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Free Activities
College of the Ozarks - Hard Work U: Take a
Campus Tour!! Visit Edwards Mill, Fruitcake & Jelly Kitchen,
Greenhouse, Williams Memorial Chapel, Hyer Bell Tower, The College
Dairy, Memorial Field house, Star Schoolhouse &
more.
Dewey Short
Visitors Center: View a film (upon request) that tells
about the White River (LaRiviere Blanch), Table Rock Dam, and the
Ozarks area. The four seasons indoor nature walk & an outside
nature trail.
Engler Block
Craftsman: Art of the Ozarks, a unique shopping mall,
where you can watch craftsmen at their
trade.
Henning
Conservation Area: hiking trails (3 types);viewing
deck/tower; exhibits & displays; 4 kiosks describing glade
habitat.
Shepherd of
the Hills Fish Hatchery: Aquariums, displays, raceways
(ponds), hiking trails, picnic area, feed machines for feeding fish.
Fishing Access available, limited to lures & flies only. View a
Video (upon request) about the fish
hatchery.
Stone Hill
Winery: Enjoy a look at Stone Hill's Heritage in wine
making excellence. Tour & Taste, grape juice for
kids.
Inexpensive
Activities
Butterfly
Palace: walk among over 1,000 live Tropical Butterflies
in over 50 varieties
College of
the Ozarks-Hard Work U: Extend Your Tour! Visit the Ralph
Foster Museum
Dogwood
Canyon Nature Park Bicycle Tour: Take a self guided
bicycle tour on 10,000 acres of a private wilderness refuge, crystal
clear streams, herds of elk, bison &Texas longhorns. Rental
bikes available or bring your own.
Fishing: Fishing available on Table Rock,
Taneycomo, or Bull Shoals Lakes, with required Missouri fishing
permits and/or trout stamp. For more information contact the
Missouri Conservation Department.
IMAX
Entertainment Complex: Discovery Films such as: Caves,
Alaska & Ozarks Legacy & Legends (a Branson exclusive!) ,
and more, upon availability. Also at the complex is shopping,
eateries, & the elite cinema.
American
Presidential Museum: (opens April 1st) Life size Replicas
of: The Oval Office, Presidential Quarters of Air Force One &
more.
Worlds
Largest Antique Toy Museum: Toys from the 1800"s thru
Today
The Table
Rock Dam: Tours of the Powerhouse and two inner levels of
the dam available at a minimal fee.
Veterans
Memorial Museum/Branson: Contains over 12,000 sq ft of
hundreds of art, murals, & exhibits progressing through the wars
fought in the 20th Century including WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and
the Persian Gulf.
Seasonal
Activities
January
2008
Thursday, November 1 - Tuesday, January
15
White Flight exhibit at the
Butterfly Palace in Branson MO.
Saturday, January 19 - Saturday, March
1
Hot Winters Fun Show at Jim
Stafford Theater in Branson MO.
Experience some of the best of Branson all at once
with the comprehensive Hot Winter Fun Big Show!
February
2008
Thursday, February 14 - Thursday, February
14
Valentine's Day in Branson
MO.
This Valentine's Day let the natural beauty and
exciting entertainment line-up of Branson, MO highlight this magical
day.
Thursday, February 14 - Thursday, February
14
Valentine's Dinner & Dance at
Pythian Castle near Branson MO.
March
2008
Saturday, January 19 - Saturday, March
1
Hot Winters Fun Show at Jim
Stafford Theater in Branson MO.
Experience some of the best of Branson all at once
with the comprehensive Hot Winter Fun Big Show!
Saturday, March 1 - Sunday, April
20
Spring Break in Branson
MO.
Branson, MO offers a variety of dining, shopping,
live entertainment and outdoor and water activities, presenting the
perfect area for an active and exciting Spring Break!
April
2008
Tuesday, April 8 - Saturday, April
12
Branson Fest at the Welk Resort
Theater in Branson MO.
