Early Call to Tourists
The Ozark Mountain Christmas festival has made Branson a go-to spot for holiday fun and shows. This year, the first-ever Ozark Mountain Spring festival hopes to make the entertainment town appealing during dogwood season, too.
Spring in the Ozarks is a beautiful thing. Trees burst with leaves. Dogwoods bloom. The air warms, and the sun brightens. And Branson comes to life as the city prepares for its rush of summertime visitors. This year, for the first time ever, Branson is attempting to bring that rush of visitors in even earlier. Starting this month, the Ozark Mountain Spring festival will draw together tried-and-true springtime attractions with a few new events. So what can you expect to see? Keep reading.
In the Air
In May, the Branson Regional Airport will send passengers out on its first flight. But before the airport opens, it will open its tarmac to visitors for the Branson Air Show. In addition to aircraft displays, stunt flyers with the AeroShell Aerobatic Team and Army Golden Knights, there will be six Air Force Thunderbirds roaring through the skies. Tickets are $16 in advance and $18 at the gate for adults, $5 in advance and $6 at the gate for children 6 to 12, and free for children younger than 6. Visit the site for directions and map. May 8–10, gates at 8 a.m., show at 10:30 a.m., Branson Airport, Branson, bransonairshow.com
From Your Kitchen
In April, you can attend the first-ever Branson’s Great American Pie Show. You can enter your best pie recipes in four categories: fruit pies, nut pies, refrigerator/freezer pies and pudding/cream/custard pies. Al Roker, whom you know as weatherman on the Today show and host of the Food Network’s Roker on the Road, is the celebrity guest judge who will help decide whose pies are best. A grand-prize winner will get $2,500 and a four-day, three-night stay in Branson. There will also be Taste of Home Cooking School classes. April 24–25, Hilton Branson Convention Center, 200 E. Main Street, Branson. See detailed scheduled online at greatamericanpieshow.com. Enter your pie online at tasteofhome.com/contests.
All Over Town
There will be plenty to do all over Branson this time of year. Silver Dollar City is hosting its annual World-Fest celebration in April (with shows from performers who hail from the world over) and Bluegrass & BBQ festival in May. Titanic Branson is celebrating Irish heritage in March, with lots of Irish music along with the usual educational Titanic displays and exhibits. In late April, the Missouri Wine Festival will bring wine tastings, artisanal cheeses, dinners paired with wine, seminars and classes and even an art show to Chateau on the Lake. And those events are just the tip of the iceberg. Head to 417mag.com to see the full line-up of Ozark Mountain Spring festival events.
The 411
Here’s a list of some of the highlight events at the first annual Ozark Mountain Spring festival, so you can find out where you want to be all season long. There’s even more at explorebranson.com, so long on to check it out.
Titanic Salutes the Irish
March 1–31
Titanic Branson, 3235 State Highway 76, Branson, 800-381-7670
More info: titanicbranson.com
The Titanic has an Irish legacy—the country’s men and women built the ship, after all—and what better time to celebrate Irish culture than the month of March. Join the crew of the Titanic for Irish music and songs in the Gaelic tradition.
Branson Tri-Lakes Building and Home Show
March 6–8
Branson Convention Center, 3027 State Highway 76, Branson
More info: tvcevents.com, 417-334-1200
Whether you’re hunting for ideas for remodeling, landscaping and home improvement, or you’re in the market for a home security system, you’ll find inspiration at this home show. For more than a decade, it has been showing southwest Missourians the best of all-things-home in 417-land.
NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Tournament
March 11–19
Keeter Gymnasium at College of the Ozarks, 1 Opportunity Ave., Point Lookout
More info: cofo.edu, 417-334-6411
This 32-team, single-elimination tournament, where the winners of the Division II conferences and regional tournaments battle it out in 417-land.
Wal-Mart FLW Bass Tournament
March 12–15
Table Rock State Park Marina, 380 State Park Rd., Branson
More info: flw.flwoutdoors.com/tournament, 417-336-5401
Have a little bit of angler in your blood? Try out your skills on Table Rock Lake when the nationwide FLW Bass Tournament makes a stop in Missouri. To take part in this bass fishing tournament, you’ll need to register in advance on March 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. Anglers can head out to start fishing at 7 a.m. each day of the tournament, and they should return for weigh-in by 3 p.m.
Hollister Easter Egg Hunt
April 11, 12:30 p.m.
Hollister High School football field, 1798 State Highway BB, Hollister
More info: hollisterchamber.net, 417-334-3050
Take the kids to some free, outdoor family fun. They can roam the football field at Hollister High School in search of treats left by that infamous springtime bunny.
Titanic Princess Tea Parties
Throughout April and May
Titanic Branson, 3235 E. Highway 76, Branson
More info: titanicbranson.com, 800-381-7670, 417-334-9500
For the third year, the Titanic Princess Tea Party shows guests (mothers and daughters) the etiquette, style and formal tea rituals of the Titanic era. Call for dates and reservations, which are required.
World Fest
April 4–May 3
Silver Dollar City, 3505 E. Highway 76, Branson
More info: silverdollarcity.com, 800-475-9370
Visit Silver Dollar City during the month of April to see performers from all over the globe, such as the balancing monks and much more.
