Bagnell Dam Duck Drop Returns This Weekend With Cash Prizes & Free Family Fun

The Duck Drop is back, and this year's event is shaping up to be the best yet!

The Lake community is invited to join the Kiwanis Club of Ozark Coast, with presenting sponsor Central Bank, in supporting local charities during the annual Bagnell Dam Duck Drop. The event returns Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, and includes a free carnival on the Bagnell Dam Strip from 8 a.m. to noon, making it a fun-filled morning for the whole family.

Proceeds from the Duck Drop benefit local children's organizations and provide scholarships to School of the Osage students.

Bagnell Dam Duck Drop

Great Dam Duck Drop - Ducks In The River — photo by Dee Johnson Smith

Make a positive impact on the Lake community while watching ducks take a dive into the Osage River… with the chance of winning cash prizes!

When: Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026; Duck Drop at noon, carnival from 8 a.m. to noon

Where: Osage River below Bagnell Dam off the Strip

Need a rubber ducky (or five!) or want to make an additional donation to Kiwanis Club of Ozark Coast Foundation? Purchase duckies here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-duck-drop-duck-purchases-online

To participate, Lake residents and visitors purchase rubber ducks for $5 each or five for $20, with every duck assigned a unique number. On race day, the ducks are dropped into the Osage River from a helicopter before racing to the finish line.

The owners of the first three ducks across the finish line will receive prizes:

1st Place: $5,000

2nd Place: $1,000

3rd Place: $500 Hy-Vee gift card

If your duck finishes last, you can still win! The "Unlucky Ducky" receives a $100 Amazon gift card.

Before the ducks take flight, be sure to stop by the free carnival from 8 a.m. to noon on the Bagnell Dam Strip. Families can enjoy games and activities before gathering along the river to watch the annual Duck Drop.