The Best of the Fests
Bring on the fall chill—we’ve got festivals galore ahead. And there’s something for everyone, from Japanese culture to great blues music.
1. Sept. 11–12
GREATER OZARKS BLUES FESTIVAL
There’s no better time to sing the blues than starting back to school and kissing goodbye to summer. So come enjoy some of the best in the Bass Pro Shop parking lot, some of this year’s acts include Ronnie Brooks, the Kenny Neal Band, Kelley Hunt and many more.
$20–$40. Gates open Friday at 5:30 p.m., Saturday at 12 p.m.; Bass Pro Shops, 1935 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield. Tickets available at Stick it in Your Ear, Kaleidoscope, Cody’s Convenience Stores, The Springfield Symphony or at the gate day of, or call 417-869-1334. For more information, visit greaterozarksbluesfest.com.
2. Sept. 11–13
14th ANNUAL JAPANESE FALL FESTIVAL
Three days of cultural exchange and appreciation between Springfield and one of its sister cities, Isesaki, Japan, are held at Nathaniel Greene Park’s Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden (2400 S. Scenic, 417-891-1654). Performers from Isesaki, ceremonial kimonos and Springfield craftsmen are all part of the merrymaking.
$3–$5. Friday 5:30–10 p.m., Sat.–Sun. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
3. Sept. 11–12
SOUTHWEST MISSOURI CELTIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL & HIGHLAND GAMES
Join festival-goers as they watch Scottish performers and ride in Clydesdale-drawn carriages.
$3–$15. Buffalo City Park, E. Ramsey St., Buffalo. For tickets, contact the Buffalo Area Chamber of Commerce at 417-345-2852 or chamber@buffalococ.com
4. Sept.12–Oct. 21
SILVER DOLLAR CITY HARVEST FESTIVAL
If you’re looking for craftsmen, harvest-style cookery and live music, look no further. This year’s festival has two new featured events: the All American Cowgirl Chicks drill team and The Wings Over Missouri bird-of-flights show.
$53.74 for park admission. Silver Dollar City, 399 Indian Point Rd., Branson. For tickets, call 800-475-9370 or online at silverdollarcity.com
5. Sept. 18–20
LAURA INGALLS WILDER DAYS FESTIVAL
The small town of Mansfield holds an event each year to celebrate children’s author Laura Ingalls Wilder, who lived there while she was writing her Little House on the Prairie books. The festival has everything from a bluegrass competition to a Little Laura Look-a-Like contest.
Free. For more information call 417-924-3525 or visit wilderdays-mansfieldmo.com
6. Sept. 19–20
CIDER DAYS
Celebrate crisp fall weather and all things autumn by browsing the booths of more than 100 local and regional juried artists on historic Walnut Street. You can also watch live performances on three stages.
$4, free for ages 10 and younger; 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Historic Walnut Street, Springfield. For more info call 417-831-6200 or visit itsalldowntown.com.
7. Sept. 26–27
RUTLEDGE WILSON FAMILY FARM HARVEST FESTIVAL
At the Rutledge Wilson Family Farm guests can make scarecrows or check out the square dancing and bluegrass music. There are also booths and vendors to explore.
Free. Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun. noon–10 p.m. Rutledge-Wilson Farm, 3825 W. Farm Rd. 146, Springfield. For more
information, call 417-837-5949.