Branson Fest is the one and only festival set to
kick off the city's Spring Season of shows and
attractions.
Branson Fest is a time to experience nearly
everything Branson has to offer all at once!
Thursday, April 17 - Saturday, April
19
Ozark Mountain Country Band, Choir
and Orchestra Festival at College of the Ozarks Near Branson
MO.
The Ozark Mountain Country Band, Choral &
Orchestra Festival is your chance to see the next up and coming
musical sensations from Branson and the entire midwest.
Saturday, April 19 - Sunday, April
20
Annual
Rock'n Ribs BBQ Festival at Bass Pro Shops in Springfield,
MO
Whether you're looking to get out and
celebrate or help others during your spring vacation, the Annual
Rock'n Ribs BBQ Festival can help you enjoy the feeling of
both!
Wednesday, April 23 - Sunday, April
27
Kewpiesta
in Branson, MO
Kewpiesta is an annual celebration of the life of
Rose O'Neill and the unique Kewpie dolls that she
created.
Saturday, April 26 - Saturday, April
26
Main
Street Hoops Basketball Tournament in Branson,
MO
Every spring basketball fever visits Branson with
the Main Street Hoops Basketball Tournament, and this year is your
chance to be a part of it.
On-Going April
Events:
Saturday, March 1 - Sunday,
April 2
Spring
Break in Branson, MO
Branson, MO offers a variety of dining,
shopping, live entertainment and outdoor and water activities,
presenting the perfect area for an active and exciting Spring
Break!
Thursday, April 3 - Sunday, May 4
World-Fest
at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO
Those looking to experience world cultures,
look no further than the Ozarks during Silver Dollar City's
World-Fest.
May
2008
Thursday, May 1 - Thursday, May 1
Evangel
University Awards & Baccalaureate in Springfield, Missouri
Friday, May 2 - Friday, May 2
Evangel
University Commencement in Springfield,
Missouri
Saturday, May 3 - Sunday, May 4
Annual
Arts-Fest in Springfield, Mo
Experience one of the biggest and most popular
festivals in the Ozarks when you head up to Springfield for the
Annual Arts Fest.
Saturday, May 3 - Saturday, May 3
Arts-Fiesta
at Founders Park in Springfield,
Missouri
For an authentic Cinco De Mayo fiesta complete with
music, food, and art celebrating Mexican culture, visit Founder's
Park in Springfield, Missouri near Branson.
Saturday, May 3 - Sunday, May 4
Girl
Scout Weekend at Silver Dollar City in Branson,
MO
Tuesday, May 13 - Wednesday, May 21
Women's
Veteran Week in Branson, MO
Branson is widely known as the home of our nation's
veterans, and every the Women's Veteran Week is held here to promote
awareness of, and pay tribute to, our nation's many female
veterans.
Saturday, May 17 - Saturday, May 17
Kids'
Fishing Day at Roaring River in Cassville,
MO
Not only will there be fishing at Kids' Fishing
Day at Roaring River in Cassville, MO, but there will also
be classes on fish cleaning, aquatic entomology, fish cooking,
knife sharpening, knot tying, fly tying, fly casting, and
more.
Saturday, May 17 - Tuesday, May 20
Plumb
Nellie Days in Branson, MO
Plumb Nellie Days is an excellent display of arts
and crafts in the Branson area and the perfect way to welcome the
summer months this year.
Saturday, May 24 - Monday, May 26
Annual
Rockaway Return to the Beach Party in Rockaway
Beach
Join the locals in Rockaway Beach for the Annual
Rockaway "Return to the Beach" party.
Thursday, May 29 - Thursday, May 29
Memorial
Day Sidewalk Sale at Tanger Outlet Mall in Branson,
MO
Enjoy great shopping Memorial Day Weekend with a
center-wide sidewalk sale.
On-Going May
Events:
Thursday, April 3 - Sunday,
May 4
World-Fest
at Silver Dollar City in Branson,
MO
Those looking to experience world cultures, look no
further than the Ozarks during Silver Dollar City's
World-Fest.
