Small town summer festivals may be the best part about living in the Midwest. Here in Missouri there are hundreds of fun events happening in our smallest towns this summer. One such event that you don't want to miss is Wizard of Oz Days in New London, Missouri. This magical two day festival brings the Land of Oz to your back yard for tons of family fun!
New London, Missouri is a sleepy little town with a population of less than 1,000. However, come late August the town transforms into the land of Oz.
Dorothy and the gang arrive in New London for the Wizard of Oz Days on August. 25th and 26th. The Spirit of Oz chracters are some of the best Oz actors in the nation, and they come in every year for this awesome event!
Your kids will love coming to Oz Days. There is a Wizard of Oz puppet show from Steven’s Puppets. This old-fashioned marionette show is a treat for kids and adults alike.
You'll see lots of visitors dressed as their favorite characters. There are even costume contests you can participate in! You could even be the winner of some magical Land of Oz games.
Adults can come have fun too. Take home some Oz collectibles from one of the many vendors. After shopping, enjoy tasty treats from the food stands and enjoy this magical summer festival.
If you love the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, this is an event you simply cannot miss. Follow the yellow brick road all the way to Wizard of Oz Days in New London.
The event is free to attend but there are items for purchase, so bring cash in case something strikes your fancy. Find Wizard of Oz Days in the New London City Park located at 1101 South Main, New London, MO 63459.
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Have you been to Wizard of Oz Days in New London? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
Have you ever noticed that there tend to be two types of people when autumn rolls around? For some of us, fall is the spooky season, a time to embrace our love of all things Halloween. For others, autumn is the most enchanting time of the year as we make plans to go leaf-peeping, pick pumpkins, and cozy up in front of roaring bonfires. Regardless of what autumn means to you, you might want to add the best fall festivals in the Midwest to your to-do list.
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1. Harvest Festival & Pumpkins In The City – September 13 – October 26
A popular summer attraction, Silver Dollar City transforms into an enchanting autumn destination that promises a full menu of family-friendly fun. Treat yourself to delicious autumn eats. Marvel at gigantic pumpkins, and check out the visiting craftsmen. Find a full schedule of events and purchase tickets on the official website of Silver Dollar City.
Celebrate the end of September with a visit to the annual Liberty Fall Fest, a beloved Kansas City area tradition for nearly five decades and definitely one of the best fall festivals in the Midwest. The two-day festival will host a carnival, more than 200 vendors, and plenty of good food. Learn more on the official website of Liberty Fall Fest.
3. Hermann Oktoberfest – Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October
Earmark every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October for a visit to the darling town of Hermann for its epic celebration of Oktoberfest. Dig into authentic German food, sip a pint, and tap your feet to the live music. And don't forget to bring your friends because it is a rockin' good time! Find more information on the official website of Visit Hermann.
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4. Versailles Olde Tyme Apple Festival – October 5-6
Autumn's all about apples, with many of us heading to our favorite orchard to go apple picking. The charming town of Versailles also hosts the Old Tyme Apple Festival, a family-friendly event that features a parade, competitions including a cornhole tournament, live music, and countless vendors. It's a must for your fall bucket list. Learn more on the official website of Versailles Olde Tyme Apple Festival.
"There's no place like home" is the theme for the annual Maple Leaf Festival, a Carthage tradition since 1966. The beloved fall festival in Carthage boasts the largest parade in Southwest Missouri and features a ton of family-friendly events, including live music, vendors, good food, and more. Head over to the official website of the Maple Leaf Festival for more information. If you're looking for one of the best fall festivals near me, you've just found it.
Add even more color to autumn with a visit to the annual Louisiana Colorfest, an epic fall festival near St. Louis, Missouri. Pike County's largest festival, the Louisiana Colorfest promises two days jam-packed with fun, including a parade with floats, countless vendors, delicious food, and a baby contest. Get more information on the official Facebook page of Louisiana Colorfest.
If you're on the hunt for a "fall festival near me," look no further than the Apple Butter Festival in Kimmswick, slated for the final weekend in October. A classic fall festival in Missouri that consistently draws more than 100,000 visitors, this autumn favorite features more than 500 vendors, a full menu of live entertainment, activities for the kiddos, and plenty of apple butter. Learn more on the official website of Go Kimmswick, Missouri. to learn more about this fall festival near St. Louis, Missouri.
Your turn! What do you think are the best fall festivals in Missouri? What is your favorite Missouri fall festival? In general, how do you like to spend fall in Missouri? Let us know in the comments!
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When you're not checking out these fall festivals, how about setting off on one of the prettiest fall hikes in Missouri? Be sure to wear a cozy jacket and comfy shoes on your autumn adventures, too.
Thinking about taking a Show Me State vacay soon? Then consider booking your flight via the Dollar Flight Club.
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?
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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.
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.
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!
