Top Festivals in Missouri 2025: A Celebration of Heritage, Music, and Food

Overview of Festivals in Missouri 2025

Missouri, the Show-Me State, is a land of rich culture, vibrant music, and natural beauty. Home to iconic cities like St. Louis and Kansas City and the scenic Ozarks, the state offers an array of festivals that celebrate its unique blend of history, arts, and community spirit.

Missouri’s festivals reflect the state’s diverse heritage and love for the arts, food, and family-friendly events. From the lively St. Louis Mardi Gras to the historic Missouri State Fair, the state celebrates in style year-round. Missouri is also a hub for music lovers, with festivals like the Roots N Blues Festival in Columbia and Kansas City Jazz Festival, showcasing the best of blues, jazz, and folk traditions. Whether you're exploring the bustling cities or the charming countryside, Missouri's festivals are sure to delight visitors and locals alike.

Learn more: Full List of Festivals in the US for 2025: Music, Food, Art, Film, Street and More

Four Seasons of Missouri Festivals. Image: KnowInsiders

List of Festivals in Missouri 2025: Significance and Activities

Note: Festival dates and similar events in this state are updated frequently, and times may change. Please report any date errors in the article in the comments below.

January

Winterfest at the Arch

• Date: January 5–15, 2025
• Location: Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis, MO
• Significance: A celebration of winter beneath the iconic Gateway Arch, combining family fun, community spirit, and the beauty of the Mississippi River.
• Activities:
  • Ice skating on a rink set against the Arch.
  • Fireworks displays on select evenings.
  • Winter markets selling handcrafted goods and holiday treats.
  • Performances by local musicians and choirs.
• Tickets: Free admission to the festival; ice skate rentals and specific activities have fees.
• Transportation: Accessible by MetroLink and MetroBus; parking near the Arch is limited. Consider rideshare services for convenience.

Ozark Winter Festival

• Date: January 20–22, 2025
• Location: Branson, MO
• Significance: Showcasing Ozark traditions during the quiet winter months, this festival brings warmth and hospitality to Branson’s charming downtown.
• Activities:
  • Snowshoeing and winter hiking trails in nearby Ozark parks.
  • Warm cider and hot chocolate tastings.
  • Local arts and crafts vendors selling handmade winter items.
  • Bonfires with live folk music performances.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Ample parking available in Branson; hotel shuttles are often provided for festival-goers.

February

St. Louis Mardi Gras

• Date: February 8–13, 2025
• Location: Soulard Neighborhood, St. Louis, MO
• Significance: One of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the Midwest, this event brings the spirit of New Orleans to Missouri with festive parades and parties.
• Activities:
  • Grand Parade with themed floats and costumed participants.
  • Cajun and Creole food vendors offering gumbo, jambalaya, and king cakes.
  • Live music performances, including jazz, zydeco, and rock.
  • Dog Parade featuring adorable pups in Mardi Gras costumes.
• Tickets: Free general admission; VIP packages available for reserved seating and private party access.
• Transportation: Accessible via MetroLink and MetroBus; parking is limited in Soulard.

Kansas City Chocolate Festival

• Date: February 17, 2025
• Location: Kansas City, MO
• Significance: A decadent event dedicated to chocolate lovers, showcasing local artisans and global chocolatiers.
• Activities:
  • Chocolate tastings and demonstrations by expert chocolatiers.
  • Pairing sessions featuring wine, whiskey, and coffee.
  • A dessert competition judged by celebrity chefs.
  • Live entertainment, including jazz performances.
• Tickets: General admission tickets available online; early booking recommended due to high demand.
• Transportation: Parking available near the venue; public transit and rideshare services are convenient options.

March

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Kansas City

• Date: March 16, 2025
• Location: Downtown Kansas City, MO
• Significance: Celebrating Irish culture and community spirit, this parade is a colorful and lively tradition.
• Activities:
  • Parade floats, marching bands, and Irish dancers.
  • Family-friendly games and craft stations for children.
  • Pub crawls featuring Irish stouts and whiskeys.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Public transit and rideshare services strongly encouraged due to limited parking.

