From Barbecue Battles to Pumpkin Paloozas, These 16 Events Celebrate the Best of the Season
As the vibrant colors of autumn sweep across Missouri, the state comes alive with a dazzling array of fall festivals that offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie looking to sample world-class barbecue, a music lover eager to enjoy jazz under the stars, or a family searching for the perfect pumpkin, Missouri’s fall festivals provide countless opportunities to celebrate the season. These events not only highlight the state’s rich cultural heritage but also showcase the creativity and community spirit that make Missouri a unique destination.
Kansas City American Royal World Series of Barbecue
Location: Kansas Speedway, Kansas City, KS
Date: September 26-29, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 70,000
Theme: Barbecue & Competitive Cooking
The Kansas City American Royal World Series of Barbecue is the pinnacle of barbecue competitions, drawing pitmasters from around the globe. In 2023, the Grand Champion title went to Brad Leighninger of Gettin’ Basted, a powerhouse team known for their perfectly smoked ribs and innovative barbecue techniques. This year’s event will feature over 500 teams, including returning champions and new challengers. Visitors can sample world-class BBQ from vendors like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que and enjoy live music from The Nace Brothers Band, making it an unforgettable culinary experience.
Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest
Location: Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Date: September 11-15, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 75,000
Theme: Motorcycles & Scenic Rides
Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest is a mecca for motorcycle enthusiasts, featuring top brands like Harley-Davidson, Indian Motorcycle, and Yamaha. Riders can participate in guided tours, including the popular Lake of the Ozarks Harley-Davidson Scenic Ride, which offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding hills. The event also hosts the BikeFest Passport Ride, where participants visit various bars and restaurants around the lake for a chance to win a brand-new Harley-Davidson. With live music from Confederate Railroad and The Reverend Horton Heat, this event combines the thrill of the ride with a festival atmosphere.
Louisburg Cider Mill’s Ciderfest
Location: Louisburg, KS
Date: September 28-29 and October 5-6, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 30,000 over both weekends
Theme: Apple Harvest & Family Fun
Louisburg Cider Mill’s Ciderfest is famous for its fresh-pressed apple cider and legendary apple cider donuts, which sell out quickly each morning. This year, the festival will also feature live music from The Ready Brothers and The Good Sam Club Band, adding to the festive atmosphere. Families can enjoy a visit to the pumpkin patch, navigate the Giant Corn Maze, and take a scenic hayride through the picturesque countryside. The Mill’s famous Caramel Apple Cider Slush is a must-try, blending the flavors of fall into a refreshing treat.
Hermann Oktoberfest
Location: Hermann, MO
Date: Every weekend in October 2024
Attendees: Approximately 50,000 over the course of the month
Theme: German Heritage & Wine Tasting
Hermann Oktoberfest is a celebration of all things German, featuring authentic cuisine, traditional music, and, of course, wine from local vineyards like Stone Hill Winery and Hermannhof Winery. This year, visitors can enjoy performances by the Loehnig German Band and participate in the annual Stein-Holding Contest, which challenges participants to hold a full stein of beer for as long as possible. The festival also offers wine tastings from Adam Puchta Winery, Missouri’s oldest family-owned winery, known for its award-winning Norton and Vignoles wines.
Best of Missouri Market
Location: Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO
Date: October 4-6, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 20,000
Theme: Local Produce & Artisanal Goods
The Best of Missouri Market is a showcase of the state’s finest produce and artisanal goods. In addition to over 120 vendors, this year’s market will feature cooking demonstrations by Chef Gerard Craft, James Beard Award-winning chef and owner of Niche Food Group. Visitors can sample specialty cheeses from Baetje Farms and artisan chocolates from Kakao Chocolate. The event also highlights local craft breweries like Schlafly Beer and distilleries such as StilL 630, known for their handcrafted spirits.
