10 Missouri Summer Festivals People Are Traveling For

The calendar in Missouri is full of interesting festivals and fairs over the summer months and there are nearly a dozen that many people say they will be traveling to experience.

2026 is one of the busiest years for festivals and fairs in Missouri in years

If you're interested in being a part of a massive celebration this summer, you have dozens of options. Among the hundreds that will be taking place around the state, here are the 10 that seem to be trending as the most popular right now:

1. Fair St. Louis - July 3 and July 4 - If you love lots of musical performers, great food and fireworks with the Gateway Arch as your backdrop, this should be near the top of your festival list.

2. Missouri State Fair - August 13 - 23 - The state fair includes concerts, livestock shows, carnival rides, and classic fair food.

3. National Tom Sawyer Days - June 27 - July 5 - Parade, fence painting, frog jumping, great food and lots of live entertainment plus fireworks on the 4th.

4. Branson Landing Liberty Light Up - July 3 - Beer garden, live music and fireworks a day before the 4th in Branson.

5. Lake of the Ozarks Shootout - August 29 - 30 - The world's largest unsanctioned powerboat competition, this is a can't miss event if you enjoy water and speed.

6. Roots N Blues Festival - July 26 - 28 - Columbia, Missouri comes alive with a nationally-recognized blues festival. This is the 11th annual blues festival that happens at the Salmon Arm Fairgrounds.

7. Apple Butter Makin' Days - October 9 - 11 - Mt. Vernon, Missouri is a fun place to be after summer turns to fall. Crafts and great food galore.

8. St. Charles Riverfest - July 3 - 4 - Live entertainment, a parade and drone show are just the tip of the iceberg for this Independence Day weekend celebration.

9. Big Muddy Blues Festival - August 31 - September 2 - A favorite among music fans who travel to St. Louis for live blues performances and riverfront atmosphere.

10. Ozark Empire Fair - July 30 - August 8 - One of southwest Missouri's biggest summer events, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors for concerts, rides, exhibits, and food