Saturday, May 10 - Sunday, June 1
Bluegrass
and BBQ Festival at Silver Dollar City in Branson,
MO
Come share in the heritage of the Ozarks this year
with Silver Dollar City's Bluegrass and BBQ Festival!
Friday, May 30 - Sunday, June 1
Wilderness
Road Festival near Branson, MO
Annually held in Kimberling City, the Wilderness
Road Festival is an all encompassing look at the culture and
heritage of some of the first European Missouri settlers.
June
2008
Sunday, June 1 - Monday, June 30
Annual
50s - 60s Street Dance
Celebrate dance styles from the 50s and 60s at the
Annual 50s - 60s Street Dance held along Taneycomo lakefront in
Branson, Missouri.
Wednesday, June 11 - Wednesday, June
18
Welcome
Home Tribute to Vietnam Veterans in Branson,
MO
Celebrate our veterans with parades, concerts, and
eight days of activity at the Welcome Home Tribute to Vietnam
Veterans.
Friday, June 13 - Sunday, June 15
Branson's
Annual Corvette Car Show Weekend
Extravaganza!
Saturday, June 28 - Saturday, June
28
Annual
Firefall in Springfield, MO
Just 30 minutes north of Branson, Firefall is an
annual event that takes place in Springfield with the
conversion of a hay field into a huge patriotic
celebration.
On-Going June
Events:
Saturday, May 10 - Sunday,
June 1
Bluegrass
and BBQ Festival at Silver Dollar City in Branson,
MO
Come share in the heritage of the Ozarks this year
with Silver Dollar City's Bluegrass and BBQ
Festival!
Friday, May 30 - Sunday, June 1
Wilderness
Road Festival near Branson, MO
Annually held in Kimberling City, the Wilderness
Road Festival is an all encompassing look at the culture and
heritage of some of the first European Missouri settlers.
Saturday, June 7 - Sunday, August
10
National
Kids' Fest at Silver Dollar City in Branson,
MO
Make your next vacation focus on the entire family
with a visit to Branson, MO during Silver Dollar City's National
Kids' Fest!
July
2008
Friday, July 4 - Friday, July 4
Fireburst
Fourth of July Fireworks Show on Table Rock Lake in Kimberling
City
Over 1,000 boats will crowd the lake for this huge
fireworks show on Table Rock Lake in Kimberling
City.
Friday, July 4 - Friday, July 4
Spirit
of '76 (4th of July Celebration)
For a wholesome, family-friendly Independence Day
celebration be sure to attend Spirit of '76 in Branson,
MO.
Friday, July 11 - Sunday, July 13
Annual
Ozark Run in Branson, MO
At the Annual Ozark Run in Branson, Missouri, you'll
enjoy a variety of events from start to finish.
On-Going July
Events:
Friday, July 25 - Sunday,
August 3
Ozark
Empire Fair at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield,
MO
Enjoy a wide variety of activities, events,
competitions, and a carnival at the Ozark Empire Fair Located just
north of Branson in Springfield, the fair is one of the largest in
the area and is fun for all ages.
August
2008
Saturday, August 16 - Saturday, August
16
Kids'
Fishing Day at Roaring River in Cassville,
MO
Not only will there be fishing at Kids' Fishing
Day at Roaring River in Cassville, MO, but there will also
be classes on fish cleaning, aquatic entomology, fish cooking,
knife sharpening, knot tying, fly tying, fly casting, and
more.
Thursday, August 28 - Sunday, August
31
Eureka
Springs Bluegrass Festival in Eureka Springs,
Ar
Enjoy a musical genre created in the Ozarks in
Eureka Springs, Arkansas, just 64 miles southwest of
Branson.
Thursday, August 28 - Thursday, August
28
Shakin'
In The Shell Fest in Shell Knob,
Mo
Shake in your shell at Shakin' In The Shell Fest in
Shell Knob, Missouri, located just 40 miles west of
Branson.
