10 Popular Festivals In Missouri, USA

festivals in missouri
Louise
Louise 
Updated
| 5 min read

Missouri is a breathtaking state in the US that is known for its vast agricultural plains and lush forestry. Because of its natural landscape, it has become a hideaway destination for tourists who long for some peace and quiet time with nature. Home to stunning cities, Missouri has a lot to offer, including iconic landmarks, upscale resorts, a vibrant jazz heritage, thriving art scene, a plethora of museums, exquisite local culinary delights, and other attractions. Also, this part of the US has a rich cultural heritage. A number of celebrations and most-visited festivals held in the region are testaments to that. For your guidance, here is a list of popular festivals in Missouri, USA. Feel free to browse below.

1. Fair Saint Louis

Fair Saint Louis in 2014
Source: Photo by user Paul Sableman used under CC BY 2.0

Fair Saint Louis is one vibrant event in Missouri that bills itself as America’s Biggest Birthday Party. Happening annually, from July 4th to 6th, Missouri hosts a fantastic celebration of the US Independence day. During the celebration of Fair Saint Louis, merchants from all over the region gather in Gateway Arch National Park to showcase their specialty crafts and make them available for locals and tourists alike. Aside from that, concerts are sponsored to give entertainment to everyone. Plus, the 4th of July will not be complete without a dazzling fireworks show and Fair Saint Louis has one of the most magical pyrotechnic presentations in all of the US.

Fair Saint Louis

Address: Gateway Arch National Park , Missouri

Website: Fair Saint Louis

Takes place: July

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2. Annual Missouri Day Festival

Posted by Trenton Chamber on Wednesday, 29 May 2019

A fabulous celebration for everyone, the Annual Missouri Day Festival is a fun-filled event that you should not miss when you visit the region in October. Just like the Fair Saint Louis, hundreds of local retailers gather to provide people of Missouri, as well as visitors, a delightful shopping experience with their diverse offerings from home decors, glassware, clothing, jewelry, antiquities, and a lot more. Not only that, but you will be treated to a gastronomic adventure with various delights sold in the fair. Plus, local bands are also invited to provide entertainment to fairgoers.

Annual Missouri Day Festival

Address: North Central Missouri Fairgrounds

Website: Annual Missouri Day Festival

Takes place: October

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3. Ozark Empire Fair

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Posted by Ozark Empire Fair on Friday, 26 July 2019

An event where art, retail, and culture converge, Ozark Empire Fair is a superb festival in Missouri that organizes lots of attractions for all types of people, whether you are a kid or a kid at heart. This event is held during the summer. During the Ozark Empire Fair, retailers charm buyers and exhibit their craft, hold talent shows and a mini pageant, showcase exhibits of flower arrangement prowess, and more. Plus, there are lots of other contests that are based on the theme of the year’s Ozark Empire Fair. Also, kids will surely love riding in the carousel, Ferris wheel, bump cars, and other classic rides in the fairground.

Ozark Empire Fair

Address: 3001 N Grant Ave, Springfield, MO 65803, United States

Website: Ozark Empire Fair

Takes place: July to August

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4. Maple Leaf Festival

Posted by Maple Leaf Festival on Thursday, 19 September 2019

Experience Missouri’s vibrant culture by participating in the Maple Leaf Festival in October. Be captivated by extravagant floats and parades that breeze through the streets of Carthage on the first day of the event. The celebration doesn’t stop there. The Maple Leaf Festival also has exhibits about decades of 50 Years of Maple Leaf presentations. Plus, a fun-run is organized as additional attractions. Other than those, there is a fascinating chicken mini pageant, Maple Leaf Chili Cook-off, Dachshund Race, Dogshow, and a lot of entertainment from local musicians.

Maple Leaf Festival

Address: Carthage, Missouri

Website: Maple Leaf Festival

Takes place: October

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5. Eureka Days

Posted by Eureka, Missouri Community on Wednesday, 27 March 2019

A lovely event for the whole family, Visit Eureka in September and engage in one festival that you will never forget - the Eureka Days. During the celebration, kids can try a plethora of Carnival rides and can sample all the comfort food that they desire. For the adults, entertainment is brought by various local talents and alcoholic beverages are sold throughout the event for a complete concert experience. Also, there will be an artisan fair where you can score some excellent handicraft items and even delicious delicacies. Plus, expect a magical fireworks display in this fun-filled event.

