LAKE OF THE OZARKS, Mo. — As the weather cools down, leaves start to change, and locals abound, there's plenty of fun fall activities to look forward to at Lake of the Ozarks this autumn.
Whether you want to visit a classic pumpkin patch or participate in new events, there's something for everyone. Here are festivals and activities during fall (which officially started Saturday, Sept. 23) around the Lake area:
Eldon Turkey FestivalÂ
by Bill Benson
When: Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Downtown EldonÂ
This free festival is perfect for the family to explore vendors, enjoy live music, and of course the parade! For more information visit the Eldon Area Chamber of Commerce events page.Â
Cider Fest
When: Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Fireridge Farmstand, 1400 S. Route 7, Camdenton MO 65020
Their first annual Cider Fest will feature vendors, artisans, kids activities, the Swallowtail food truck, live music, and all things apple! Throughout autumn you can visit the property Thursday-Saturday to play with animals, pick out pumpkins, mums, and more.Â
The Cave Pumpkin PatchÂ
When: Opens Sept. 30Â
Where: 123 Swinging Bridge Road, Brumley, MO 65017
This family owned and operated patch welcomes their "pumpkin peeps" for the 2023 season. The Cave does not allow pets on the grounds, but theres lots to enjoy with a playground, hay ride, tree fort, culvert slide, and more. $10 per person (cash only) for entry, and kids 2 years old & under are free.
Food Truck Frenzy
When: Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: 662 Laker Pride Rd, Camdenton, in the high school parking lot
Support the CHS' robotics and boys soccer team at the Food Truck Frenzy, where 20% of the proceeds will go to both teams. Lyn Freeze, Shady Shack, Gorillaz Grub, the Hungry Yeti, and Barista GO will be in the parking lot during the soccer tournament.
LaketoberfestÂ
When: Sept. 30 starting at noonÂ
Where: Shortleaf Brewing at 311 South Business Route 5, Camdenton MO 65020
The inaugural Laketoberfest is hosted at Shortleaf Brewing, which began in 2019. Bring your own chairs and furry friends to try their take on classic German beers and food. There'll be live music and games! Buy a $20 custom Shortleaf stein to fill with your choice of available drafts - it's refillable all day!
Mecca Farm
When: Opening October 2023
- Saturdays & Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 425 Delmar, Roach MO 65787
Family owned and operated, this farm has a $7 admission (for most attractions) and children 2 years old and under are free. Visit the beautiful property and go on the big slide, use the corn cannon, try the obstacle course, make and take scarecrows, and more.
Jacob's Fall Swapping Days
photo by Janet Dabbs
When: Oct. 5-8
- Thursday, Friday, & Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Jacob's Cave Meadowlands at 23114 Highway T, Versailles MO 65084
Missouri's largest swap meet featuring antiques, guns, crafts, small animals, and more. The first annual swap started in June 1979. Visitors have to pay $10 per vehicle.Â
Ozarks Amphitheater - .38 SpecialÂ
When: Oct. 6 starting at 7 p.m.
Where: Ozarks Amphitheater at 2629 North Business Route 5, Camdenton MO 65020
Live from the Amp, it's .38 Special, with special guests, Clay Clear Band! This open-air venue has great acoustics and 10,000 seats.Â
Lake of the Ozarks Fall Big Bass BashÂ
When: Oct. 7-8 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Grand Glaize State Park, 711 Public Beach Road, Osage Beach MO 65065 (PB2)
This huge tournament gives amateurs the chance to win big. The entry fee per angler is $140/one day or $190/two days. This year, each paid entry gets you one entry for a drawing to win a new Phoenix 818 with Mercury 150 Pro XS!
Versailles Olde Tyme Apple FestivalÂ
When: Oct. 7-8 starting at 8 a.m.
Where: various locations in VersaillesÂ
The annual Olde Tyme Apple Festival has fun for the whole family with various contests, vendor booths, and performances.Â
Fall Boutique CrawlÂ
When: Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 15 shops across the Lake areaÂ
Grab a shopping buddy and hit up local boutiques for the fall crawl! Pick up a punch card and map from one of the participating locations, get stamped at all the shops, and be entered to win some money! First place receives $700 in boutique gift cards.