Saturday, August 30 - Sunday, August
31
Broiler
Festival in Crane, Mo
Every year, between 10,000 - 20,000 people gather in the park on
Main Street in Crane, Missouri, located just 38 miles from Branson,
for the Annual Broiler Festival.
On-Going August
Events:
Saturday, June 7 - Sunday, August
10
National
Kids' Fest at Silver Dollar City in Branson,
MO
Make your next vacation focus on the entire family
with a visit to Branson, MO during Silver Dollar City's National
Kids' Fest!
Friday, July 25 - Sunday, August 3
Ozark
Empire Fair at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield,
MO
Enjoy a wide variety of activities, events,
competitions, and a carnival at the Ozark Empire Fair Located just
north of Branson in Springfield, the fair is one of the largest in
the area and is fun for all ages.
Thursday, August 28 - Sunday,
September 7
Southern
Gospel Picnic Days at Silver Dollar City in
Branson,
MO
Come experience Silver Dollar City this
fall with an extra boost of joy and harmony during the Southern
Gospel Picnic Days.
Saturday, August 30 - Monday,
September 1
Rockaway
Beach Fall Festival in Branson MO
With horseshoe pitching contests, the Mayor's Chili
Cook-Off, and The Rockaway Live Talent Show, the Rockaway Beach Fall
Festival in Branson, MO is a day of fun for all
ages.
September
2008
Monday, September 1 - Monday, September
1
Season
Finale Fan Appreciation Day at Hammons Field in Springfield,
MO
Friday, September 5 - Saturday, September
6
Southwest
Missouri Celtic Heritage Festival & Highland
Games
For some almost
authentic Emerald Isle fun, be sure to check out the Southwest
Missouri Celtic Heritage Festival & Highland Games.
Saturday, September 6 - Sunday, September
7
Fall
Fever Days at Stone Hill Winery in Branson,
MO
Take advantage of great deals and an intriguing
winery tour all during the Fall Fever Days at Stone Hill Winery in
Branson, MO.
Thursday, September 11 - Thursday, September
11
9/11
Branson Remembers in Branson, MO
This September 11th, remember the event that changed
America by attending 9/11 Branson Remembers in Branson,
Missouri.
Friday, September 12 - Saturday, September
13
Greater Ozarks Blues Festival & Blues Crawl near
Branson, MO
Music lovers from around the country are coming to
Springfield, MO near Branson for the annual Greater Ozarks Blues
Festival and Blues Crawl.
Saturday, September 13 - Sunday, September
14
Compton
Ridge Fiddler's Convention in Branson,
MO
Whether you just like the sound of a fiddle, or you
are a fiddle afficionado yourself, you'll enjoy the Compton
Fiddler's Convention in Branson, Missouri.
Saturday, September 13 - Sunday, September
14
Cider
Days in Downtown Springfield, MO
With everything from Scarlette O-Scara and Rat
Butler, to bed races, Cider Days in Downtown Springfield, MO, is a
fun and unique festival.
Saturday, September 13 - Sunday, September
14
Annual
Japanese Fall Festival at The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden in
Springfield, MO
Featured at the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
in Springfield, Missouri, the Annual Japanese Fall Festival takes
place the weekend after Labor Day and features a variety of
activities.
Saturday, September 13 - Sunday, September
14
MS
150 Bike Tour in Willard, MO
Join thousands of others in the fight against MS
with the MS 150 Bike Tour starting in Willard, MO, just north of
Branson.
Saturday, September 13 - Sunday, September
14
Annual
Japanese Fall Festival at Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden near
Branson, MO
Come experience cultural
demonstrations, martial artists and traditional Japanese music
at the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, located inside Nathaniel
Greene Park in Springfield, MO, during the Annual Japanese Fall
FestivalVisitors from as close as across the street and from as far
away as Isesaki, Japan will all join together during this day of
celebration.
