You won’t regret venturing out to partake in the summer festivals that will be held all across the state. Delicious food, toe-tapping music, beautiful art, interesting history and more await. So load up the family or a group of friends and join in the fun!
Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival, June 1-4, Sedalia. This year, the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival is celebrating the women of ragtime. Join the fun at the welcome social and dance (bonus points if you show up in a period costume!), attend free performances, ticketed concerts, and after-glow events where you can meet the performers.
Old-Time Music Ozark Heritage Festival, June 5, West Plains. Regional artists representing the musical traditions of the Ozarks gather during the Old-Time Music Ozark Heritage fest to honor the culture of the Ozark Highlands. Activities for children are available in addition to a jig dance competition, workshops in traditional music and artisans in action.
Cajun Festival, June 17, Washington. Held at the Washington Farmers’ Market, the Cajun Festival is the place to be for foodies. The menu is always packed full of Cajun favorites, so be sure to bring a healthy appetite. Bringing your own lawn chair is encouraged so you can enjoy the delicious food while listening to live music.
Festival of Butterflies, July 21-August 7, Kingsville. Powell Gardens is going all-out for colorful pollinators. The garden is particularly lovely when vibrant butterflies flutter through the botanic displays. Children will enjoy the hands-on activities while nature enthusiasts will appreciate learning more about butterflies and the native plants that attract them.
Ozark Empire Fair, July 28-August 6, Springfield. Started in the early 1900s, the Ozark Empire Fair is a much-beloved event filled with concerts, art exhibits, livestock shows and countless vendors selling one-of-a-kind products and mouthwatering treats. This year, the theme for the fair is “World of Wonder,” and it promises to be summer’s biggest party.
Northeast:
Rotary Riverfest, Hannibal – June 10-11
Stone Hill Winery’s 175th Anniversary Celebration, Hermann – June 11
Juneteenth Celebration, Hannibal – June 18-19
Fiesta in Florissant, Florissant – June 25-26
Pridefest, St. Louis – June 25-26
Tom Sawyer Days, Hannibal – July 1-4
Fair Saint Louis, St. Louis – July 2-4
Let Them Eat Art, Maplewood – July 8
Wild & Wacky Art Adventure, Hannibal – August 6
Moonlight Ramble, St. Louis – August 13
Tennessee Williams and Italy, St. Louis – August 18-28
Festival of Nations, St. Louis – August 27-28
Northwest:
Festa Italiana, Kansas City – June 3-5
Vaile Strawberry Festival, Independence – June 4
KC Pride, Kansas City – June 10-12
Art on the Side, Liberty – June 11
Ben Holladay Bourbon Bash, Weston – June 11
Wine Festival, Excelsior Springs – June 11
Future Stages Festival, Kansas City – June 12
Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Kansas City – June 13-July 3
Boulevardia, Kansas City – June 17-18
Clay County Juneteenth Festival, Liberty – June 17-18
Juneteenth, Weston – June 18
Sawdust Fest, King City – June 18
Make Music, Liberty – June 21
WaterFest, Excelsior Springs – June 24-25
Liberty Fest, Liberty – July 3
KC RiverFest, Kansas City – July 4
KC Fringe Festival, Kansas City – July 17-31
Parkville Days, Parkville – August 19
BBQ & Fly-In on the River, Excelsior Springs – August 19-20
Ethnic Enrichment Festival, Kansas City – August 19-21
Dog Days of Summer Craft Beer Crawl, Liberty – August 20
Home Brews on the Runway, Excelsior Springs – August 20
Central:
Lake Race, Lake of the Ozarks – June 2-5
Kidsfest and Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Days, Jefferson City – June 4
50th Anniversary of Roubidoux Park, Waynesville – June 4
Art in the Park, Columbia – June 4-5
Warsaw Jubilee Days, Warsaw – June 10-11
Moberly Railroad Days, Moberly – June 15-18
Northern Cherokee Nation Annual Pow Wow and Cultural Gathering, Clinton – June 17-19
2022 Juneteenth Celebration, Waynesville – June 19
Cole Camp Booze & Bluegrass in the Garden, Cole Camp – June 25
Olde Glory Days, Clinton – June 30-July 3
Salute to America, Jefferson City – July 3-4
Aquapalooza, Sunrise Beach – July 16
Randolph County Fair, Moberly – July 16-23
Boone County Fair, Columbia – July 19-23
Old Settlers Day, Waynesville – July 30-31
Taste of Benton County BBQ Festival, Warsaw – August 6
Taste of Missouri Wine Stroll, Moberly – August 13
Higbee Fair, Higbee – August 18-20
Lake of the Ozarks Shootout, Sunrise Beach – August 27-28
Southeast:
Heart of the Ozarks Fair, West Plains – June 6-11
French Heritage Festival, Ste. Genevieve – June 11-12
Juneteenth: Doin’ It Together, Cape Girardeau – June 18
Juneteenth!, Cape Girardeau – June 19
Sweet Corn Festival, East Prairie – June 24
Current River Food Truck Festival, Van Buren – June 25
Freedom Celebration, Ste. Genevieve – July 4
Antique Tractor Adventure Ride, Perryville – July 29-30
Seminary Picnic, Perryville – August 5-7
Cowboy Up! Festival, Sikeston – August 6
Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo, Sikeston – August 10-13
Jour de Fête, Ste. Genevieve – August 13-14
Southwest:
Springfield’s Rock and Gem Fair, Springfield – June 3-4
Making Memories Day Carnival, Springfield – June 4
Street Fair at Pickwick Place, Springfield – June 4
Carthage Stampede Rodeo, Carthage – June 10-11
Burgers and Cheers, Springfield – June 11
National Kids Fest, Branson – June 11-24
Route 66 Festival, Lebanon – June 17-18
Butterfly Festival, Springfield – June 18
Fiber U-Fiber Arts Festival, Lebanon – July 10
Marian Days, Carthage – August 4-7
Birthplace of Route 66 Festival, Springfield – August 11-13