The scent of barbecue, the sounds of bluegrass, jazz and blues, and the sight of fireworks over the Mississippi and Missouri rivers – these are just a few of the experiences you’ll find this summer in the Show-Me State. Here’s a sampling of some of the upcoming festivals and events in each region of the state:
Northeast
Meet Mark Twain’s most famous characters during National Tom Sawyer Days July 3-7 in Hannibal. Highlights include the National Fence Painting Competition, Tom and Becky contest, frog jump competition, live music and Fourth of July fireworks over the Mississippi River.
Jazz musicians will gather in Missouri’s historic wine country for the Hermann Wine and Jazz Festival Aug. 3. Take in a free concert at the outdoor amphitheater and travel the Hermann Wine Trail to taste award-winning wines.
Southeast
Immerse yourself in Missouri’s French Colonial culture dating back to the 1700s at the French Heritage Festival, June 8-9, in Ste. Genevieve. Experience traditional music and dance, storytelling, reenactments, promenades, tea with “Marie Antoinette,” and walking tours of the largest concentration of French Colonial architecture in North America.
Check out the Honey Festival and Market in historic downtown Ste. Genevieve, June 29. This buzz worthy event pays homage to the world’s most important pollinators. Enjoy a day of shopping, education and food!
Go for a ride in a beautiful balloon at the Sikeston Hot Air Balloon Festival June 21-23. The event features a balloon glow, tethered balloon rides, a balloon flight, arts and crafts, children’s activities, a beer and wine garden, food trucks, and live music.
Central
Spend the Fourth of July in Missouri’s capital city at the Salute to America in downtown Jefferson City. The holiday filled with activities – including a parade, kids’ zone and live music – will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display over the Missouri River.
The Missouri State Fair, Aug. 10-23 in Sedalia, has been showcasing the Show-Me State since 1901. The fair includes agriculture exhibits and competitions, grandstand concerts, carnival rides, children’s entertainment and more.
Northwest
Head to Kansas City June 14-15 for Boulevardia, the city’s biggest urban street festival. The event fills Grand Boulevard with live music, costumed performers, food sampling and craft beer. Also, immerse yourself in the magic at Disney 100: The Experience on exhibit at Kansas City’s historic Union Station from now until November. The Walt Disney Archives has opened its vault of treasures, showcasing hundreds of extraordinary objects, including many of Disney’s “Crown Jewels”.
Celebrate Excelsior Springs’ famous mineral waters at Waterfest, June 21-22. Learn about the town’s intriguing past on a trolley tour. Other activities include a parade, arts and crafts, musical entertainment, a beer garden, and fireworks.
Southwest
Carver Day Celebration, July 13 in Diamond, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the George Washington Carver National Monument in Diamond. The park highlights the life of a scientist and educator who helped revolutionize the field of agriculture. The event will include guest speakers, exhibits and musical performances.
The Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, Aug. 8-10 in Springfield, honors the place where the famous highway got its name. In the spirit of the Mother Road, a parade will feature a lineup of cars, trucks and motorcycle as well as floats, bicycles and performers. Live music, a 6.6K Run and Route 66 exhibits will round out the event.
Summer festivals and events:
Northeast
Hannibal:
- Hannibal’s 27th Juneteenth Celebration, June 15
- National Tom Sawyer Days, July 3-7
- 47th Annual Samuel L. Clemens Arts & Crafts & More Festival, July 4-6
- Wild & Wacky Art Adventure, Aug. 3
- 10th Annual Big River Steampunk Festival, Aug. 30-Sept. 2
Hermann:
- Hermann Mo Plein Air, June 18-14
- FreedomFest, July 5
- Hermann Wine and Jazz Festival, Aug. 3
- Missouri Bourbon Festival, Aug. 3
Moberly:
- Moberly Railroad Days, June 12-15
- Dirt Car Summer Nationals, June 22
O’Fallon:
- O’Fallon Heritage & Freedom Fest, July 3-6
Pacific:
- Sunset on the Rails, July 5, Aug. 2, Sept. 6
St. Charles:
- Jazz at the Riverside, June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 1
- St. Charles Block Party, June 15
- St. Charles Riverfest, July 4-5
- Sister Cities International Festival, July 14
- Festival of the Little Hills, Aug. 16-18
St. Louis:
- Shakespeare in the Park: As You Like It, May 29-June 23