Missouri Food & Drink Festival

• Date: March 29–30, 2025
• Location: Columbia, MO
• Significance: A culinary event celebrating Missouri’s agricultural richness and talented chefs.
• Activities:
  • Interactive cooking classes with renowned chefs.
  • Tastings of Missouri wines, craft beers, and farm-to-table dishes.
  • Vendor booths featuring local products like honey, cheese, and preserves.
• Tickets: General admission and VIP tickets available online.
• Transportation: Parking available near the venue; consider carpooling or rideshare services.

Missouri Seasonal Festival Map. Image: KnowInsiders.com

April

Dogwood-Azalea Festival

• Date: April 11–14, 2025
• Location: Charleston, MO
• Significance: A vibrant spring festival celebrating Missouri’s blooming dogwoods and azaleas in a picturesque small town.
• Activities:
  • Guided garden tours and photo opportunities.
  • Community parades and musical performances.
  • Art and craft vendors showcasing local talent.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Parking available at festival lots; walking and shuttle services are convenient.

Springfield Craft Beer Bash

• Date: April 27, 2025
• Location: Springfield, MO
• Significance: Highlighting Missouri’s thriving craft beer scene, this festival is a favorite for beer enthusiasts.
• Activities:
  • Sampling booths with dozens of local and regional breweries.
  • Food pairings, including gourmet pretzels and barbecue.
  • Workshops on beer-making and pairing techniques.
• Tickets: Available online and at the gate.
• Transportation: Public parking available near the venue; bike-friendly routes encouraged for locals.

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May

Roots N Blues Festival

• Date: May 10–12, 2025
• Location: Columbia, MO
• Significance: A premier music festival that brings together blues, folk, and Americana artists from across the nation, celebrating Missouri’s deep musical roots.
• Activities:
  • Performances by Grammy-winning artists and up-and-coming musicians.
  • Food courts featuring local barbecue, craft beer, and southern-inspired cuisine.
  • Family-friendly zones with activities like face painting and storytelling.
  • Art installations and interactive workshops focused on blues history.
• Tickets: Day passes and full weekend packages available online.
• Transportation: Parking available near the festival grounds; shuttle services provided from downtown Columbia.

Kansas City Renaissance Festival (Spring Edition)

• Date: Weekends, May 4–26, 2025
• Location: Bonner Springs, MO
• Significance: A journey back in time to the medieval period with immersive entertainment, crafts, and activities.
• Activities:
  • Live jousting tournaments and swordplay demonstrations.
  • Costume contests for attendees and Renaissance-themed parades.
  • Vendors offering handcrafted jewelry, pottery, and period-inspired clothing.
  • Hearty medieval-style fare, including turkey legs, mead, and pies.
• Tickets: Available online; family discount packages offered.
• Transportation: Parking on-site; rideshare services recommended for convenience.

June

Shakespeare in the Park

• Date: June 7–30, 2025
• Location: Forest Park, St. Louis, MO
• Significance: A beloved cultural tradition, this event makes Shakespeare’s timeless works accessible to all.
• Activities:
  • Evening performances of classics like Romeo and Juliet and Hamlet.
  • Pre-show talks by local theater experts discussing themes and historical context.
  • Food trucks offering snacks, beverages, and picnic-friendly fare.
  • Community workshops on acting, directing, and Shakespearean language.
• Tickets: Free admission; donations are welcome.
• Transportation: Public transit to Forest Park is highly recommended due to limited parking.

Ozark Bluegrass Festival

• Date: June 21–23, 2025
• Location: Lake of the Ozarks, MO
• Significance: A celebration of traditional bluegrass music in a scenic lakeside setting.
• Activities:
  • Performances by renowned bluegrass bands and solo artists.
  • Instrumental workshops for banjo, fiddle, and guitar enthusiasts.
  • Local vendors selling crafts, artisanal goods, and home-style food.
  • Outdoor camping and bonfire jam sessions under the stars.
• Tickets: Day passes and camping packages available online.
• Transportation: Parking available at the venue; boat shuttles for lakeside attendees.

July

Fair St. Louis

• Date: July 4–6, 2025
• Location: Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis, MO
• Significance: Missouri’s grandest Independence Day celebration, featuring patriotic festivities and world-class entertainment.
• Activities:
  • Concerts headlined by nationally acclaimed musicians.
  • Carnival rides, games, and food trucks for families.
  • A breathtaking fireworks display over the Mississippi River.
  • Veteran tributes and interactive historical exhibits.
• Tickets: Free admission; VIP viewing packages available for purchase.
• Transportation: Public transit encouraged; limited parking available near the Arch.

National Tom Sawyer Days

• Date: July 3–6, 2025
• Location: Hannibal, MO
• Significance: Celebrating the life and legacy of Mark Twain in his boyhood hometown.
• Activities:
  • Fence-painting contests and literary-themed scavenger hunts.
  • Live reenactments of scenes from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
  • Riverboat rides on the Mississippi and guided tours of Twain’s historic home.
  • Vendors offering local crafts, books, and traditional treats.
• Tickets: Free admission; boat rides and house tours require separate tickets.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; shuttle services from nearby lots.

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August

Missouri State Fair

• Date: August 8–18, 2025
• Location: Sedalia, MO
• Significance: The state’s largest celebration of agriculture, entertainment, and community.
• Activities:
  • Livestock competitions, 4-H exhibits, and educational demonstrations.
  • Thrilling carnival rides, games, and nightly concerts featuring top artists.
  • Diverse food options, including fried favorites and farm-to-table delicacies.
  • Competitions ranging from pie-eating to tractor pulls.
• Tickets: General admission tickets available online and at the gate; discounted family packages offered.
• Transportation: Parking available at the fairgrounds; shuttle services operate daily.

St. Charles Festival of the Little Hills

• Date: August 23–25, 2025
• Location: St. Charles, MO
• Significance: A historic festival celebrating Missouri’s early French settlements and craftsmanship.
• Activities:
  • Artisan markets featuring handmade goods and traditional crafts.
  • Guided tours of historic buildings and reenactments of pioneer life.
  • Local food vendors serving classic French and Midwestern fare.
  • Live performances by folk and bluegrass musicians.
• Tickets: Free admission.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; rideshare encouraged for convenience.

September

Kansas City Irish Fest

• Date: September 6–8, 2025
• Location: Crown Center, Kansas City, MO
• Significance: A vibrant celebration of Irish heritage and culture, attracting visitors from across the Midwest.
• Activities:
  • Traditional Irish music performed by bands from the U.S. and Ireland.
  • Dance performances, including step dancing and Ceili demonstrations.
  • Workshops on Irish history, genealogy, and Gaelic language.
  • Authentic Irish food and drink vendors offering Guinness, soda bread, and more.
• Tickets: Day passes and weekend packages available online; discounts for seniors and children.
• Transportation: Accessible via public transit; parking available near Crown Center.

Roots Festival

• Date: September 13–15, 2025
• Location: Weston, MO
• Significance: A charming small-town festival celebrating the agricultural heritage and tight-knit community spirit of Missouri.
• Activities:
  • Live music from local and regional bands, including bluegrass and folk genres.
  • Fresh produce markets and artisan booths.
  • Family-friendly games, hayrides, and craft stations for kids.
  • Food stalls featuring homemade pies, roasted corn, and cider.
• Tickets: Free admission; activity-specific fees may apply.
• Transportation: Parking available at the festival grounds; shuttles provided from nearby lots.

