Fall Into Fun! Your Guide to a Beautiful October Weekend in Missouri
From pumpkin festivals and charming small towns to live music, Oktoberfest celebrations, fall shopping, and family adventures, the Show-Me State is bursting with autumn excitement this weekend!
There’s something magical about October in Missouri. The air is getting cooler, the leaves are beginning to change, pumpkin patches are welcoming families, and communities across the state are celebrating everything we love about fall.
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway, a family adventure, a girls’ shopping trip, or simply looking for something fun to do close to home, October 9–11 offers plenty of opportunities to make memories.
From the Lake of the Ozarks and Central Missouri to Kansas City, Springfield, Branson, St. Louis, and our favorite small towns, Missouri Magazine has rounded up an exciting collection of events to help you plan your weekend.
Grab your favorite fall drink and get ready to explore Missouri!
Friday, October 9: Kick Off the Weekend with Fall Favorites
Friday is the perfect opportunity to start your weekend early, and Missouri has plenty of ways to celebrate.
Apple Butter Makin’ Days – Mount Vernon
One of Southwest Missouri’s beloved autumn traditions returns to downtown Mount Vernon, October 9–11. Visitors can enjoy the sights and smells of old-fashioned apple butter making, browse handmade crafts, discover local vendors, and enjoy festival food and entertainment.
Best of Missouri Market – St. Louis
The Missouri Botanical Garden hosts its Best of Missouri Market all weekend, October 9–11, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Featuring more than 150 vendors, the event brings together locally made foods, crafts, jewelry, plants, and specialty products. Live music and children’s activities make this a wonderful outing for the whole family.
Hermann Oktoberfest – Hermann
October and Hermann go hand in hand! Spend the day exploring this charming Missouri wine country destination, enjoying seasonal festivities, local shops, restaurants, and the beautiful scenery of the Missouri River Valley.
Carthage Maple Leaf Festival – Carthage
The Maple Leaf Festival season brings fall excitement to Carthage, with community activities and celebrations of the beautiful autumn colors that make Southwest Missouri special.
More Friday events to explore:
- GloWild: Hidden Treasure – Kansas City Zoo
- Halloween Haunt – Worlds of Fun, Kansas City
- Faulkner’s Ranch Pumpkin Festival – Kansas City
- Haunted Hall of Horror – Cape Girardeau
- Relics Antique Mall Amazing Garage Sale – Springfield
- Malpass Brothers and Friends – Branson
- Live music at Backwater Jack’s – Lake Ozark
- Live entertainment at Franky & Louie’s – Sunrise Beach
Saturday, October 10: A Full Day of Festivals, Family Fun and Fall Adventures
Saturday is packed with exciting events across Missouri. From pumpkin festivals to lakefront adventures, there’s something for every age and interest.
Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival – Hartsburg
One of Central Missouri’s most anticipated fall traditions returns October 10–11. This charming Missouri River community transforms into a pumpkin-filled celebration featuring seasonal shopping, food, and family activities.
The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy small-town Missouri at its finest.
Osage Beach Fall Festival – Osage Beach
Bring the whole family to Osage Beach City Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a day of autumn excitement. Enjoy free children’s activities, bounce houses, a petting zoo, pumpkin decorating, arts and crafts vendors, live music, delicious food, and community displays.
Fall Harbor Hop – Lake of the Ozarks
Fall is a beautiful time to enjoy the Lake of the Ozarks, and the Fall Harbor Hop is a longtime favorite. Boaters travel between participating waterfront establishments collecting cards to build a poker hand, enjoying lake views and stops along the way.
Midland & Clint Black – Camdenton
Country music fans can enjoy a concert at Ozarks Amphitheater, featuring Midland and Clint Black. It’s a great opportunity to pair a day of exploring the Lake with an evening of entertainment.
Apple Butter Makin’ Days – Mount Vernon
The celebration continues Saturday with traditional apple butter making, food, crafts, vendors, and hometown hospitality.
Missouri Chestnut Festival – New Franklin
Celebrate Missouri agriculture at the Missouri Chestnut Festival. This unique event offers an opportunity to learn more about locally grown chestnuts and the state’s agricultural traditions.
Arrow Rock Heritage Festival – Arrow Rock
Step into Missouri history in the charming village of Arrow Rock. Enjoy the historic atmosphere, discover local artisans, and experience one of Missouri’s most picturesque small towns.
Waldo Fall Festival – Kansas City
Celebrate the season in Kansas City’s Waldo neighborhood with community festivities, entertainment, and opportunities to support local businesses.
