Fall in the Ozarks is pure magic—think crisp air, vibrant foliage, and the smell of kettle corn drifting through the breeze. And the best part? You don’t have to spend a dime to soak it all in. From charming small-town festivals to lively downtown celebrations, the region is packed with free events that celebrate everything we love about autumn. Whether you're into pumpkin patches, live music, handmade crafts, or just want an excuse to wear your coziest flannel, these free fall festivals across the Ozarks should be on your calendar this season.
Seymour Apple Festival
Come to the Seymour Apple Festival this year and celebrate its 51st anniversary. Enjoy 100+ vendors, live entertainment, 5K run, parade, Johnny Appleseed contest and much more. The best part? Admission is free!
When: Sept. 10–12, 2026
Where: 123 West Market St., Seymour
12th Annual MO Food Truck Festival
Food trucks and foodies will gather this September in Springfield for the 12th Annual Missouri Food Truck Festival. This one-day event will feature the best gourmet food trucks, carts and trailers from around the state of Missouri and beyond. Featuring the brightest and most inspired street chefs bringing everything from burgers, cajun, BBQ, pizza, tacos, Italian, Asian, Jamaican, and sweet treats.
When: 11 a.m.–7 p.m., Sept. 12, 2026
Where: 3001 N. Grant Ave., Springfield
Wickman's Fall Festival
Celebrate the arrival of fall at Wickman's Fall Festival. Held at the beloved Wickman's Garden Village, this annual family-friendly event transforms the garden center into a festive autumn destination filled with seasonal charm.
Browse colorful mums, pumpkins, and fall décor while enjoying local artisan vendors, delicious food, live entertainment, and activities for all ages. Whether you're picking out the perfect pumpkin, shopping for seasonal plants, or simply soaking in the crisp fall atmosphere, Wickman's Fall Festival is the perfect way to welcome autumn in the Ozarks.
When: Sept. 12–13, 2026
Where: 1345 S. Fort Ave., Springfield
Marionville Apple Fest
Enjoy beautiful crafts, mouth-watering foods, musical entertainment, and a parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Marionville Apple Fest. Enter the apple pie baking contest, attend the pie auction or pie eating contest, and take part in the karaoke contest, free kids carnival and more.
When: Sept. 18–Sept. 19, 2026
Where: 30 E. Washington Street, Marionville
Black Walnut Festival
The Black Walnut Festival will take place this year at Stockton City Park. The festival is filled with good food, crafts, various vendors, great music and a large parade Saturday afternoon.
When: Sept. 24–26, 2026
Where: East Spring Street, Stockton
Wilder Days
An annual celebration commemorating Laura Ingalls Wilder, America’s favorite pioneer girl, and her cherished Little House books, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum will host the 10th Annual Fiddle Contest on Wilder Day.
When: Sept. 25–26, 2026
Where: 3060 State Hwy A, Mansfield
Fair Grove Heritage Reunion
An annual craft fair, the Fair Grove Heritage Reunion is attended by thousands of people every year enjoying the sights, sounds and food each day. Attend the parade, listen to live music, and see live demonstrations at a historic blacksmith shop, sawmill and the restored Wommack Mill. Attendance is free.
When: Sept. 26–Sept. 27, 2026
Where: 38 S. Main St., Fair Grove
Republic Pumpkin Daze
Pumpkin Daze is held on the first Friday and Saturday in October each year. There’s no better way to experience the spirit of autumn in the Ozarks. Enjoy fall arts and crafts vendors, pumpkin displays, contests, fall food and more.
When: Oct. 2–Oct. 3, 2026
Where: 300 E. Hines St., Republic
Ozark Fall Farmfest
The Ozark Fall Farmfest is held annually on the first weekend of October at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield, Missouri. With over 1,000 agricultural and rural living exhibits and more than 600 head of registered livestock on display, it has become the Ozarks’ largest agricultural event.
When: Oct. 2–4, 2026
Where: 3001 N. Grant Ave., Springfield
5th Annual Celebrate Springfield Kickoff Event
Celebrate Springfield is back for 2026! Attend the 5th annual Kickoff Event at the Route 66 Stadium for an epic afternoon of fun, food, and community connection! Enjoy free entry, live music, interactive booths, food trucks, a beverage garden, swag bags, and a roadmap to adventure across 417-land. This event marks the launch of Celebrate Springfield as a year-round initiative to help everyone discover and enjoy all our city has to offer.
When: 1–4 p.m., Oct. 4, 2026
Where: 955 E. Trafficway St., Springfield
APPLE BUTTER MAKIN’ DAYS
Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce
Apple Butter Makin’ Days, one of Missouri’s most popular festivals, has been on the courthouse square in Mount Vernon each October since 1967. Join thousands of people ranging from serious mustache cultivators to competitive bubble gum bubble blowers and enjoy all the festival has to offer. Whether you’re watching a wiener dog race, tasting local food or learning the secrets to excellent apple butter, you’re guaranteed to have a good time.
When: Oct. 9–11, 2026
Where: 319 E. Dallas St., Mount Vernon
60th Annual Maple Leaf Festival
Photo courtesy of Maple Leaf Festival
Held the 3rd week in October annually, this festival hosts daily events for an entire week and ending with the biggest parade in Southwest Missouri. This nearly 2-mile parade begins at 9 am and encompasses the beautiful Historic Carthage Square. The square is filled with arts and crafts, food vendors, live entertainment all day, a quilt show, activities for kids, a petting zoo, and so much more.
When: Oct. 9–17, 2026
Where: Carthage Square
SGF CultureFest
Featuring local musicians, dancers, and artisans to showcase incredible talents, CultureFest plans to celebrate rich ethnic diversity and heritage, collaborate with global-minded Springfield residents and cultivate a welcoming city for people around the world.
When: 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Oct. 10, 2026
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