Updated Aug 1, 2024

The 7 Best Fall Festivals In Missouri For 2024 Will Put You In The Autumnal Spirit

Discover the best fall festivals in Missouri, featuring family-friendly activities, delicious food, and seasonal fun.

Updated Aug 1, 2024

Written by

Beth Price-Williams

Events|Festivals

Published Jul 10, 2024

The World’s Largest BBQ Festival, American Royal World Series Of BBQ, Happens Right Here In Missouri

Published Jul 10, 2024

Written by

Alana Fravell

Kansas City spans both Missouri and Kansas, making it a two-state city. Missourians often claim that the world’s largest BBQ festival is in Kansas City, Missouri. However, the festival is actually held at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kansas, just 15 minutes from the Missouri border. Missourians' claim is further supported by the fact that the American Royal Association, the non-profit organization that hosts the World Series of BBQ, is headquartered in Missouri. Locals and travelers pass seamlessly between the two states, so let's call it a truce and say the 600-team festival is in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. Fair enough?

What’s not to love about the biggest BBQ festival on the planet!? There are competitions, BBQ demos, live music, local food and BBQ for purchase, adult beverage gardens, entertainment, and kids' activities. The event is in the fall and dates change annually, so check the site for tickets and the event schedule.

Gather with fellow meat lovers at the Kansas City Speedway.

Grillin’ has a long history in the region.

The Kansas City Stockyards were the world’s premier exchange hub for hogs, cattle, and sheep until its closure in the 1990s. This bustling livestock market drew leading figures from the horse and cattle industries, who brought considerable economic impact and prestige to the region. Hence, the creation of American Royal in 1899, a not-for-profit organization with a mission to be a leader in the nation for agriculture events, education, and engagement.

These days, American Royal’s events throughout the year continue to educate about the role of agriculture in the 21st century. You must put the World Series of Barbecue at the top of your list because they must be doing something right with tens of thousands of people in attendance!

American Royal is responsible for crowing the Barbecue Hall of Fame® inductees yearly at the festival, so you know you’re in for some good food during your visit!

Check out the BBQ Marketplace to try some of the barbecue Kansas City is known for. Sweet, smoky, and thick sauces usually accompany a variety of meats.

You’ll find traditional and modern takes on cue.

Join competitors from around the world at the three-day festival, American Royal World Series of Barbecue! You may need to schedule a walk at a nearby park to burn off all that meat! Maybe you’ll need a break from BBQ during your trip. Here are some of our other favorite Missouri dining recommendations. Oh, and if you are coming in from out of town, check out my favorite site for deeply discounted flights.

If you plan on attending the world’s largest BBQ festival in Kansas City, Missouri, let us know in the comments!

Events|Festivals

Updated Jun 9, 2024

The One Of A Kind Festival You Won’t Find Anywhere But Missouri

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race in St. Louis, Missouri, is a unique and popular hot air balloon festival held every September.

Updated Jun 9, 2024

Written by

Vanessa

What's your favorite part about summer in Missouri? Mine is, hands down, all of the fun and unique festivals. While most festivals feature food, live music, and local vendors, this one has a more unique factor to it: Hot air balloons. For hot air balloon fun, come join the festivities at the Great Forest Park Balloon Race this September.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race takes place in St. Louis every year. This year's festival is set for the final two days of summer: Sept. 20-21, 2024.

alt — The Great Forest Park Balloon Race/Facebook

Can you think of a better way to end a dreamy summer than with a visit to the best hot air balloon festival in Missouri?

The festival has been in existence for over 50 years.

alt — The Great Forest Park Balloon Race/Facebook

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race was founded in 1973 by renowned balloonists Nikki Caplan and John O’Toole. But in 1977, enthusiastic balloonists John Marlow, John Schaumburg, Dan Schettler, and Ted Staley took over the festival and many of them still compete in the hot air balloon races today.

It is considered to be the most well-attended, single-day balloon race in the country.

alt — The Great Forest Park Balloon Race/Facebook

Each year, over 150,000 spectators come out to watch world-class balloon pilots compete in a race. The festival is free and takes place right in the heart of the city, making it just that more of a draw for people to attend. It should come as no surprise that this is one of the best festivals in Missouri.

The festival features dozens of world-class balloons and more than 50 pilots.

alt — The Great Forest Park Balloon Race/Facebook

The two-day festival kicks off at 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, when Emerson Field opens. Carve out plenty of time to explore the food trucks, concession stands, inflatables, games, and kids' activities.

alt — The Great Forest Park Balloon Race/Facebook

Undeniably the highlight of the first day of festivities is the evening's balloon glow, which runs from 6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. The Army's parachute team follows at 9 p.m., and the evening caps off with a magnificent fireworks display at 9:15 p.m.

Day two of the festival is when the real fun takes place. Get ready for some balloon racing.

alt — The Great Forest Park Balloon Race/Facebook

The fierce competition is set up in two waves. At 4:30, the "Hare" hot air balloons are released. Then, at 4:45 the "Hound" balloons are launched.

However, the day's festivities begin at 1 p.m. with live musical performances, family picnic areas, and an entertainment area for the kiddos.

In between balloon launches, snack on festival food. Vendors are set up throughout the festival with food and drink available for purchase.

alt — The Great Forest Park Balloon Race/Facebook

If you prefer, you can bring your own food and drink. Dogs are also allowed at this hot air balloon festival in Missouri. However, if you bring your pup, he must be on a non-retractable leash.

Find more information, including a schedule, on the official website of the Great Forest Park Balloon Race. Or, stop by the Facebook page of the best hot air balloon festival in Missouri.

alt — The Great Forest Park Balloon Race/Facebook

For a full schedule of events, click here.

Have you been to the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, one of the best festivals in Missouri? What did you think? We'd love to hear in the comments! While you're at Forest Park, stop by the nature playscape, a unique playground in St. Louis, Missouri.

Ready to explore more of St. Louis and beyond? Go on a scenic hike! Find all of the best hiking trails in Missouri on All Trails.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/missouri/forest-parks-nature-playscape-mo/

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The 7 Best Fall Festivals In Missouri For 2024 Will Put You In The Autumnal Spirit

1. Harvest Festival & Pumpkins In The City – September 13 – October 26

2. Liberty Fall Fest – September 27-29

3. Hermann Oktoberfest – Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October

4. Versailles Olde Tyme Apple Festival – October 5-6

5. Maple Leaf Festival – October 19

6. Louisiana Colorfest – October 19-20

7. Apple Butter Festival – October 26-27

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The World’s Largest BBQ Festival, American Royal World Series Of BBQ, Happens Right Here In Missouri

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The One Of A Kind Festival You Won’t Find Anywhere But Missouri

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Get the latest updates and news

All Stories

The 2.7-Mile Hiking Trail in West Virginia That Is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

The Best Apple Fried Pie in Tennessee Comes From This Mountain Orchard

The 2.7-Mile Hiking Trail in Virginia That Is a Fall Foliage Wonderland

The Off-the-Beaten-Path Restaurant in South Carolina That Is Worth the Day Trip

The Audubon Center in North Carolina Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon