With a Farmers Market, Weekly Music, and Seasonal Festival, There’s Nothing Like a Summer Weekend in This Missouri Town

Does anything compare to a summer weekend? Such a weekend holds so much promise, whether we plan on cooling down on a leisurely float, stocking up on fresh fruits and veggies at our favorite farmers market, or going on a getaway. While this small town is absolutely darling any time of the year, you’ll certainly want to plan a summer weekend in Hannibal, Missouri.

Snuggled along the Mississippi River, the enchanting town of Hannibal harkens back to a simpler time when life moved a little slower, kind of like summer moves at a more leisurely pace. Perhaps best known as the boyhood home of Mark Twain, this Missouri town of just over 17,000 is an idyllic destination in the summer. Start your visit at the Hannibal Central Park Farmers Market. The farmers' market welcomes visitors every Saturday morning, typically from late April through the end of October. Stock up on the freshest fruits and veggies, grown by local farmers.

Summer in Hannibal also means festival season. One of the highlights of the summer, the Annual National Tom Sawyer Days, over the Fourth of July weekend, features a full menu of fun: a carnival, a horseshoe tournament, a Fourth of July parade, and more. There’s even a fence painting contest.

Late July also means a few delicious days at the two-day Hannibal BBQ Festival. Stop by for some of the best barbecue, drinks, and live entertainment of the summer.

How about starting your weekend a little early, say on Thursday? That’s when the weekly Music Under the Stars summer concert series is held on Historic Hill Street. Concerts generally run from early June through late August. Admission is free. Just bring your own chair and refreshments, and settle in for a delightful summer evening.

Learn more about the many goings on in this darling small town on the Visit Hannibal website. Or, stop by the Visit Hannibal Facebook page. And, if you have yet to visit Hannibal, Missouri during the summertime, be sure to share this article with a friend and let the adventures begin! Looking for even more travel inspiration? Take a look at this unforgettable day trip in Missouri.