A Curated Seasonal Journey
As leaves shift into flame-kissed hues, Missouri’s small towns and cities bloom into autumn wonderlands. Whether you’re after craft markets, harvest traditions, or lively parades, the 2025 festival calendar promises something memorable every weekend.
When the summer heat gives way to crisp air and turning leaves, Missouri puts on a show. From the golden Ozark hills to the cobblestone streets of river towns, fall festival season unfolds with lively parades, apple harvests, and heritage celebrations.
At-a-Glance Festival Highlights:
- Eureka Days – Eureka: Classic carnival rides, fireworks, and family fun (Oct 3–5)
- Maple Leaf Festival – Carthage: A parade-rich celebration of foliage and community (Oct 10–18)
- Roots N Blues Festival – Columbia: Live music in the heart of Stephens Lake Park (late Sept)
- Apple Butter Festival – Kimmswick: Fresh apple butter, copper kettles, and 500+ vendors (late Oct)
- Saxon Lutheran Fall Festival – Frohna: Old-world charm meets handmade traditions (Oct 11)
Whether you’re sipping cider beneath color-soaked maples or browsing artisan crafts in a bustling downtown square, Missouri’s autumn calendar is packed with reasons to hit the road.
Eureka Days – Eureka
When: Friday–Sunday, October 3–5, 2025
Nestled in historic Eureka, this hometown kickoff to fall comes alive with carnival thrills, a lively parade, live music, and a sprawling beer garden. Fireworks light the Saturday night sky, and Sunday turns festive fun up a notch with “Dollar Ride Day” and a special Kid’s Korner activity zone for families.
59th Annual Maple Leaf Festival, Carthage
When: Friday–Saturday, October 10–18, 2025 (parade on Saturday, October 18)
For nearly six decades, Carthage has celebrated mid-October with a week-long harvest festival featuring parades, BBQ cook-offs, a motorcycle show, live entertainment, and arts-and-crafts vendors. The centerpiece of the celebration is a parade that courses through the historic square, culminating in an energetic run of seasonal fun.
Missouri Town Fall Festival of Arts, Crafts & Music, Lee’s Summit
When: Saturday–Sunday, October 4–5, 2025 (10 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Step back in time among historic log cabins at this festival at the Missouri Town Living History Museum. Artisans bring 19th‑century arts, heritage crafts, and spirited live music to vivid life—offering both visual charm and hands-on nostalgia.
Autumn Daze Arts, Crafts & Music Festival, Branson
When: Fall 2025 (October)
Downtown Branson pulses with autumn energy at this longstanding fall festival. Over 100 vendors offer original crafts, local artwork, décor, and gourmet treats—all set to a backdrop of live music and a festival atmosphere that spans generations.
Roots N Blues Festival, Columbia
When: Last weekend of September 2025
Including a soulful blend of blues, roots, gospel, country, and more, this multi-day festival transforms Stephens Lake Park. Expect over 30 live performances, a Ferris wheel, art installations, regional eats, and even a half‑marathon and gospel celebration.
Apple Butter Festival, Kimmswick
When: Last weekend of October 2025
In the quaint village of Kimmswick, apple butter is raised to an art form. With more than 500 food, craft, and drink vendors lining the streets, plus live music—from bluegrass to dulcimer—the town turns into a harvest fairground. Don’t miss the iconic apple butter boiling in copper kettles.
Saxon Lutheran Memorial Fall Festival, Frohna
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 (second Saturday in October)
Trade modern flair for frontier charm amid handcrafted demonstrations—quilt-making, blacksmithing, cider pressing, broom-making—and horse-and-buggy rides. Set in a living-history setting, the festival celebrates German-immigrant traditions with food, music, and early American crafts.
Wentzville Fall Festival, Wentzville
When: Friday–Saturday, September 12–13, 2025
This kickoff weekend festival in historic downtown Wentzville features live music, food, craft vendors, and a variety of kids’ activities—making it an ideal early-fall outing for families.
Where to Go and What to Celebrate This Fall in Missouri
Missouri’s fall festivals offer a statewide celebration of everything we love about autumn—from rich history to great eats and vibrant music. In Central Missouri, Columbia’s Roots N Blues Festival promises soul-stirring performances under golden trees. At the same time, Carthage’s Maple Leaf Festival paints the town with parades, crafts, and music through mid-October.
In the Eastern corridor, Kimmswick’s Apple Butter Festival delivers sweet seasonal flavors, while Frohna’s Saxon Lutheran Fall Festival immerses visitors in 19th-century German traditions. Meanwhile, Eureka Days, just outside St. Louis, brings carnival fun and fireworks to a festive, close-knit community weekend.
Western Missouri invites you to step back in time at Lee’s Summit’s Missouri Town Fall Festival, where historic cabins and heritage crafts offer a complete sensory trip to pioneer days.
And in the Ozarks and Southern Missouri, Branson’s Autumn Daze Festival blends artisan markets with down-home entertainment in the heart of one of Missouri’s top fall destinations.
No matter your route, Missouri’s fall festival trail is packed with unforgettable stops, picture-perfect towns, and that unmistakable October feeling.