Area ‘57 Cruise In & Drive-In Movie Night
April 11, 18, 25
Dick Clark’s Area 57, 1600 W. Highway 76, Branson
More info: area57events.com, 877-588-1957
An event for car enthusiasts, the cruise in has games, food and (classic) car-centric activities all day long. Then, in the evening, settle down for a free drive-in movie. The movies are typical ‘60s and ‘70s B movies and car movies.
Persian Gulf War Cease Fire - Branson Veterans Task Force
April 11
More info: bransonveterans.com, 417-337-8387
The soldiers who served in Iraq during Desert Shield and Desert Storm will be honored on the date of the official Persian Gulf cease fire in 1991.
2009 Branson Car Collector Auction
April 17–18
More info: bransonauction.com, 800-335-3063
For the 28th year, this collector car auctions offers exotic, classic and sports automobiles.
Branson Elvis Festival
April 17–19
More info: legendsbranson.com, 417-332-1305
3rd Annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest
April 18
More info: legendsbranson.com, 417-339-3003 ext. 221
Only a handful of tribute competitions are sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., and this is one of them.
Kewpiesta
April 22–26
Bonniebrook, eight miles north of Branson on Hwy 65
More info: 417-561-1509
Tour Kewpie creator Rose O’Neill’s Bonniebrook home while celebrating her famous dolls.
Great American Pie Show
April 24–25
Hilton Branson Convention Center, 200 E. Main Street, Branson
More info: GreatAmericanPieShow.com, 417-334-4084
In April, you can attend the first-ever Branson’s Great American Pie Show. You can enter your best pie recipes in four categories: fruit pies, nut pies, refrigerator/freezer pies and pudding/cream/custard pies. Al Roker, who you know as weatherman on The Today Show and host of the Food Network’s Roker on the Road, is the celebrity guest judge who’ll be helping deciding whose pies are best of the best. A grand-prize winner will get $2,500 and a four-day, three-night stay in Branson. There will also be Taste of Home Cooking School classes and lots more. See detailed scheduled online at greatamericanpieshow.com. Enter your pie online at tasteofhome.com/Contests.
Taste of Home Cooking School
April 24–25
Hilton Branson Convention Center, 200 E. Main Street, Branson
More info: TasteofHome.com/CookingSchools, 417-334-4084
During the Great American Pie show, join inon the Taste of Home Cooking School and spend about an hour and a half learned up to eight quick and easy recipes with craft and decorating ideas. The cooking demos are presented by culinary expert, Martha Schwend. There will also be gift bags, door prizes and exhibitors. Tickets are $15 (plus service charge and tax) at ticketmaster.com/outlets or 800-745-3000.
Hand in Hand
April 24–25
More info: branson.com, 417-334-2360
The public is invited to this event honoring Purple Heart recipients.
Missouri Wine Festival
April 25–26
Chateau on the Lake Resort & Spa, 415 N. State Highway 265, Branson, 417-334-1161
More info: mowinefest.com, 417-699-6199
Celebrate vino as the Missouri Wine festival brings wine tasting, artisan cheeses, seminars and demonstrations, dinners with wine pairings and even a juried art show and book signing to Chateau on the Lake.
Annual Missouri GWRRA District Rally
April 30–May 3
Dick Clark’s Area 57, 1600 W. Highway 76, Branson
More info: area57events.com, 877-588-1957
GWRRA is a non-profit, non-religious and non-politcal group of of Honda Gold Wing motorcycle owners. Join them for their annual ralley at Area 57.
Branson Air Show
May 8–10, gates at 8 a.m., show at 10:30 a.m.
Branson Regional Airport. Visit bransonairshow.com for map and directions.
More info: bransonairshow.com
In May, the Branson Regional Airport will send passengers out on its first flight after its grand opening. But before the airport starts shuttling tourists in and out of the region, it will open its tarmac to visitors for the first annual Branson Air Show. In addition to aircraft displays, stunt flyers with the AeroShell Aerobatic Team and Army Golden Knights, there will be six Air Force Thunderbirds roaring through the skies. Tickets are $16 in advance and $18 at the gate for adults, $5 in advance and $6 at the gate for children 6 to 12, and free for children younger than 6. Visit the site for directions and map.
Branson Airport Grand Opening
May 11
Branson Airport
More info: flybranson.com
In May, the country’s first privately financed and operated commercial service airport opens for business.
Womens Veterans Week - Branson Veterans Task Force
May 11–17
More info: bransonveterans.com, 417-339-6823
This year, celebrate our country’s female veterans. There are event details and schedules online at bransonveterans.com. Location was TBA at press time.
Bluegrass & BBQ
May 13–31
Silver Dollar City, 3505 E. Highway 76, Branson
More info: silverdollarcity.com, 800-475-9370
During May, Silver Dollar City hosts hot names in Bluegrass music, as well as the Annual Single Mic Championship and KSMU Youth in Bluegrass Band Contest.
Compton Ridge Fiddler’s Convention
May 14–17
More info: 800-233-8648
Bring your fiddle and join in three days worth of jam sessions and concerts.
Plumb Nellie Days
May 15–17
More info: downtownbranson.org, 888-322-2786
For the 36th year, Branson hosts a hillbilly festival and craft show that brings in craftsmen and women from all over the Midwest with handcrafted products.
Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield Home Idea Showcase
May 16–17, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
Hilton Branson Convention Center, 200 E. Main St., Branson
More info: kay@springfieldhba.com, 417-881-3711
Learn where to get the goods for all things home improvement at this giant home show.
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