31. Msu Summer Tent Theatre
City: Branson, MO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (417) 836-7678
Description: This summer theater under a tent is where Kathleen Turner, John Goodman, and Tess Harper got started in their careers, and it’s on the Missouri State University campus outside Craig Hall. Productions are top quality, and during June and August it’s a great way to spend an evening. In 2005 ticket prices were $9 for adults, $6 for students and seniors. See the Arts and Culture chapter for more information.
City: Branson, MO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
33. Oinklawn Downs Pig Races And Barbecue
City: Branson, MO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (417) 538-2222
Description: Porker pride, we have it here. After all, the Ozarks is home to the Razorbacks down in Fayetteville, but in Cape Fair during the second weekend in June, local businesses are thinking pigs, not pigskins, in competitive races run by porkers. You’d think that by mid-June the sap would have finished flowing, but Cape Fair is a slow, laid-back sort of place. It’s all great fun—eating, wandering about, watching the races, and squealing for your favorite hog. We won’t comment about all the informal wagers placed on this competition; officially no betting is allowed. You can expect more than pig races. There are craft booths, entertainment of various types, and a barbecue. (Losers in the races aren’t eaten; they are merely trained harder for next year’s event!)
34. Ozark Village Days
City: Branson, MO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (417) 581-6139
Description: The third weekend in June, Ozark has a festival that features arts and crafts and a Hillbilly Olympics, including an outhouse relay race, rolling pig toss, log chuck, and wheelbarrow race. There’s also a petting zoo, games, and food. It all takes place on the Ozark Square, and it’s free. If this isn’t exciting enough for you, stroll down to the Finley River Park for the annual Missouri State High School Rodeo Finals, always held on the same date.
35. Rockaway Beach Hydroplane Races
City: Branson, MO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (417) 561-4280, (800) 798-0178
Description: Waves, wakes, and the roar of powerful engines! Always in early June, the races are exciting to watch from the safety of the beachfront, and there’s always food and dance at the city park. You might even enjoy the swimsuit contest.
36. Rods & Relics At Rockaway Beach
City: Branson, MO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (417) 561-4280, (800) 798-0178
Description: Rods & Relics is a car club that has had its competition and meetings for 30 years at Rockaway, and they have been joined by several other car clubs on Father’s Day to bring to this small town the best of antique cars and rebuilt, custom, and street rods. Come for the show, or come to flex that muscle car! Call for information.
37. Fireburst
City: Branson, MO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (417) 739-2564, (800) 595-0393
Description: Fireburst is a spectacular fireworks show that you can view from car, boat, or on foot. The fireworks burst into the sky, reflecting beautifully over Table Rock Lake. A show in itself is the flotilla of 1,000 boats gathered to party and experience this popular event.
City: Branson, MO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
39. Taney County Fair
City: Branson, MO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (417) 546-2741
Description: You’ll like the livestock and agricultural exhibits, sheepdog trails, festival rides, games, and delicious smells that permeate the air on the banks of Bull Shoals Lake. Have some cotton candy, order a tasty Lion Burger (grilled by the local Lions Club), and visit the petting zoo. The summer may be hot, but the nights are always cool by the lakeside fairgrounds.
40. Annual Old Time Fiddle Contest
City: Branson, MO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (417) 334-1548, (888) 322-2786
Description: Held on the third Saturday in August, this is always a great way to spend an evening. Amateur fiddlers from throughout the United States compete for more than $3,500 in cash and prizes.
41. Crane Broiler Festival
City: Branson, MO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (417) 723-5104
Description: This small town is home to one of the biggest, oldest festivals in the Ozarks. For almost half a century, chicken has been cock of the walk the last Friday and Saturday of August, and you can smell it sizzling on the open charcoal pits for miles around. Perhaps that’s what brings the 26,000 people who descend on this small Stone County town north of Galena on MO 13. Or it could be the beauty pageant (in which local lovelies vie for the title of Little Miss Chick and Miss Chick), craft booths, fireworks, country music entertainment (past performers have been Minnie Pearl, Red Foley, Merle Travis, Gene Shephard, Hank Thompson, and Jerry Clower), horseshoe pitching tournament, and carnival. Whatever the reason, it’s a just an excuse to have some August fun in Crane.
42. Fall Hunting Classic
City: Branson, MO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (417) 867-1915
Description: Prepare for hunting season and that trophy buck by getting information and tips from the nation’s top hunters. Each year Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World sponsors this free event, not only for area hunters but also for all those willing to make the trek to that mecca of sport in Springfield. You can see the latest and greatest in hunting and camping gear as well as learn how to keep hunting safe and enjoyable. Call for specific dates.
43. Nike Greater Ozarks Open
City: Branson, MO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (417) 887-3400
Description: The Highland Springs Country Club is the field for up-and-coming PGA tour players. There are four levels of competition in the tournament, which has a guaranteed purse of $125,000 and is traditionally held in mid-August, the hottest time of the year in the Ozarks. Lots of area golfers go just to watch the big dogs play and perhaps pick up a few pointers to improve their own games.
44. Old Fiddlers Contest
City: Branson, MO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (417) 271-3769, (417) 271-3532
Description: August 2000 marked the 50th year of this contest for amateur fiddlers, always the last Saturday in August. Folks come from miles around to eat the home-cooked food prepared by the Golden Circle Shores Association and listen as the best fiddlers from all over strut their stuff on strings. There are divisions for senior and junior fiddlers. Admission in 2005 was $3 for adults, $2 for children 5 to 16, children younger than 5 admitted free.
45. White River Valley Arts And Crafts Fair
City: Branson, MO
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Telephone: (417) 546-2741
Description: Exhibitors from across the country let you look for free at their art and wares, but be certain to bring your wallet, because you’re sure to find that perfect one-of-a-kind gift or that just-what-you-needed item. You’ll find basket makers, knife smiths, cornhusk-doll artists, and other craftspeople.