Summer Festivals and Fairs That Bring Missouri to Life
Just a short drive northeast of St. Louis lies the town of Festus, where the annual Apple Butter Festival draws crowds each fall with its rustic charm and old-time crafts. The festival takes place in the Festus City Park, a leafy green space where visitors can taste freshly made apple butter cooked in large kettles over open fires. The air fills with the scent of cinnamon and cider as artisans demonstrate blacksmithing, weaving, and traditional woodcarving techniques. This celebration not only offers a taste of Missouri’s agricultural heritage but also a hands-on glimpse at pioneer-era skills, making it unique among the state’s many fairs. Early October, when the weather shifts toward crisp autumn, enhances the experience with colorful fall foliage and comfortable temperatures for strolling the craft booths.
About three hours west of St. Louis, the historic Missouri River town of Boonville hosts the Boonville Heritage Festival each summer. Set along the riverfront parks and historic downtown district, the festival highlights the region’s deep roots in river trade and Civil War history. Visitors can explore live reenactments on the banks of the Missouri River, wander displays of antique farming equipment, and enjoy music performed on the steps of the old Cooper County Courthouse. The town’s charming brick streets and preserved 19th-century architecture provide a picturesque backdrop that transports guests to an earlier era. Mid to late summer offers warm evenings perfect for outdoor concerts and watching the riverboats glide past, adding a living history element that’s hard to find elsewhere in Missouri.
Just under two hours southwest of Kansas City, the town of Marshall comes alive each July with the Missouri Fox Trotting Horse Breed Association’s annual show and sale. Held at the Marshall Expo Center, this event showcases the state’s official horse breed known for its smooth gait and versatility. Spectators can witness impressive trail rides, horse judging, and the thrilling speed classes. The Expo Center itself offers ample indoor seating, making it comfortable even on hot summer days. What makes this festival stand out is the focus on a uniquely Missouri breed, drawing dedicated equestrian enthusiasts and families alike. Summer’s long daylight hours invite visitors to explore nearby Marshall’s historic courthouse square, where local shops and eateries offer a welcoming welcome after a day with the horses.
In the heart of St. Louis, the Missouri Botanical Garden hosts its annual Garden Glow event during the summer months. Located just a few miles south of downtown, this world-renowned garden features intricate light installations that transform the landscape after dusk. Visitors can stroll along the Linnean Medal Garden and the Climatron conservatory, where the illumination highlights the vibrant tropical plants and water features. The Garden Glow combines horticulture with artistry, offering a sensory experience unlike any typical summer festival. Early evening visits maximize the impact of the lights against the twilight sky, making the event a favorite for romantics and families seeking an enchanting night out in the city.
About an hour southeast of Kansas City, the town of Higginsville hosts the Old Settlers Day, a long-standing festival celebrating rural Missouri life. Set at the historic Higginsville City Park, this event blends bluegrass music, local food vendors, and a lively parade showcasing vintage tractors and classic cars. Visitors can enjoy the traditional Missouri barbecue, often slow-cooked over hickory wood, savoring flavors that speak to the region’s culinary traditions. The park’s shaded picnic areas and playgrounds create a family-friendly atmosphere, while the music stages highlight the enduring influence of country and folk genres in Missouri’s cultural tapestry. Late summer’s warm evenings provide a perfect backdrop for dancing and enjoying the festivities under the open sky.
Head about two hours north of St. Louis to Hermann, a town nestled in the Missouri River Valley known for its strong German heritage. Each September, Hermann celebrates Oktoberfest along the Riverfront Park, where the town’s wineries open their doors alongside food vendors serving bratwurst and sauerkraut. Strolling through the park, visitors can enjoy polka bands and traditional Bavarian costumes that honor the town’s 19th-century settlers. What sets Hermann’s festival apart is its blend of authentic German culture with Missouri’s celebrated wine country, offering tastings at historic vineyards like Stone Hill Winery. Early autumn’s mild weather and vineyard views make this a must-visit for those wanting to experience a European-style festivity in a distinctly Midwestern setting.
In the Ozark Mountains near Branson, the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Fry Festival takes place each summer at the theme park inspired by Harold Bell Wright’s novel. About 15 minutes south of Branson’s bustling Strip, the festival centers on a large outdoor pavilion in the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre complex. Here, visitors sample freshly fried catfish alongside southern-style sides, enjoying live bluegrass and country music performances. The festival’s proximity to Table Rock Lake means visitors can combine the event with hiking the Lakeside Forest Trail, a moderate 2.5-mile loop with scenic overlooks of the water and surrounding bluffs. The blending of local cuisine, music, and natural beauty makes this festival a genuine taste of Ozark culture during the lush summer months.
Farther north near Springfield, the town of Walnut Grove hosts the Walnut Grove Fall Festival at the town’s fairgrounds, about 30 minutes northwest of the city. This event celebrates the agricultural traditions of southwest Missouri with livestock shows, a craft fair, and a classic car cruise-in. Visitors can watch 4-H competitions and sample homemade pies and preserves sold by community members. What stands out is the authentic small-town feel combined with the surrounding pastoral landscapes, which showcase the region’s farming heritage in a way that no larger city festival can. Early autumn weather, often cool and crisp, invites visitors to enjoy the festival without the summer heat, making it a pleasant escape.
Each of these festivals and fairs offers a distinct window into Missouri’s diverse cultural and natural landscapes. Whether it’s the river traditions of Boonville, the equestrian pride of Marshall, or the German heritage of Hermann, these lively gatherings bring communities together and welcome visitors to experience the state’s spirit firsthand. From St. Louis’s illuminated gardens to the Ozark’s foot-stomping music and fried catfish, there is a rhythm and flavor to Missouri’s summer and early fall that beckons travelers looking for an authentic and joyous celebration of place.