{"id":15618,"date":"2022-08-25T10:04:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-25T15:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/visitmo.com\/articles\/fall-festivals-in-missouri\/"},"modified":"2026-09-01T14:50:34","modified_gmt":"2026-09-01T19:50:34","slug":"fall-festivals-in-missouri","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visitmo.com\/articles\/fall-festivals-in-missouri","title":{"rendered":"Fall Festivals in Missouri"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Missouri hosts a multitude of festivals throughout the year, but when fall rolls around, the state turns it up a notch. Communities large and small celebrate the season with an abundance of music, art, history, thrills and frights, plus food and drink \u2013 amidst all the beauty autumn has to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Evolution Music Festival<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

The Sound of the Season<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Columbia\u2019s Biscuits, Beats & Brews<\/a> in October celebrates some of the best things about Columbia \u2013 great food, craft beer, a creative spirit, and, most importantly, a sense of community. Head to Cooper\u2019s Landing to be part of this family friendly music and arts festival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an effort to preserve the rich tradition of bluegrass music in the Ozarks, the Heart of the Ozarks Bluegrass Association started the HOBA Bluegrass Festival<\/a> (Sept. 24-26). This year, the event\u2019s 42nd<\/sup> iteration, there will be three days of performances in a lovely outdoor setting. Onsite camping and RV hookups are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sweets, Treats and Eats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not fall without a few apple treats. Sample apple in all of its forms at Weston Applefest<\/a> (Oct. 3-4). From apple alley to an apple-themed parade, you\u2019re sure to get your fix of this staple fall fruit. Don\u2019t miss the apple butter demonstration or the famous apple dumplings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If pumpkin is more to your taste, check out Shepherd of the Hills PumpkinFest<\/a> (Sept. 12-Oct. 31). Between bites of pumpkin baked goods, make your own scarecrow, paint pumpkins, take advantage of the fun photo-ops, visit barnyard animals and trek across the treetop sky trail bridges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hosted in Springfield\u2019s Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, the Japanese Fall Festival<\/a> (Sept. 11-13) honors Springfield\u2019s sister city relationship with Isesaki, Japan. Check out the Japanese culture tent, sword fighting demonstration and the candlelight walk. Don\u2019t miss the snack tent and tea caf\u00e9 to try some delicious Japanese food.<\/p>\n\n\n

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St. Charles Legends and Lanterns<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Timeless Traditions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jesse James Festival<\/a> (Sept. 12, 18-20) is a longstanding fall festival in Kearney, the birthplace of Jesse James. A barbecue cookoff, carnival, demolition derby, arts and crafts vendors, tractor pull, mud volleyball and a car show are all on the agenda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St. Charles Legends and Lanterns<\/a> (select weekends in October) takes visitors on a journey through Halloween history. Historic characters, exhibits and experiences transform Main Street into a fun, atmospheric, and sometimes spooky destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Frohna\u2019s Saxon Lutheran Fall Festival<\/a> (Oct. 10) brings to mind a simpler time with demonstrations of activities common in the mid-1800s when German immigrants were establishing themselves in Missouri. Peruse the booths of local crafters and enjoy tasty food while you explore the Saxon Lutheran Memorial outdoor museum.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Explore more fall festivals and events in Missouri<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Northeast Fall Festivals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hannibal<\/h4>\n\n\n\n