Southwest Missouri is chock-full of fall fun this time of year. If your family never passes up a good fall festival, these are the area events you’ll want to attend:
Republic Pumpkin Daze, Oct. 6–7
This festival is for a good cause, raising money for community grants and scholarships. Attendees can check out the live music, vendors, prize-winning extra-large pumpkins and more.
Apple Butter Makin’ Days, Oct. 13–15
Just like the name implies, this is a festival dedicated entirely to the art of making apple butter. A top “rural Missouri” festival, this event features lots of vendors, live entertainment and, of course, apple butter made the traditional way, in large copper kettles over an open fire. Make sure to buy some, then check out the games and contests, including the pet parade, bubble gum blowing contest, mustache contest, husband-calling contest and more.
Crafts & Harvest Festival at Silver Dollar City, Oct. 15–28
Branson, Missouri, is a family-favorite destination for many reasons, but for the second half of October, it offers the Crafts & Harvest Festival at the Silver Dollar City amusement park. In addition to crafts vendors and fall treats, visitors can also check out a garden of giant pumpkins, thousands of illuminated pumpkins and plenty of spooky-yet-family-friendly, after-dark fun.
Pets & Pumpkins Family Festival, Springfield, Oct. 21
In Springfield, the Pets & Pumpkins Family Festival invites everyone in the family to dress up and come out for the largest costume parade in the state.
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