Vibrant Missouri Festival Collage

October

Haunted Hannibal Ghost Tours

• Date: October 1–31, 2025
• Location: Hannibal, MO
• Significance: A month-long Halloween event exploring the supernatural history of one of Missouri’s oldest towns.
• Activities:
  • Guided ghost tours of historic locations like the Mark Twain Cave.
  • Haunted house attractions with immersive storytelling.
  • Special evening events, including séances and paranormal investigations.
  • Halloween-themed crafts and treats for families.
• Tickets: Available online and at the venue; group discounts offered.
• Transportation: Parking available downtown; walking tours start at designated locations.

PumpkinFest

• Date: October 25–27, 2025
• Location: St. Joseph, MO
• Significance: A quintessential fall festival celebrating autumn traditions in the heart of Missouri.
• Activities:
  • Pumpkin carving contests with prizes for the most creative designs.
  • Hayrides and corn mazes for families.
  • Local vendors selling seasonal produce, baked goods, and crafts.
  • Evening bonfires with live music and storytelling.
• Tickets: Free admission; activity fees may apply.
• Transportation: Ample parking available near the festival grounds.

November

Missouri Wine Festival

• Date: November 15–16, 2025
• Location: Hermann, MO
• Significance: Celebrating Missouri’s rich winemaking tradition in the heart of its wine country.
• Activities:
  • Wine tastings from local vineyards, featuring Norton and Chambourcin varietals.
  • Pairing workshops with cheese, chocolate, and charcuterie.
  • Guided tours of wineries and vineyards.
  • Live acoustic music and local food stalls.
• Tickets: General admission and VIP packages available online; early booking recommended.
• Transportation: Parking available near the festival venue; shuttle services provided for winery tours.

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December

Christmas Traditions Festival

• Date: December 1–24, 2025
• Location: St. Charles, MO
• Significance: A magical holiday celebration bringing the charm of a Victorian Christmas to life.
• Activities:
  • Costumed carolers and street performers entertaining visitors throughout the historic district.
  • Horse-drawn carriage rides through beautifully decorated streets.
  • Holiday markets featuring handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and seasonal foods.
  • Santa Claus meet-and-greets and children’s craft workshops.
• Tickets: Free admission; fees for specific activities like carriage rides.
• Transportation: Parking available in designated lots; rideshare services recommended.

Conclusion

Missouri’s festival calendar in 2025 offers an exceptional variety of experiences, blending cultural traditions, musical excellence, and community celebrations. Whether you’re savoring wine in Hermann, enjoying live jazz in Kansas City, or exploring spooky legends in Hannibal, Missouri has something special for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Show-Me State through its vibrant festivals and events.

FAQs About Missouri Festivals 2025

1. What are Missouri’s most famous festivals in 2025?

• Iconic events include St. Louis Mardi Gras, Missouri State Fair, and Roots N Blues Festival.

2. Are Missouri festivals suitable for families?

• Yes, many festivals like PumpkinFest and National Tom Sawyer Days include activities for all ages.

3. When is the best time to visit Missouri for festivals?

• Spring and fall are ideal, with events like the Dogwood-Azalea Festival and Kansas City Irish Fest offering pleasant weather and vibrant activities.

4. Are Missouri festivals pet-friendly?

• Some outdoor events allow pets, but it’s best to check individual festival policies.

5. How can I get tickets for Missouri festivals?

• Tickets are often available online, and early booking is recommended for major events like the Missouri Wine Festival.

6. Do Missouri festivals celebrate local culture?

• Absolutely! Events like St. Charles Festival of the Little Hills and Haunted Hannibal Ghost Tours highlight Missouri’s rich history and traditions.

7. Are there free festivals in Missouri?

• Many festivals, including Fair St. Louis and Kansas City Irish Fest, offer free general admission.

8. Can I volunteer at Missouri festivals?

• Yes, many festivals, such as Roots N Blues Festival, welcome volunteers. Check individual event websites for details.

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