Eureka Days

Address: Eureka, Missouri

Website: Eureka Days

Takes place: Usually held in September

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6. American Royal BBQ

Posted by IBEW Smokin' Sparky's BBQ on Tuesday, 25 June 2019

Planning to spend a much-deserved family escapade in Kansas in September? You’ll be thrilled to know that the American Royal BBQ is celebrated on this side of Missouri annually in September. Dip into the city’s barbecue heritage by joining the fun and activities of the American Royal BBQ. This event is like a huge party with lots of programs and activities. There will be live bands and a lot of dancing and singing. Also, local barbecue fares are sold in every corner, ready to provide you with an authentic taste of Kansas’ famous specialties. Vendors will also be there for people who like scoring some fabulous locally made products and the kids will have plenty of wonderful time playing games and participating in various interactive activities.

American Royal BBQ

Address: Kansas, Missouri

Website: American Royal BBQ

Takes place: September

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7. Saint Louis Art Fair

Posted by Saint Louis Art Fair on Monday, 4 December 2017

A celebration of art and culture, the Saint Louis Art Fair attracts artists and people who have a deep appreciation for art and crafts everywhere. Held in Clayton, annually, this vibrant and colorful gathering showcases local talents and gives them a venue to showcase their crafts and make connections. You can either come as an artist or just a curious onlooker who wants to be mesmerized by the intricacy of various locally produced masterpieces. Aside from exhibits, there will be entertainment, gastronomic adventures, and interactive programs for everyone.

Saint Louis Art Fair

Address: Clayton, Missouri

Website: Saint Louis Art Fair

Takes place: September

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8. Santa Fe Trail Days

Posted by Santa Fe Trail Days on Sunday, 22 September 2019

Another high-energy music event that is held in Missouri is Santa Fe Trail Days. This vibrant music fest takes place in the stunning city of New Franklin, right in the heart of the city. Trade fairs are ready to captivate you with a plethora of goods that are crafted by local retailers. Additionally, it’s not only items that you can score but delicious gastronomic delights as well. There will be wine-tasting events that you will surely want to be a part of. Also, some programs and games are curated for the kids. A fire dance and pyro show will surely wow you with their impressive stunts.

Santa Fe Trail Days

Address: New Franklin, Missouri

Website: Santa Fe Trail Days

Takes place: May

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9. The Festival of Nations

Posted by The Croquetterie on Sunday, 7 July 2019

Expect a lot of fun, music, and dancing in the Festival of Nations, celebrated in Saint Louis City. There is so much to do in this fantastic annual event. Here, you can shop for local crafts and give them as gifts for your loved ones or yourself. There will be a plethora of stalls that sell diverse retail offerings and food stalls. Plus, local bands and performers are prepared to add music and color to the festivities. Plus, a bazaar that features goods from all over the world is the highlight of this fascinating celebration.

The Festival of Nations

Address: Saint Louis City, Missouri

Website: The Festival of Nations

Takes place: August

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10. Great Pershing Balloonist Parade


Happening every labor day weekend in Brookfield, the Great Pershing Balloonist Parade always tries to be grander than its previous year of celebration and festivities. Annually, a magical hot air balloon festival marks the beginning of the festival, and it attracts people from all over the country to enjoy the fun and experience the flight. Not only that, concerts are organized to provide music and dancing to fairgoers as well, and retail and food booths for a delightful shopping and dining experience in the fair. On top of that, there are contests with cash prizes that everyone is welcome to join, such as decorating contests, balloon fights, and others.

Great Pershing Balloonist Parade

Address: Great Pershing Balloonist Parade , Missouri

Website: Great Pershing Balloonist Parade

Takes place: September

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Join the celebrations in Missouri

Missouri is a pleasant state of the US that is an ideal hideaway destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Its vast agricultural plains and lush forestry are perfect for outdoor activities and reconnection with nature. Not only that, but the region celebrates vibrant and colorful festivals that reflect its rich culture. For your guidance, use this list to help you plan the best time to visit Missouri.

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Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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