Historic Shaw Art Fair – St. Louis
Art lovers can spend the weekend exploring the Historic Shaw Art Fair, October 10–11. Featuring artists, creative works, food, and neighborhood charm, this annual event celebrates art and community in one of St. Louis’s historic neighborhoods.
OzFaire Renaissance Festival – West Plains Area
Step back in time for a weekend filled with Renaissance-inspired entertainment, music, games, demonstrations, and family fun at the Heart of the Ozarks Bluegrass Park.
More Saturday events across Missouri:
- Dexter Fall Fest – Dexter
- Wyatt Earp Fallfest – Lamar
- Maryville Fall Into Fun – Maryville
- SGF CultureFest – Springfield
- Art in the Park – Springfield
- Harvest Fest at Rutledge-Wilson Farm – Springfield
- Fields of Freedom Fireworks Show – Fair Grove
- Legends & Lanterns – St. Charles
- Oktoberfest at Stone Hill Winery – Hermann
- Best of Missouri Market – St. Louis
- Brew at the Zoo – Kansas City
- Blue River Discovery Days Festival – Kansas City
- Pumpkin Festival & Block Party – Liberty
- Mizzou Football vs. Texas A&M – Columbia
- Live music at Backwater Jack’s – Lake Ozark
- Live entertainment at Franky & Louie’s – Sunrise Beach
Sunday, October 11: Slow Down and Enjoy a Beautiful Missouri Fall Day
Sunday is made for scenic drives, family traditions, relaxing afternoons, and exploring the places that make Missouri special.
Caledonia Pumpkin Fest – Caledonia
Historic Caledonia celebrates the season with pumpkin-themed activities, a parade, hayrides, a corn maze, and family-friendly fun. It’s a wonderful destination for families who love the charm of small-town Missouri.
Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival – Hartsburg
Missed Saturday’s festivities? The celebration continues Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Explore vendors, shop for seasonal treasures, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Apple Butter Makin’ Days – Mount Vernon
Wrap up the weekend with the final day of this favorite Southwest Missouri tradition. Enjoy festival food, handcrafted goods, and a celebration of Missouri’s heritage.
Lake of the Ozarks Blues Festival – Sunrise Beach
Enjoy a relaxing Sunday filled with music at Captain Ron’s. Pair live entertainment with beautiful fall views and a little lakeside relaxation.
Best of Missouri Market – St. Louis
Sunday is the final day to explore the market at the Missouri Botanical Garden. It’s a great opportunity to shop Missouri-made products and enjoy a fall afternoon.
Historic Shaw Art Fair – St. Louis
Browse beautiful artwork, support artists, and enjoy the neighborhood atmosphere as the art fair continues Sunday.
Legends & Lanterns – St. Charles
Historic Main Street St. Charles is an especially charming place to explore in October. Enjoy the fall atmosphere, unique shops, and seasonal entertainment.
More Sunday events to enjoy:
- OzFaire Renaissance Festival – West Plains Area
- Art in the Park – Springfield
- Harvest Fest at Rutledge-Wilson Farm – Springfield
- Warm Springs Ranch Mane Event – Boonville
- Hermann Oktoberfest – Hermann
- Missouri Volleyball vs. Auburn – Columbia
- Faulkner’s Ranch Pumpkin Festival – Kansas City
- GloWild: Hidden Treasure – Kansas City Zoo
- Dragons and Fantastic Beasts – Powell Gardens, Kingsville
- Live music at The Encore – Lake Ozark
Confirm specific performance times and admission details directly with venues.
Make It a Weekend to Remember
One of the best things about Missouri is that you don’t have to travel far to discover something special.
Take a scenic drive through the Ozarks. Visit a small-town festival you’ve never experienced before. Spend an afternoon shopping at locally owned boutiques. Treat the kids to a pumpkin patch, enjoy live music with friends, or plan a romantic fall getaway.
Sometimes the best memories are made when we simply get out, explore, and enjoy the moment.
And while you’re out this weekend, remember to support Missouri’s locally owned businesses. Stop into a coffee shop, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, browse a boutique, or discover a new favorite destination.
Every small-town festival, local restaurant, and family-owned business is part of what makes the Show-Me State so special.
Before You Go
Event dates, admission prices, and activities may change due to weather or other circumstances. Missouri Magazine encourages readers to confirm details directly with event organizers before traveling. Some of the additional entertainment listings above have not been independently confirmed for the specific day.
Keep Exploring Missouri with Missouri Magazine!
Whether you’re searching for weekend adventures, hidden gems, local restaurants, family activities, or beautiful places to visit, we’re here to help you discover the very best of the Show-Me State.
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