Fall Harbor Hop
When: Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: 42 locations across the LakeÂ
Don't put your boat away just yet! You can be a part of the Fall Harbor Hop by visiting participating places to make a winning poker hand. Turn it in by 7 p.m. to qualify for the prizes! To obtain a hand, sign up and pay a $20 donation - players may enter more than once.Â
Osage Beach Fall FestivalÂ
When: Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Osage Beach City ParkÂ
Enjoy delicious food, drinks, games, live entertainment, and more at the annual festival. Other goodies include a petting zoo, pony rides, and a pie eating contest. New this year is a BBQ competition!
Lake Area Fiber Arts FestivalÂ
When: Oct. 13-14Â
- Friday noon to 6 p.m.
- Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Community Christian Church, 1065 N. Business Route 5, Camdenton MO 65020
This vendor expo has over 15 booths and sales of finished, handmade fiber art and work by Lake Area Fiber Artists. Workshop classes are offered to the public in various sessions, like Keepsake Fall Wool Pumpkins where you make cute wrapped and detailed pumpkins with felting supplies.Â
Apple Butter Days Fall FestivalÂ
When: Oct. 20-21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days
Where: Camden County Museum, 206 S. Locust Street, Linn Creek MO 65052
Free admission and chili or soup lunch available for donation throughout the event. Participate in craft demonstrations, quilt raffle, and of course enjoy apple butter and apple pies!
Iberia Fall Fest
When: Oct. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Downtown IberiaÂ
View the parade, visit vendor booths, and grab food at this annual festival. Expect games, bounce houses, raffle, live entertainment, a car show, and a silent auction!
Lake of the Ozarks Oktoberfest
When: Oct. 21 starting at 9 a.m.
Where: centralized at The Sanctuary Brewery, 5716 Osage Beach Pkwy, Osage Beach MO 65065
This new event coming to the Lake is hosting a .5K & 5K to benefit Wonderland Camp (the 1/2 kilometer is for all those non runners out there). Try cold beer and German style food throughout the fest from additional local breweries and vendors. Games, activities, and live music by Trev & Dev ensure a great time for all!
Forget-Me-Not Horse Rescue & Sanctuary Fall FestivalÂ
When: Oct. 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Missouri Forget Me Not, 1025 Heritage Road, Linn Creek MO 65052
Join the sanctuary once again for lots of family-fun activities. There will also be opportunities to meet and mingle with the rescue horses!
Eldon's Craft Wine and Spirits FestivalÂ
When: Oct. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Capone's Speakeasy, 110 S. Oak Street, Unit B, Eldon MO 65026
Enjoy renowned vendors including Blacksmith Distillery, Wood Hat, Truman Reserve, Honey Creek Hollow, plus other sellers with treasures and premium cigars. There's a free raffle to win gift baskets, but you need a password to enter! Look at Capone's Facebook page for the password that night.
Farmhouse 54 Fall Fest
When: Oct. 21 starting at 5 p.m.
Where: Integrity Yoga Wellness Center at 1691 US Highway 54, Eldon MO 65026
Calling all Harry Potter fans! This Hogwarts themed event will feature food trucks, a mystic marketplace, fall-themed sweets, and a broom crafting workshop. Call Integrity Yoga for more info and to RSVP at 573-691-7375.
Fall Craft Night
When: Oct. 21 at 6 p.m.
Where: The Garden Party at 4327 State Road V, Linn Creek, MO 65052
Join The Garden Party for their first craft night. Spend the evening decorating pumpkins with pressed flowers! It's $20 per person (cash or Venmo) with all supplies provided. Cider, cookies, and more available for purchase. Visit the event Facebook page to let them know if you're attending.Â
Lake of the Ozarks Witches Night OutÂ
When: Oct. 22 from 5-9 p.m.
Where: Laurie Fairgrounds
The first annual event, hosted by Phat Sal's (West), will feature drinks and snacks, vendors, and music to celebrate the spooky season. Tickets must be bought beforehand for $25, which comes with a complimentary glass of "Witches Brew." There will also be a costume contest, with prizes for categories like Best Hat.Â
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