Apple Butter Festival
Location: Kimmswick, MO
Date: October 26-27, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 20,000
Theme: Apple Harvest & Traditional Crafts
At the Apple Butter Festival in Kimmswick, the sweet aroma of apple butter simmering in copper kettles fills the air. This year, the festival will feature apple butter made by The Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery, famous for its Levee High Apple Pie. Visitors can watch as the apple butter is carefully stirred by local volunteers, then sample the finished product spread on fresh-baked bread. The festival will also include live music by The Missouri Fiddlers and a special appearance by Johnny Appleseed, who will share stories and pose for photos with guests.
Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival
Location: Hartsburg, MO
Date: October 12-13, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 10,000
Theme: Harvest & Pumpkin-Themed Delights
The Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival is a celebration of all things pumpkin, and this year’s giant pumpkin weigh-off is expected to draw significant attention. Last year’s winner was a massive 1,312-pound pumpkin grown by Tom McBride of Ashland, MO. In addition to pumpkin-flavored treats, visitors can browse local craft vendors and enjoy live music by The Kay Brothers. The festival also offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including a pumpkin decorating contest and a pie-eating competition, where the goal is to finish a pumpkin pie in record time.
Black Walnut Festival
Location: Stockton, MO
Date: September 26-28, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 10,000
Theme: Harvest & Nut-Themed Delights
The Black Walnut Festival celebrates Stockton’s rich tradition of black walnut harvesting, with unique offerings like Hammons Black Walnut Ice Cream and black walnut pies. This year, the festival will feature a black walnut cracking contest, where last year’s winner, Jim Stevens, cracked open a whopping 150 walnuts in under five minutes. The festival will also include a black walnut recipe contest, where local chefs compete for the title of best walnut dish. Visitors can enjoy live music from The Ozark Mountain Daredevils and browse a variety of craft booths selling walnut-themed goods.
South Grand Fall and Music Fest
Location: St. Louis, MO
Date: September 21, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 10,000
Theme: Music & Cultural Celebration
The South Grand Fall and Music Fest is a vibrant celebration of St. Louis’ diverse music scene. This year’s lineup includes performances by local favorites Funky Butt Brass Band, Sleepy Kitty, and The Screaming Eagles Blues Band. The festival will also feature food from some of South Grand’s best-known eateries, including Rooster, Lulu’s Local Eatery, and The Vine Mediterranean Cafe. With over 20 acts performing across three stages, the event promises a day full of music, food, and community spirit.
Missouri Town 1855 Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts & Music
Location: Lee’s Summit, MO
Date: October 5-6, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 8,000
Theme: Historical Reenactment & Traditional Crafts
The Missouri Town 1855 Fall Festival offers a glimpse into life in the mid-19th century, complete with historical reenactments and traditional crafts. This year, the festival will feature a blacksmithing demonstration by Master Blacksmith Mike Martin, known for his period-accurate techniques and craftsmanship. Visitors can also enjoy performances by The Shortleaf Band, playing traditional Ozark music, and participate in a communal barn dance led by Caller Lisa Roberts. The festival’s highlight will be the authentic pioneer-style meals, including cornbread and stew cooked over an open fire.
Japanese Fall Festival
Location: Springfield, MO
Date: September 13-15, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 8,000
Theme: Japanese Culture & Traditions
The Japanese Fall Festival in Springfield is a serene celebration of Japanese culture, set within the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden. This year, the festival will feature a special performance by the St. Louis Osuwa Taiko group, known for their dynamic and powerful drumming. Visitors can also participate in a traditional tea ceremony led by Sensei Yoshiko Sato, and watch a bonsai demonstration by The Ozarks Bonsai Society. The festival will also host an origami workshop, where guests can learn to fold intricate paper designs, and a display of Japanese martial arts, including kendo and aikido.