Saturday, September 27 - Saturday, September
27
Hollister
Grape and Fall Festival near Branson,
MO
The Hollister Grape and Fall Festival annually
delivers with its authentic midwest crafts display, hundreds of
entertainers and genuine Ozarks hospitality.
On-Going September
Events:
Thursday, August 28 - Sunday,
September 7
Southern
Gospel Picnic Days at Silver Dollar City in Branson,
MO
Come experience Silver Dollar City this fall with an
extra boost of joy and harmony during the Southern Gospel Picnic
Days.
Saturday, August 30 - Monday, September
1
Rockaway
Beach Fall Festival in Branson, MO
With horseshoe pitching contests, the Mayor's Chili
Cook-Off, and The Rockaway Live Talent Show, the Rockaway Beach Fall
Festival in Branson, MO is a day of fun for all ages.
Thursday, September 11 - Saturday, October
25
National
Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City in Branson,
MO
Silver Dollar City's National Harvest Festival will
feature two distinct themes this year, Salute to the Great American
Cowboy throughout september, and Tribute to the All-American Farmer
throughout October, for a patriotic look at the past and
present people of America.
October
2008
Saturday, October 11 - Sunday, October
12
Harvest
Moon Festival in Forsyth, Mo
Live it up with two days full of fun, food, music,
and more at the Harvest Moon Festival in Forsyth, Missouri, located
just 20 minutes northeast of Branson.
Sunday, October 12 - Tuesday, October
14
Apple
Butter Makin' Days in Mount Vernon, MO near Branson.
For a uniqely Ozarks experience, you won't mind
taking a little side trip during your Branson, Missouri vacation to
go to Apple Butter Makin' Days in Mount Vernon, Missouri.
Friday, October 17 - Saturday, October
18
Branson
Collector Car Auction at Branson Convention Center in Branson,
MO
If you've been having a problem finding any cars
worthy of adding to your car collection, then the Branson Collector
Car Auction is certainly an event you should check out.
Friday, October 31
Halloween
Safe Trick or Treat at the Battlefield
Mall
The Battlefield Mall in Springfield, Missouri near
Branson hosts the Halloween Safe Trick or Treat each
year.
On-Going October
Events:
Thursday, September 11 -
Saturday, October 25
National
Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City in Branson,
MO
Silver Dollar City's National Harvest Festival will
feature two distinct themes this year, Salute to the Great American
Cowboy throughout september, and Tribute to the All-American Farmer
throughout October, for a patriotic look at the past and
present people of America.
November
2008
Tuesday, November 11 - Tuesday, November
11
Veterans
Homecoming in Branson, MO
Branson's Veterans Homecoming is the largest event
of its kind in the nation, and the perfect way to pay tribute to the
many men and women who've protected our freedom over the
years.
On-Going November
Events:
Saturday, November 1 -
Tuesday, December 30
An
Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City in Branson,
MO
An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City is an
all encompassing holiday celebration that typically runs from early
November to late December.
Saturday, November 1 - Thursday, January
1
Ozark
Mountain Christmas in Branson, MO
Throughout November and December the Branson area
undergoes a wintery change with numerous events and festivals, and a
blanket of holiday decorations
Branson Area Festival of
Lights
November 1, 2008 - December 31,
2008
Join the community wide celebration as all of
Branson is aglow for the holiday. Special holiday shows, drive
through light displays and spectacular shopping and dining provide
all the reasons to celebrate the holidays in Branson. Contact the
Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce for more
information.
Ozark Mountain
Christmas
November 1, 2008 - December 31,
2008
Father Christmas Comes Home to TITANIC for the
Holidays
December 1, 2008 - December 31,
2008
Father Christmas will drop anchor at Branson’s
TITANIC Museum Attraction to brighten spirits and spread the joy of
the season. Visitors will find him holding court on the Grand
Staircase, surrounded by children eager to catch his eye and whisper
wishes in his ear for what they hope awaits them Christmas
morning.
