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GolfingOzarks Events Guide
Annual events and festivals at Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks is the perfect destination for a getaway packed with exciting events and family-friendly activities. Whether you’re enjoying the high-speed thrills of the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, exploring local crafts at the Osage Beach Fall Festival, or indulging in apple treats at the Versailles Old Tyme Apple Festival, there’s something for everyone. These well-loved events showcase the best of the lake’s vibrant community, beautiful surroundings, and seasonal fun.
Book your vacation rental through Lake.com and experience everything this stunning lakeside destination has to offer, with easy access to the festivals and the natural beauty of Lake of the Ozarks!
Fourth of July
Fourth of July Fireworks Cruises
July 4, 2025
multiple marinas around Lake of the Ozarks
Attendance: Over 10,000 visitors
Why Attend: Celebrate Independence Day with a fireworks cruise, offering front-row seats to the lake’s spectacular firework displays. Options range from luxury yacht cruises with dinner to more casual pontoon outings.
Who Should Go: Families, couples, and anyone looking for a unique way to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Muskoka Arts & Crafts Summer Show
July 18-20, 2025
Annie Williams Memorial Park, Bracebridge, ON
Attendance: Over 10,000 visitors
Why Attend: This beloved arts and crafts show, running for over 60 years, is a gathering point for creative minds. With more than 200 artists and artisans showcasing their work, you can explore handcrafted pieces, fine art, pottery, jewelry, and more. Nestled in a beautiful park setting by the river, it’s an inspiring and family-friendly way to spend a summer weekend.
Who Should Go: Art enthusiasts, families, and those seeking unique handcrafted items.
Boat and Car Shows
Aquapalooza
July 19, 2025
Dog Days Bar & Grill, Osage Beach, MO
Attendance: Over 12,000 attendees and 1,000 boats
Why Attend: Known as the largest family-friendly boating event at Lake of the Ozarks, Aquapalooza is a summer celebration with live music, vendors, and water activities. You can enjoy the festival right from the water or dockside. It’s perfect for families who want a day of fun in the sun while soaking in the lively atmosphere of boating culture.
Who Should Go: Boating enthusiasts, families, and music lovers looking for a unique lakeside event.
Hot Summer Nights
Every second Friday from May to September
THE STRIP
Attendance: Approximately 3,000 visitors per event
Why Attend: This car show and street festival features classic cars, live entertainment, and food vendors lining the historic Bagnell Dam Strip. Each evening has a unique theme, making it a fun and ever-changing event to attend throughout the summer.
Who Should Go: Car enthusiasts, families, and those who love nostalgic summer vibes.
Races and Competitions
Lake of the Ozarks Shootout
August 23-24, 2025
Captain Ron’s Bar & Grill, Sunrise Beach, MO
Attendance: Over 100,000 spectators
Why Attend: The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout is one of the biggest powerboat races in the U.S., featuring boats reaching speeds of over 200 mph. The event raises money for local charities and includes family-friendly activities such as poker runs, meet-and-greets with racers, and vendor villages.
Who Should Go: Thrill-seekers, families, and fans of high-speed racing and water sports.
Big Bass Bash
October 4-5, 2025
weigh-in stations around THE Lake
Attendance: Thousands of anglers
Why Attend: This fishing competition draws amateur anglers from across the country, offering cash prizes for the biggest bass caught. It’s a great opportunity for families and fishing enthusiasts to enjoy a weekend on the water while competing for impressive prizes, including a chance to win a brand-new bass boat.
Who Should Go: Fishing enthusiasts, competitive anglers, and families looking for a fun weekend on the lake.
Lake of the Ozarks Fall Harbor Hop
October 11, 2025
Various waterfront locations
Attendance: Thousands of card players
Why Attend: The Fall Harbor Hop is a poker run on the water, where boaters stop at multiple locations around Lake of the Ozarks to draw cards and compete for the best hand. It’s a laid-back, family-friendly event with live entertainment and food vendors at various stops along the lake.
Who Should Go: Boaters, families, and anyone looking to explore Lake of the Ozarks in a fun and unique way.