Caledonia Pumpkin Festival
Location: Caledonia, MO
Date: October 19, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 5,000
Theme: Arts & Crafts with a Pumpkin Twist
The Caledonia Pumpkin Festival is a quaint, small-town celebration that highlights the creativity of local artisans. This year’s festival will feature a pumpkin carving contest, where last year’s winner, Emily Johnson, created an intricate haunted house design that wowed the judges. Visitors can browse booths selling handmade kitchen items, including pumpkin-shaped pottery by Local Artist Susan Turner. The festival will also offer a variety of pumpkin-flavored treats, such as pumpkin fudge from The Country Mercantile and spiced pumpkin lattes from The Beanery Cafe.
Old Iron Works Festival
Location: Maramec Spring Park, MO
Date: October 12-13, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 3,000
Theme: Historical Reenactment & Traditional Crafts
The Old Iron Works Festival at Maramec Spring Park is a unique event that brings Missouri’s industrial history to life. This year, the festival will feature a special demonstration of 19th-century iron smelting by Ironmaster David Thorne, using techniques that were employed at the park’s original ironworks. Visitors can also watch blacksmiths forge tools and utensils, just as they would have done in the 1800s. The festival will include performances by The Missouri Rounders, a folk band specializing in historical ballads, and opportunities to try your hand at pioneer crafts like candle making and corn shelling.
Fall Into Arts Festival
Location: Kennett, MO
Date: September 9, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 3,000
Theme: Arts & Family Fun
The Fall Into Arts Festival in Kennett is a vibrant celebration of local creativity, offering interactive art experiences for all ages. This year’s event will feature a community mural project led by Local Artist Barry Gregory, where visitors can contribute their own designs to a large-scale public artwork. The festival will also include performances by The Kennett Symphony Orchestra, and a special appearance by Children’s Author Hannah Brauer, who will host a storytime session and book signing. Families can enjoy carnival rides, jump houses, and food from local vendors like The BBQ Shack and Kennett Creamery.
Hootin an Hollarin
Location: Gainesville, MO
Date: September 19-21, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 5,000
Theme: Ozark Mountain Heritage & Folk Traditions
Hootin an Hollarin is a beloved festival that celebrates the rich traditions of the Ozark Mountains. This year, the event will feature a square dancing competition, with last year’s champions, The Ozark Stompers, returning to defend their title. Visitors can also enjoy mule jumping contests, where competitors like Ol’ Blue—the reigning mule jumping champion—showcase their skills. The festival will offer traditional Ozark crafts, with demonstrations by Master Weaver Betty Jones, and live music from The White River String Band playing folk tunes that capture the spirit of the Ozarks.
Mo Jazz Music Festival
Location: Stephens Lake Park, Columbia, MO
Date: September 14, 2024
Attendees: Approximately 2,500
Theme: Music & Jazz Heritage
The Mo Jazz Music Festival in Columbia is a celebration of Missouri’s deep jazz roots, offering an intimate musical experience in the serene setting of Stephens Lake Park. This year’s festival will feature headlining performances by The University of Missouri Jazz Ensemble and Grammy-nominated jazz artist Bobby Watson. Attendees can also enjoy sets by The Columbia Jazz Orchestra and The Gateway City Big Band, making for an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary jazz. With the park’s natural beauty providing the perfect backdrop, this festival is a must for jazz enthusiasts looking to connect with the heart and soul of Missouri’s jazz heritage.
Planning Your Perfect Fall Festival Experience
Missouri’s fall festivals are a feast for the senses, offering everything from the smoky flavors of championship barbecue to the sweet sounds of live jazz. Whether you’re exploring the scenic Ozarks on a motorcycle ride at Bikefest or diving into the traditions of the Ozark Mountains at Hootin an Hollarin, these events promise unforgettable experiences that capture the essence of autumn.
Be sure to mark your calendar, plan your visits, and immerse yourself in the vibrant celebrations that make Missouri’s fall festivals truly special. Whether you’re returning to a beloved event or discovering a new favorite, these festivals are the perfect way to embrace the beauty and bounty of the season.