Christmas at the White
House
November 1, 2008 - December 31,
2008
A museum wide exhibit showcasing America's most
famous house as it celebrates the season. From a Colonial
Christmas through today. Dozens of trees, more than 40 years
of White House greetings and holiday trivia greet visitors.
Set among the museum exhibits including the replica Oval Office and
periods of history
Branson Missouri Weather
| Month |
High
Temperature |
Low
Temperature |
Precipitation
Average |
| January |
41-43 |
20-21 |
1.79 |
| February |
43-51 |
22-29 |
2.17 |
| March |
43-51 |
29-39 |
3.89 |
| April |
63-72 |
40-48 |
4.18 |
| May |
72-80 |
49-58 |
4.38 |
| June |
81-88 |
58-65 |
5.09 |
| July |
88-91 |
65-67 |
2.92 |
| August |
85-90 |
62-67 |
3.51 |
| September |
76-85 |
52-62 |
4.62 |
| October |
64-75 |
41-52 |
3.58 |
| November |
50-63 |
30-40 |
3.75 |
| December |
42-50 |
21-30 |
3.16 |
Notes:
Average
monthly temperatures in degrees
Fahrenheit.
Average
monthly precipitation levels in inches.
From its nest in the Ozarks,
Branson's weather is a pleasant mix of seasons that offers something
for people from all climate preferences.
Winter
The Branson region is known
for relatively mild winters, with snow accumulations between 1
and 2 inches, but you'll still want to pack a winter coat, hat, gloves and
cozy sweaters when visiting between December and March. Those months
often see daytime highs topping out at 60 degrees and low
temperatures in the 20s and 30s. November's chill isn't quite as
harsh, with highs between 50 and 63 degrees and lows averaging
between 30 and 40 degrees.
Spring
Branson's Spring begins in late March and
April. Many of the theaters open their shows for the year about this
time. The spring months tend to be wet and thunderstorms are
common, so you might want to bring an umbrella and raincoat when you
venture out for the day. Spring rainfall averages four inches per
month.
Summer
For those who enjoy the
warmest temperatures and don't mind a little humidity, the summer
months typically bring highs in the low 90s and lows in the 50s and
60s. The Summer extends from June through August and well into
September.
Fall
Branson's Fall is October and November with
November high temperatures still averaging in the 50s and lower 60s.
Mid September and October bring colorful foliage throughout the
Ozarks that is definitely worth a closer look.
What to Wear
in Branson
Casual - For your wardrobe,
remember that Branson is casual. Only rarely will a restaurant ask
the men to wear a sports jacket. Women will not need to wear a dress
unless they want to.
Shoes - Select with care.
You will be walking a lot. Some parking lots are steep. Even some
aisles and walkways in the theaters are slanted. Women
consider flats. Walking shoes or sneakers are fine too. Comfortable
shoes with some soles that grip the ground.
Clothing - Air-conditioning
in the theaters and restaurants means that it may be cool even when
the temperature
outside is hot. Consider long sleeves or
consider a light wrap that you can put on and take off.
Outerwear - Pick a wrap or
jacket for the season. You will be in and out of theaters and
buildings and transportation so pick something you can put on and
take off easily. You also have to hold your coat or wrap on your lap
in the theaters so shorter and smaller may be more convenient. The
Branson entertainers will be glad to sell you a souvenir tour
jackets or T-shirt.
Women - Consider a bag with
shoulder straps. That way you will not have to hold it all the time
while looking through the souvenir shops. As for stockings and hose,
consider wearing either heavy duty tights or go without. Many of the
theaters have sturdy and rough upholstery which are not too
hose friendly. As for shorts. You might find longer style shorts,
such as Bermuda or peddle-pushers, easier on your legs and thighs
when sitting on some of these theater seats.
Whatever the
temperature outside, air conditioning at indoor attractions
means layering clothing is a good plan. Pick a wrap or jacket that
you can put on and take off easily so you will be ready for whatever
Mother Nature sends your way.
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