Great Bagnell Dam Duck Drop
August 3, 2025
Bagnell Dam Strip, Lake Ozark, MO
Attendance: Approximately 4,000 visitors
Why Attend: This quirky fundraiser drops thousands of rubber ducks into the lake for a race to the finish line. The event also features a family fun zone with games, food, and live entertainment. All proceeds go to local charities.
Who Should Go: Families, charity supporters, and anyone who loves fun community events.
Canine Cannonball
June 14–16, 2025
Dog Days Bar & Grill, Osage Beach, MO
Attendance: Approximately 1500 visitors
Why Attend: Watch dogs of all breeds and sizes compete in dock-diving events, showcasing their skills in distance and height jumps. The event includes live music, food, and drinks, making it a fun outing for the whole family.
Who Should Go: Dog lovers, families, and those looking for unique summer entertainment.
Fall Festivals
Osage Beach Fall Festival
June 27-28, 2025
Osage Beach City Park, MO
Attendance: Approximately 5,000 visitors
Why Attend:This family-friendly fall festival features free activities like bounce houses, a petting zoo, and pumpkin decorating. Visitors can also explore arts and crafts booths, enjoy live music, and sample a variety of food from local vendors. It’s a lively day out for the whole family, complete with fun activities and seasonal cheer.
Who Should Go: Families, arts and crafts enthusiasts, and anyone looking for fall-themed fun
Stover Rock Island Fall Festival
October 11, 2025
Stover, MO
Attendance: Approximately 4,000 visitors
Why Attend: This event combines live local music, food trucks, and arts and crafts vendors for a day filled with community spirit and celebration. Perfect for a fall day out, visitors can enjoy live performances, tasty treats, and browse unique handmade goods while soaking in the autumn atmosphere.
Who Should Go: Music lovers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy the local community and fall vibes.
Food and Beverage Festivals
Midwest Wine & Brew Festival
August 17, 2025
The Lodge of Four Seasons, Lake Ozark, MO
Attendance: Approximately 2,500 visitors
Why Attend: This festival showcases local wineries, craft breweries, and food vendors offering tastings. With live music and a relaxing lakeside setting, it’s a great way to sample the region’s flavors while enjoying the summer atmosphere.
Who Should Go: Wine and beer enthusiasts, foodies, and anyone looking for a laid-back summer event.
Versailles Old Tyme Apple Festival
July 1 – August 5, 2025
Versailles, MO
Attendance: Over 30,000 visitors
Why Attend: A beloved fall tradition, the Versailles Old Tyme Apple Festival offers a parade, car show, apple pie contests, and live music. Families can enjoy arts and crafts vendors and plenty of food booths, all set amidst the scenic beauty of autumn. The festival also features a fiddle contest and activities perfect for all ages.
Who Should Go: Families, apple lovers, and fans of traditional fall festivals.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to pick an event to attend in Lake of the Ozarks? Let’s address some questions you might have as you plan your visit!
Most event venues, like Dog Days Bar & Grill or Captain Ron’s Bar & Grill, offer free or paid parking on-site, but spaces fill up quickly during popular events. Overflow parking areas are often available nearby with shuttle services. For larger events like the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, plan to arrive early for the best spots.
Some events, like the Canine Cannonball, specifically welcome pets, while others vary by venue. Outdoor locations, such as The Strip at Bagnell Dam, often allow leashed pets. Always check the event’s policy beforehand and bring water and waste bags for your pet.
Yes, many lakefront venues like Dog Days Bar & Grill and Shawnee Bluff Winery offer boat docks for attendees. Larger events like AquaPalooza encourage boaters to anchor near the venue. Arrive early as dock space is often limited.
Event prices vary. Some, like the Great Bagnell Dam Duck Drop, are free to attend but may have activities with small fees. Ticketed events, such as concerts at the Ozarks Amphitheater, typically cost $25–$100 per ticket. Many family-friendly events, like farmers’ markets, are free.
Most venues are accessible by car, with clear signage and GPS directions. From major highways, venues like Captain Ron’s or Osage Beach City Park are easy to find. For boaters, follow lake markers to dock locations. Some venues offer shuttle services from nearby parking lots.
Yes, all major events provide restroom facilities. Permanent restrooms are available at venues like Osage Beach City Park and Dog Days Bar & Grill, while portable toilets are commonly set up for larger outdoor events like AquaPalooza and the Shootout.