There’s no better way to welcome fall than with a road trip through the Ozarks, and from Lebanon, this eight hour road trip is well worth the trek to reach one of the region’s most dazzling seasonal celebrations. Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri, hosts its annual Harvest Festival from September 12 through October 26, 2025, and it’s a feast for the senses in every way. The festival combines crisp autumn air, stunning scenery, and the heartwarming traditions of Ozark culture with modern-day excitement and flair.
Food is at the center of the celebration, with irresistible flavors like pumpkin-infused ribs, skillet feasts loaded with fall vegetables, steaming apple dumplings, and mugs of hot cider that warm the hands and heart. Guests can pick up a “Tasting Passport” to sample their way through the park and discover new seasonal favorites.
But the Harvest Festival isn’t just about food—it’s about artistry, family, and pure autumn magic. Visitors will find themselves surrounded by master craftsmen at work, illuminated pumpkin trails, glowing jack-o’-lantern displays, and live music echoing across the hills. Add in the thrill of night rides under glowing skies, and it’s easy to see why this festival has become a must-do tradition for families near and far.
Craftsmanship in the Ozarks
Dozens of visiting artisans showcase heritage crafts, from woodcarving and glassblowing to textiles and jewelry. Guests can watch master craftsmen at work, browse the Makers’ Market, and take home one-of-a-kind pieces. This living history experience honors the park’s roots while supporting artisans who carry on generations of tradition.
Flavors of Fall
Food lovers can savor the season with a “Tasting Passport,” sampling pumpkin-infused ribs, skillet feasts, apple dumplings, and warm spiced ciders. Cowboy cook-offs and chuckwagon demonstrations bring authentic flavors of the American West, adding rustic charm and hearty tastes to the festival’s culinary offerings.
Pumpkins in the City
As night falls, Silver Dollar City glows with thousands of hand-carved pumpkins and whimsical light displays. Towering sculptures and oversized gourds, including the famed “Garden of Giants,” create breathtaking photo opportunities. Families stroll illuminated trails and gather in Pumpkin Plaza for music, character meet-and-greets, and glowing autumn magic.
Music & Night Rides
Bluegrass, folk, and country performances echo across the park’s stages, blending Ozark roots with high-energy fun. After sunset, thrill rides like Outlaw Run and WildFire take on new excitement beneath glowing skies. It’s a celebration that keeps spirits high long after the sun sets.
When: September 12 – October 26, 2025
Where: Silver Dollar City, Branson, MO
What to Expect: Heritage crafts, cowboy culture, glowing pumpkins, family-friendly entertainment, fall foods, artisans, and live music.