: www.mostatefair.com
American Royal BBQ Contest
October
Kansas City, Missouri
The first American Royal Barbecue was held in 1980..
Today, spreading over 20 acres in Kansas City’s historic Stockyards District and with nearly 500 teams competing in four culinary contests, The American Royal BBQ Contest is one of the largest barbecue contests in the world.
Combine this with a barbecue-related trade expo, this two-day food festival is truly the “World Series of Barbecue.”
For more information visit: www.americanroyal.com
Oktoberfest
October
Hermann, Missouri
During the first four weekends in October the City of Hermann, Missouri will be observing its annual Oktoberfest. This well preserved German village, located on the banks of the Missouri River, provides a perfect setting for traditional events to celebrate German heritage and culture.
A wide variety of activities take place among the more than 150 historic buildings in the downtown area that includes more than a dozen antique shops, a number of specialty stores, museums, historic sites, art galleries, great restaurants, and quaint B&Bs and inns. There are also seven wineries and plenty of music, special food booths, and crafts demonstrations.
For more information visit: www.hermannmo.com
National Harvest Festival
September – October
Branson, Missouri
Silver Dollar City, The Home of American Craftsmanship, hosts hundreds of visiting craftsmen during National Harvest Festival. Incredible artisans demonstrate their unique crafts throughout the park, including jewelry making, pottery, woodworking, fiber arts, painting plus a world of outdoor art. Family entertainment includes the Timberworks Lumberjack Show, the Birds of Prey Show featuring hawks, owls and bald eagles, and Headin’ West, Silver Dollar City’s original musical production.
For more information visit: www.silverdollarcity.com
Annual American Legion Cotton Carnival
September
Sikeston, Missouri
Boasting the northernmost production of cotton in the United States, Sikeston and Miner celebrate “King Cotton” in style with the annual Cotton Carnival.
This community tradition features carnival rides, beauty pageants, nightly entertainment, carnival rides, candy apples, contests for Little Mr. and Miss Cotton Carnival and one of Missouri's largest parades. Visitors and locals alike also also enjoy art shows, historic exhibits, musical performances and much more
For more information visit: www.visitsikeston.com
Maple Leaf Festival
October
Carthage, Missouri
A tradition for over 41 years, this week-long celebration features a variety of events ranging from the Annual Queen Pageant to the Three Minutes of Fame Lip-Sync Competition.
Visitors attend what is considered to be one of Southwest Missouri’s largest parades followed by a variety of special events including more than 80 craft booths and food vendors.
For more information visit: www.carthagechamber.com
