Hosted by the iconic Independence soda company Polly’s Pop, PopFest is a celebration of all things pop: soda pop, popcorn, pop music, pop quizzes … you get the idea. Come for the sweet treats, stay for the surprises that are sure to pop up.
Events
There’s a song inside each of us. And on Make Music Day, cities around the world will host collaborative music-making events—the perfect opportunity to let your heart, voice, and any instrument you might play sing. Here’s what’s happening in Missouri.
Now in its third year, Millers Rustic Sawmill’s annual Sawdust Fest has become a must-see event. Attendees can take in various demonstrations and shop with regional artisans. And trust us, you do not want to miss the belt sander race.
Say oui to a weekend in Historic Downtown Ste. Genevieve, where the 27th French Heritage Festival will whisk visitors away to another time by recreating French Colonial-style celebrations and showcasing skills and arts representative of the period.
Put on your finest suit of armor and head to Hartsville for the White Hart Renaissance Faire. This family-friendly festival series brings the Elizabethan Age to the Ozarks. Have a turkey leg, see the queen, and take part in some historic hijinks.
The For the People Pow Wow is an intertribal celebration of Indigenous culture in Missouri. This two-day event has been described as a cross between a family reunion and a music festival with dancing, singing, and colorful regalia.
They’re noisy. They’re everywhere. They’re … surprisingly delicious? For entomologists at the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, this spring’s cicada emergence is the perfect opportunity to try out some new recipes. Cicada scampi, anyone?
Grab a wurst and a beer and get ready for Hermann’s Maifest. One of Missouri’s oldest German festivals, this three-day event gives a nod to the area’s German heritage while also celebrating the start of the summer months.
The Arcadia Valley Mountain Music Festival in Ironton has become a beloved annual tradition for fans of bluegrass, gospel, and country music. In addition to performances by professional groups, the festival offers ample opportunities for jam sessions.
For more than 60 years, the small town of Nixa has been hosting a big sucker fish fry. Over the decades, the event has grown to become a three-day festival that includes a parade, carnival, live music, vendors, food trucks, and more.
The Spring Planting Festival is the perfect opportunity to take in Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.’s picturesque Mansfield farm while learning about plants, enjoying a great meal, and listening to the sweet sounds of traditional folk music.
The Beer Walk for the Arts is an afternoon of historic homes, art demonstrations, live music, samples from local restaurants, and—of course—craft beer. There’s plenty of fun to be had, and money raised benefits St. Joseph’s arts scene.
Those who just can’t get enough chips and dip won’t want to miss the 417 Salsa Fest in Springfield. A celebration of all things salsa, the event features a salsa taste-off, a hot-pepper-eating contest, live music, Latin dancing, and more.
Think you’ve got what it takes to track down one of North America’s most famous cryptids? The third annual Weston Bigfoot Search is your chance to bring home the glory—and perhaps a special trophy. Pro tip: Start practicing your Bigfoot call now.
They say the house always wins, but community takes the jackpot at Vintage Vegas Casino Night. Sponsored by Vision Carthage, the event features food, drink, and plenty of casino-style fun. Proceeds benefit local charitable initiatives.
Back for Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis, cabaret duo Amy Jo Jackson and Brian Nash will explore the depths of the diva archetype with a brand-new show. Judy Garland, Fanny Brice, and Annie Lennox are just a few of the figures represented.
It’s tulip time in Missouri. These harbingers of spring are in full bloom, and there are a number of opportunities around the state to take in their beauty—and maybe pick a bouquet or two. But don’t wait. They won’t be here much longer.
Wurstmeister Mike Sloan, who owns Hermann Wurst Haus and Fulton Wurst Haus, just won a slew of awards for his artisanal, hand-crafted meats. Want to see for yourself how the sausage gets made? Sloan shares his secrets in a series of classes.
A beloved tradition for this world-ranked fashion program, the Stephens College student designer fashion show is a chance for young creatives to showcase their best work—and for audience members to get a sneak peek at what’s new and what’s next.
Hosted by the Friends of the Governor’s Mansion, this elegant royal tea raises funds for the upkeep of the historic home’s interior. Come for the petit fours, leave knowing you’ll have played a role in preserving Missouri’s history.
Now is the time to indulge in Missouri’s favorite mushroom—the morel. In Reeds Spring, this festival brings together first-time and experienced foragers alike for a mushroom hunt in an Ozark canyon bottom, followed by a night of live music.
With thousands of visitors converging for the total solar eclipse—and temporarily boosting the population by 120% to 2000%—this little river town is ready for the big show. A weekend of events highlights the area’s culture, history, and natural beauty.
Experience the magic of an Animals Aglow adventure at the Saint Louis Zoo! Over 60 dazzling Chinese lanterns illuminate pathways and showcase wildlife and Chinese culture. Interactive displays, cultural opportunities, and Asian delicacies await!
Here’s a free all-day birding camp for the entire family. Play “Guess Who” to identify our feathered friends. Pack a picnic or visit the restaurant on site. It’s a great time to see birds because of the still leafless trees and migrating birds.
The artists of St. Louis’s Third Degree Glass Factory are joining creative forces with other artists in the area to create something completely unique. The new exhibit, Elements:A Collaborative Exhibition, combines glass art with other media.
Put on your blue suede shoes and head to Branson next weekend for the 17th Annual Branson Elvis Festival. Enjoy great music and amazing competition as 19 talented Elvis tribute artists compete for prizes and a spot in the national contest.
Sweet Tooth Alert: This festival in a charming, historic river town will treat you to 20 vendors sharing chocolates. Free give-aways, prize drawings, and music round out this paradise for chocolate lovers. Get your passport to chocoholic bliss.
This Tony Award-winning musical has an uplifting message, bright and colorful characters, cool music by some famous artists, and is a family-friendly production that can be enjoyed by young children and Grandma and Grandpa, too. You’ll leave with a smile!
Let the power of music lead you through the universe. A creatively themed concert, The Elements, starts with a big bang, takes you across a river, and even promises to control the elements in space on a journey to the international space station.