- PrideFest, June 29-30
- Celebrate St. Louis, July 4
- Let Them Eat Art, Maplewood, July 12
- St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase, July 19-21, 26-28
- Blues at the Arch Festival, Aug. 9-10
- Evolution Festival, Sept. 28-29
- Festival of Nations, Aug. 24-25
- Tennessee Williams Festival, Aug. 8-18
- STL Fringe Fest, Aug. 12-18
- Gateway Cup, Aug. 30-Sept. 2
- Japanese Festival, Aug. 31-Sept. 2
Union:
- Concert in the Park, July 3, Aug. 2, Sept. 6
- Lawn Chair Movie Night, July 20, Aug. 16, Sept. 20
Washington:
- Sunset on the Riverfront, June 27, July 25, Aug. 22
- Music at the Market, June 13, July 11, Sept. 12
- Cajun Festival, June 21
Southeast
Cape Girardeau:
- Juneteenth, June 15
- Barrels & Brew, Aug. 23-24
East Prairie:
- Sweet Corn Festival and Tour de Corn, June 21-22
Ste. Genevieve:
- Honey Festival & Market, June 29
Perryville:
- Heroes for Kids Comic Con, July 20-21
- Adventure Tractor Ride, July 27-28
- Seminary Picnic, Aug. 2-4
Rolla:
- 30th Annual Route 66 Summerfest, May 31-June 1
- HeroStock, June 29
- 89th Annual Rolla Lion’s Club Carnival, July 3-6
Sikeston:
- Sikeston Summer Concert Series, June 7,14,28
- Sikeston Hot Air Balloon Festival, June 21-23
- Cowboy Up! Festival, Aug. 3
- Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, Aug. 7-12
West Plains:
- Old Time Music, Ozark Heritage Festival, June 7-8
- Heart of the Ozarks Bluegrass Spring Bluegrass Festival, June 6-8
- Heart of the Ozarks Fair, June 4-8
Central
Clinton:
- Olde Glory Days, July 3-7
- Henry County Fair, July 13-21
- Henry County Fair Rodeo, Aug. 16-17
- MO Horseshoe Pitchers Association (MOHPA) State Doubles and Singles Championships, Aug. 30-Sept. 1
Cole Camp:
- Cole Camp Booze & Bluegrass in the Garden, June 24
Columbia:
- Central Bank Downtown Live (formerly 9th Street Summerfest), June 28, July 12
- Fourth of July – Fire in the Sky, July 4
Jefferson City:
- Salute to America, July 4
- Cole County Fair, July 29-Aug. 2
Lake of the Ozarks:
- Aquapalooza, July 20
- 2024 Midwest Coast Wakesurf Open, July 20
- Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, Aug. 24-25
Sedalia:
- Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival, May 29-June 1
- Hot Air Balloon & Kite Festival, June 7-9
- Missouri State Fair, Aug. 8-18
St. Robert:
- Pulaski County Regional Fair, June 12-15
- Juneteenth Festival, June 19-22
Warrensburg:
- Holden Rodeo, June 28-29
- Johnson County Fair, July 9-13
- Wings Over Whiteman, July 13-14
Warsaw:
- Smokin’ Hot Harborfest, Aug. 3
Waynesville:
- Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Unit, June 22
- Old Settlers Day, July 27-28
Northwest
Chillicothe:
- Sliced Bread Day, June 28-29
Excelsior Springs:
- Waterfest, June 21-22
Kansas City:
- Juneteenth Film Festival, June 5-26
- KC Pride, June 7-9
- Midwest Fest: e-sports festival, June 7-9
- Boulevardia, June 14-15
- Kansas City Dragon Boat Festival, June 15
- Q BBQ Fest Kansas City, June 21-22
- SOMO’s KC Block Party, June 22
- KC Fringe Festival, July 12-28
- Disney100: The Exhibition, Now – November
Kearney:
- Smithsonian Crossroads: Change in Rural America Exhibit, May 10-June 21
Kingsville:
- Festival of Butterflies, Powell Gardens, July 18 – August 4
Liberty:
- Poolside Palooza, June 14
- Make Music Liberty, June 21
- Liberty Fest, July 3
- KC Wide Open Disc Golf Pro Tour Tournament/Wide Open Block Party, July 13
- Christmas in July Beer Crawl, July 27
- Splash Bash, Aug. 17
Parkville:
- Parkville 4th of July Celebration, July 4
- Parkville Days Festival, Aug. 23-27
St. Joseph:
- Juneteenth, June 14-22
- Show Me St. Jo! Experience, July 9, Sept. 11
- Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp, July-Aug.
Southwest Region
Branson:
- Ozark Mountain Summer Celebration & Summer Nights, Silver Dollar City, June 8-Aug. 4
Carthage:
- 47th Annual Carthage Stampede & Rodeo, June 7-8
- Battle of Carthage Re-enactment, June 15-16
- Precious Moments Week, July 21-27
- Marian Days, Aug. 1-4
Lebanon:
- Route 66 Festival, June 1
- Laclede County Fair, July 6-13
- New Horizons 42nd Annual Gospel Spectacular, July 26-28
Springfield:
- Moon City Con, June 21-23
- Taste of SOMO, June 22
- Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, Aug. 8-10
- Ozark Empire Fair, July 25-Aug. 3
West Plains:
- Mountain Biking Expo, June 1
- Ozark Heritage Week, June 3-8
- Heart of the Ozarks Fair, June 3-8
- Heart of the Ozarks Bluegrass 41st Annual Bluegrass Festival, June 6-8
- Old-Time Music Ozark Heritage Festival, June 7-8
- Sounds Downtown, June 20